Counselling at NTC
What is school based counselling?
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) define school based counselling as: ‘a professional activity delivered by qualified practitioners in schools. Counsellors offer troubled and/or distressed children and young people an opportunity to talk about their difficulties, within a relationship of agreed confidentiality.
Counselling at NTC
School-based counselling is a confidential, supportive service offered within the school environment, designed to help students manage personal, emotional, social, or academic challenges. It is usually provided by a trained school counsellor or mental health professional who works closely with students while also liaising with teachers, parents, and other professionals when necessary or appropriate.
Emotional Wellbeing: Anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, stress, or general emotional distress.
Relationships and Social Issues: Friendship difficulties, bullying, peer pressure, or family conflicts.
Academic Pressures: Exam stress, time management, motivation issues, or difficulty focusing.
Transitions and Change: Adjusting to a new school, coping with parental separation, grief or loss, or preparing for post-school life.
Identity and Self-Understanding: Exploring personal values, gender identity, sexual orientation, or cultural identity.
Behavioural Issues: Managing impulsive behavioural, improving communication skills, or dealing with conflict.
School-based counselling offers a range of benefits that support students’ overall wellbeing and development. It promotes mental health by helping students understand and manage their emotions, which can reduce distress and improve their ability to cope with challenges. By lowering stress levels and increasing focus, counselling also contributes to improved academic performance, allowing students to engage more effectively in their learning. In addition, it enhances social skills by building confidence in communication, relationships, and problem-solving. Counselling supports personal growth by encouraging greater self-awareness, resilience, and the setting of meaningful goals. Importantly, early access to counselling can prevent small issues from escalating into more serious mental health problems, offering timely support when it’s needed most. School based counselling provides a safe, non-judgmental space where students feel heard and supported, empowering them to thrive both in school and in their personal lives.
How are students referred for in school counselling?
Students can be referred by;
- Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Head of Community
- Self-Referral via Learning Coach
- The DSL will complete the referral form and meet weekly with the School Counsellor to discuss individual cases and the appropriate form of support required and to review progress. Where it is possible, to help a small number of students, group therapy may be offered, or a weekly catch up with a member of the Pastoral Support Team.
*Accessing Counselling Support
This is an in-school service, and referrals can only be made by the school.
If parents feel their child may benefit from counselling outside of school, they are advised to seek a referral through their GP or another medical professional.
Will I be informed if my child is referred to the School Counsellor?
It is always encouraged and recommended that students speak to their parents/carers about any engagement with counselling. If a student wishes to speak to a counsellor without parental consent, an assessment using the Fraser Guidelines will be used to determine whether the student is Gillick Competent and therefore able to access counselling without their parents knowledge. More information on this can be found here. https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/child-protection-system/gillick-competence-fraser-guidelines
Confidentiality
The contents of each counselling session is confidential between the counsellor and the student unless the student’s welfare or safety, or that of another, is considered to be at risk of significant harm. In this instance the necessary information is shared with the Safeguarding Lead who will speak with the student and make a decision on any further action to be taken. The Safeguarding Lead will share this information with the student’s parents unless doing so is considered to be putting the student at risk.
