Manchester City Centre, South Manchester and Stockport

t: 07800 930 016

e: info@pearcytherapy.co.uk

 

I am currently accepting bookings for consultations and sessions conducted online via Zoom and by telephone. Please contact me for details.

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Student Counselling

Student Mental Health

Mental health is as important as physical health, it affects your relationships and wellbeing, determines how you learn, impacts on your memory, concentration and your productivity.

There has been an increase in the number of students disclosing a mental health condition to their University over the last 10years and there is often a waiting list for counselling services within a University setting. I am available to meet with Students who want to access short-term or longer term counselling.

The transition from school, college & sixth form to Higher Education can be very challenging for students who are suffering from psychological and emotional distress and the effects of mental illness. In addition symptoms can become more pronounced once you're away from home and adjusting to your new environment. In my experience students benefit from talking things through at the earliest opportunity which can prevent problems from escalating and impacting on academic study.

My experience of working with students over the years has provided me with invaluable insight into the complex mental health needs and learning histories of "non-traditional" students in Higher Education.

My intention is to offer a counselling service specifically to address the needs of the student population. I offer a comfortable space for students to explore their emerging Identities, develop healthier ways of coping with life issues,  develop new skills to help manage anxiety/stress and increase coping strategies. The aim being to increase resilience so students are better able to problem solve and handle situations that arise more effectively.

I offer both short-term and longer term counselling which supports the students learning experience. My aim is to ensure that students leave counselling feeling that they are more equipped to manage the challenges of Univerisity life and ultimately feel more able to achieve their academic goals. Learning about how to look after and maintain your own Mental Health and wellbeing is central to the counselling process.

My interest in issues of inclusivity and equality of opportunity for all students in Higher Education, includes working with:

  • Students receiving Disable students allowance (DSA)
  • Students with Specific Learning differences spLD
  • Students on the Autistic Spectrum
  • Non-disabled students
  • Students with Physical Disabilities
  • Students in Crisis
  • Ph.D. Students
  • Mature students
  • International Students
  • LGBTQI students
How student counselling works

How student counselling works

Find out more about....

How Counselling works

I am an experienced Integrative Psychotherapist/ Counsellor, UKCP Registered. Over the years I have supported a range of students who suffer with issues such as affective disorders (sadness, depression), anxiety disorders ( social phobia, OCD). My work with students includes a focus on reducing anxiety, building self esteem and resilience. Negative self beliefs usually develop early on in life which underlies many emotional and relationship problems. Gaining an understanding of some of the ways you have learned how to cope/survive can be helpful in expanding the choices that are available to you now.

Beliefs that we hold about ourselves can often develop into other problems such as, harsh self criticism, difficulties becoming assertive, social isolation, shame, self harm, emotional overeating, body image concerns. Improving self esteem has an impact on one's relationships, confidence and reduces problematic symptoms of anxiety and low mood. I have extensive experience working with students who:

  • experience excessive worry in response to a whole range of situations or event
  • students who experience intense episodes of panic often combined with distressing physical sensations such as breathlessness
  • students who experience social anxiety in response to social situations such as meeting new people or speaking in public.

Holding back and avoiding situations we fear, often only serves to reinforce your negative view of yourself. Counselling will offer you a space to develop a better understanding of what you do and how this affects your thought, feelings and behaviours. Our work together may involve exploring issues of self worth, self image, and I might facilitate you in discovering what your strengths are so you can develop confidence in your own ability to achieve and make the necessary changes that you want. The brief interventions I integrate includes self-help, solutions focussed, brief therapy and CBT to meet the varied needs of students.

I have a relational approach which is supportive, non-judgmental and confidential in which to explore any emotional, psychological or study problem. I have experience of supporting students where neurological differences are present such as: Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, and students on the Autistic spectrum.

Some of the study issues that might be apparent could be related to how you cope with the challenges your mental health, disability presents. Counselling can offer you a space to develop a better understanding of how you manage the demands of University alongside these challenges. Together we might explore issues of self care, creating balance and introducing healthier habits to support your health and wellbeing.

Students in Crisis

Students in Crisis

Students in Crisis

Mental Health issues can emerge at any point during your time at University and seeking counselling early on can be incredibly supportive. This is particularly important if you have had a traumatic experience which can have a profound effect on relationships, how you perceive yourself and experience other people.

In moments of crisis we are often overwhelmed by our emotions and we lose our ability to think. Counselling offers you a space to have thoughtful conversation and to reflect on what has happened so you can see things with clarity, thereby encouraging your capacity to think and therefore learn. Learning how to regulate your emotions and behaviour in more constructive and resourceful ways will help you to manage how you respond to difficult situations in the future. If you are in crisis or have significant wellbeing issues counselling can help.

Challenging situations

Students might experience difficult circumstances such as bereavement or the end of a relationship during there time at Universities or experience the following:

  • Victims of crime
  • Bullying
  • Relationship
  • Interpersonal difficulties
  • Isolation/lack of social support
  • Suicidal thoughts/or previous attempts
  • Abuse/domestic violence issues
  • LGBTQ students

If any of the issues above are impacting on your studies or if any of the study issues below resonate with you then short-term counselling (6-12 sessions), might be all you need to focus specifically on the areas you want to change or improve.

Study Issues

Study Issues

Study Issues

  • Organisation & Prioritizing
  • Goal Recognition
  • Decision making
  • Difficulties with timekeeping/deadlines
  • Transition issues
  • Managing Expectations
  • Perfectionism/ striving to meet impossibly high standards
  • Procrastination & Productivity
  • Problems with Motivation
  • Low self esteem & Confidence
  • Sleeplessness
  • Difficulties meeting deadlines
  • Academic work takes longer
  • Anxiety interacting with others
  • Extremes anxiety about exams

 

 

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