We are not a crisis or emergency service. If you need immediate help, please seek emergency assistance.
How counselling can help
Counselling provides a safe, confidential space to explore any problems you may be experiencing.
These include anxiety, stress, loneliness, homesickness, relationship difficulties, loss of confidence, family crisis, sexuality and sexual orientation, abuse, depression, academic problems, identity issues, addictions, self-harming and eating disorders.
Working with a counsellor may help you to see your problem with greater clarity, get some insight into its origins, and think about how to move forward.
Our counselling service
We offer short-term counselling with a solution-focused approach.
In your initial appointment, your counsellor will seek a clear understanding of your problem and discuss with you how you might move forward. Very often, students feel this is enough to get back on track.
If you need more help, follow-up sessions may be recommended. We aim to keep these as brief and focused as possible.
We do not provide extenuating circumstances letters unless you have had recent previous contact with the counselling service.
How do I get an appointment?
We encourage students to self-refer :
For mental health, counselling or psychological wellbeing support, please via the Digital Student Centre.
If you do not have access to the Digital Student Centre, you can contact us by calling 020 8331 7875 or emailing wellbeing@gre.ac.uk
By registering and attending Student Wellbeing appointments we presume you have read and agreed to the Student Wellbeing GDPR Confidentiality Agreement.
If there are any queries, please contact wellbeing@gre.ac.uk.
Other Support
Student Wellbeing Drop-In (online via MS Teams)
Students can now access drop in sessions with the Psychological Wellbeing Team.
You will be offered a 15-minute appointment to discuss any wellbeing concern with a professionally qualified Student Wellbeing Co-ordinator. They can then offer advise or signpost you to other helpful resources or services, both internal or external to the university. Our aim is to support you in your Çï¿ûÊÓƵ experience.
We offer a confidential service, meeting with one person at a time. The Drop-in session is held online via MS Teams. The appointments will work on a first come, first served basis.
Drop-ins will be offered on the following days and times (subject to change):
Monday 2pm-4pm
Wednesday 12-2pm
Friday 11am-1-pm
What to expect from your session
What can you expect from your counsellor?
- They will listen to your concerns and help you to develop a better understanding of them so that you deal with the issues more easily and effectively.
- They will take you seriously and be willing to openly discuss anything you wish to discuss.
- They will work with you but won't do for you what you can do yourself.
What's expected of you?
- You will be doing most of the talking.
- Talk about what is bothering you as openly and honestly as you can.
- Be open for change. Most counselling requires you to try something new or a different approach.
- Sometimes you may experience painful feelings before you start feeling better.
- Let your counsellor know at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend a session.
You may be contacted a few weeks after your session to find out how you are getting on, and to provide some feedback on your experience.
What happens next?
Once you have had an assessment, one of the following will happen:
- You decide that the assessment session was sufficient. You have four weeks to request a follow-up appointment if you need it.
- You will be recommended a further face-to-face counselling appointment.
- If other services are more appropriate for your needs, you will be given information on how to access them.
Confidentiality
The counselling service is free and confidential. Our counsellors abide by their professional bodies’ ethical framework for good practice in counselling and psychotherapy. We abide by GDPR and the Data Protection Act.
Emergency and out-of-hours support
If you need to speak to someone urgently.
Out of hours - call either your GP or NHS Direct:
- GP | Find your GP
- Avery Hill Medical Centre | 020 8331 9680 | More information
- NHS Direct | 111 | NHS Direct website
Sexual harassment, sexual violence and sexual assault
We are committed to working towards preventing sexual violence from occurring within our community and take a zero-tolerance approach.
Grief and bereavement
Bereavement and grief are something that we are all likely to experience in our lives. When we experience grief, bereavement or loss, it can make us feel many different things and we all experience this differently.
Hate crime
We are committed to inclusivity and we take a firm approach to dealing with actions that have a negative impact on the safety and wellbeing of our community.
Sex, relationships, alcohol, drugs, and addiction
We provide support for health issues that may arise during your time as a student. Find out about our services for sexual health, alcohol and drug consumption, and addiction.
Domestic violence and abuse
Anyone can experience domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality, or background. Find out what support is available.
Further sources of support
Alongside our counselling service, there are a range of volunteer services, self-help guides, and support services you can turn to if you need additional help.
How to find us
Tel: 020 8331 7875 for enquiries. | Opening hours: By appointment only.