Students can sometimes be affected by difficulties when attending College. These could be academic, they could be home-based, or they could relate to how they view themselves. Family and friends often provide the support needed but sometimes something else is required.

MidKent College has a professional and confidential counselling service which can offer either one-to-one counselling or group sessions.

You can contact our counselling team direct on 01634 383239 in order to book an appointment.

What is counselling?

Counselling differs from other forms of personal support in that a counsellor does not provide advice to, or offer solutions for, those who visit them. Instead they will talk through your concerns in an understanding and supportive atmosphere.

Why do people come for counselling?

Counsellors can help with a wide range of difficulties. Some of the common issues students bring to counselling are:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression 
  • Problems in relationships 
  • Family problems 
  • Troubling past experiences 
  • Bereavement and losses 
  • Life changes such as pregnancy and illness 
  • Sexual and cultural identity 
  • Suicidal feelings 
  • Self-esteem and confidence 
  • Eating disorders 
  • Stress 
  • Academic difficulties 

In fact, you can talk to our College counsellors about any issue that is having a negative impact on your life.

Confidentiality

The College’s counselling service is a confidential service. Staff will not reveal personal information about their clients to anyone outside of the service (including academic staff), subject to the following exceptions:

  • Where the member of staff has the express consent to disclose the information or data. 
  • Where the member of staff would be liable to civil or criminal court proceedings if the information was not disclosed. In such circumstances consent to disclose the information will be obtained if possible.
  • If the member of staff has been given information to indicate the client is at risk – either from their own actions or from the actions of another – or if the client is causing harm to another individual. 

How else can the counselling team help?

As well as working individually with students, our counselling service can offer workshops on a range of topics including exam anxiety, assertiveness and anger management. They will also organise and facilitate support groups for students – for example for students who have previously been the victims of bullying.

If you are interested in participating in a group or would like the Service to set up a group of special interest (e.g. for bereavement or relationship support), please contact Student Services at your site.