Student Counselling Service
Like everyone else students can and do run into problems which they cannot resolve for themselves. Settling/resettling into Institute, doubts about course choices, personal relationships, not being sure of what is expected of you, family worries, shyness, academic pressures etc. may worry you. It is important to tackle problems before they become so big that they will interrupt your Institute career. It is important to seek help in time. To help you the Institute provides a confidential Student Counselling Service.
Who is the Student Counsellor?
Aisling O Brien is the Student Counsellor and she can be contacted at Ext 2635.
What is the Student Counselling Service?
It is a professional, confidential and free service. The Service offers individual counselling and workshops. Individual counselling provides a safe and supportive environment where you can come and talk about any issue that is bothering you. As well as working individually with students the counselling service provides a variety of workshops on such areas as study skills, exam techniques, stress management and assertiveness.
Where is the service located?
The Student Counselling Office has moved to the Ground Floor of the Institute. Walk past the main stairs, past the part-time office on the ground floor (glass front). Past the stairs, and turn left into the corridor before the AV Office. Enter the first door on the left hand side, the Student Counselling office can be found in here.
How do I make an appointment?
By phone - from outside the college phone 4042635; from inside [Ext 2635].
In person - Drop into the Counsellor’s office.
By email – contact counselling@ittdublin.ie
Other sources of help in the Institute include:
Vincent Lennon, Student Services Officer, - ext.2114
Chaplain - ext. 2615
Orlagh Fleming, College Nurse - ext. 2613
Marie Kielty, Careers Officer - ext. 2561
Maggie Ryan, Access Officer - ext. 2173
Dave Broderick, SU Welfare Officer - ext. 2562
How long will counselling last?
Counselling sessions last about 50 minutes and are usually on a weekly basis. The number of meetings that you have with the counsellor is negotiated when you meet.
Do I have to pay the counsellor?
No. The Counselling Service is free of charge to students of the Institute.
Is counselling confidential?
What you talk about with the counsellor is confidential. Your family, friends or Institute staff will not be informed of what you discuss. There are some limits to confidentiality however, e.g. if it was thought that harm was going to come to you or to someone else, the counsellor would need to disclose this information. The issue of confidentiality will be talked about when you first meet the counsellor and you will have an opportunity to clarify anything that you are unsure about.
Please do not leave matters until they become overwhelming before you seek assistance.
Why go to counselling?
Most people who feel that they have a problem speak to a close friend or relative. However, it is often very useful to speak to someone who is not personally involved. You may be able to say things to a counsellor you do not wish others to know. Counselling gives you the time and space to explore issues that are important to you.
Is it a sign of weakness if I go to see the counsellor?
On the contrary, it takes courage to seek out help when we are experiencing difficulties. Asking for counselling often means that you have taken the first step on the road to tackling the difficulty.
What might the counsellor say?
The counsellor cannot provide you with magical solutions. Rather the counsellor will work with you towards understanding your situation and will facilitate you in finding your own solutions.
Do I need to have a serious difficulty before going to see the counsellor?
NO! You certainly don’t need to have enormous problems before you come and talk with the counsellor. There may be something quite ordinary on your mind, academic or otherwise, which you would like to talk over privately.
I would feel very embarrassed if I went to see the counsellor.
It can be readily appreciated that it may not be easy to contact the counsellor. You may indeed feel embarrassed or shy about making contact and beginning to talk about what may be bothering you. It takes courage to seek out help, and contacting the counsellor may mean that you have taken the first step on the road to tackling your difficulty.
What else does the Student Counselling Service provide?
As well as working individually with students the counsellor offers workshops on study skills to all first year classes. Workshops on exam techniques/ exam anxiety are offered at various times throughout the year and are open to all students. Talks on mental health will also take place during the year. Keep an eye on the posters, on the electronic noticeboard and on the web for further details.
What kinds of difficulities can be helped by counselling?
Adjusting to College/thinking of withdrawing from College
Study Skills
Eating disorders
Self-confidence
Anxiety/panic attacks
Depression
Family/relationship difficulties
Alcohol/drug use
Abuse
A range of leaflets on these subjects are available below and on the information stand in the Student Counselling office. Please feel free to come and browse and take any leaflet that may be of use to you.
Alcohol & Drugs 2 | Anxiety | Assertiveness | When someone you know has died | Breathing Exercises | Depression | Exam Preparation | Procrastination | Achieving Healthy Relationships | Stress Management | Study Skills | Visualization Exercises
