Common questions
Common Questions about Counselling
Can I try one counselling session first, just to see what it's like?
Of course! We understand if students feel unsure about counselling at first. You can try a session to see what it's like.
If you like, you can tell a trusted adult that you want to try counselling. This can be your tutor, Head of Year or a parent. The adult can help reach out to one of our counsellors and arrange a session for you. This can make it easier to try counselling.
How long is a counselling session?
An average session usually lasts 30-50 minutes.
You and your counsellor will decide together how often you go to counselling. Some students meet with a counsellor weekly, while others meet every other week, or once a month.
Does it matter which counsellor I talk to?
All our counsellors are friendly, supportive and kind listeners. They are all trained in counselling and are here to help you. Usually it does not matter much which counsellor you see. Students at SIS say they have positive experiences with all of our counsellors.
When do counselling sessions take place?
Counselling appointments are usually scheduled during break time, lunch or in lesson time.
If counselling takes place during lesson time, you will not be counted as absent. The counsellor will let your subject teacher, Head of Year and tutor know beforehand that you will go to counselling during your lesson.
What is expected of me if I attend counselling?
If students attend counselling during lessons, they are expected to catch up with any missed school work.
Counsellors have responsibilities to students. In the same way, students have responsibilities too. Sticking to these responsibilities will help you get the most out of counselling.
Read more about your responsibilities as a student here.
How is counselling "confidential"?
Counselling is confidential. This means that what students tell a counsellor during appointments stays between the individual student and the counsellor.
Counsellors' Duty of Care
Our counsellors have what is called a Duty of Care towards all students. This means that the counsellors must put students' safety and wellbeing first.
If a counsellor has concerns about a student's safety and wellbeing, then the counsellor may need to share information with parents (one or both of them). This is so that parents can help their child.
The counsellor would normally speak to you first before sharing information with others. The counsellor respects that you may feel uncomfortable and will do their best to collaborate with you.
The counsellor may also need to speak to your Head of Year, so that your Head of Year can offer you support. Sometimes it is also helpful to share information with a tutor and Ms. Purves, the Child Protection Officer and Vice Principal of Guidance & Wellbeing. (Click to read more about people who are your supports at school.)
Will my parents know if I attend counselling?
The counsellors at SIS are not obligated to inform parents or guardians if a student is attending counselling. If there are concerns about a student’s safety or the safety of others, however, the counsellor must contact parents/guardians. If a student is at risk, this would fall under Duty of Care, as mentioned above.
We understand that it is important for students that there are adults at school they can speak to confidentially. Students want privacy, and our counsellors understand this. If a counsellor needs to contact parents/guardians, they will do their best to involve the student in the process, and inform them ahead of time.
Sometimes it is helpful that you and the counsellor agree to share some information with your parents or your tutor/Head of House. This is because sharing information with them can get you the proper support you miay need.
Will teachers know that I attend counselling?
If you attend counselling in lesson time, the counsellor will help ensure that you are not counted as absent from class. Therefore, a brief email will automatically be sent to your subject teacher, Tutor and Head of Year. The email does not say why you are coming to counselling. The email simply states that the time for the counselling session.
A counsellor may ask if you want to speak to your Tutor and Head of Year about your worries. This is because your Tutor and Head of Year are a part of your core support network at SIS.
If a counsellor is concerned about a student’s safety, it may be necessary to inform the student's Head of Year and Tutor. It is part of a Tutor and Head of Year's job to check whether a student is getting the support they need at school. Therefore, it may be helpful to keep these teachers informed.
The counsellor may also speak with Ms. Lucie Purves, the Child Protection Officer and Vice Principal of Guidance & Wellbeing. This is so as to protect and help the student.
Will other students know if I attend counselling?
If you attend counselling, the counsellor will never share this information with another student. Counsellors at SIS do everything they can to protect your privacy, and the privacy of all students at SIS.
Since you are in a school, there are situations where other students may know that you are attending counselling (for example, if you leave a lesson to attend counselling, or if someone happens to see you enter a counselling room).
If you are worried about these situations, we encourage you to speak to the counsellor about it, or to your Tutor or Head of Year. That way, you can figure out how to feel less worried.
Remember that students across all year groups use the counselling services at SIS. There is no shame in talking to a counsellor. Rather, it is a sign of your ability to face your challenges head on. You are welcome to discuss any concerns about confidentiality with your Tutor, Head of Year, or one of our counselling team members.