Your mental health and wellbeing
We want you to feel like you can 'just ask' whenever you’re facing questions or challenges at university. This is especially true where your mental health and wellbeing are concerned, so if the pressures of studying lead you to feel anxious or in need of a helping hand at any point, we’d encourage you to simply reach out for the support we can offer.
COVID-19 impact on services
The Mental Health, Wellbeing and Counselling service is open and continuing to operate a service throughout the COVID-19 restrictions. Appointments are currently being delivered online in line
Dedicated support
Student Support Services operates a Mental Health, Wellbeing and Counselling service. Our qualified counsellors, wellbeing and mental health professionals are here for you throughout your time at Stirling. Whatever you’re going through, we’re here to help.
24/7 online support
In addition to the wide range of wellbeing services available at the University, we have also partnered with togetherall to provide Stirling students with access to 24/7 online support. togetherall is a digital mental health support service which is completely anonymous – so you can express yourself freely and openly.
Mental health
If you are concerned about your mental health and would like to know about the kind of support
Alternatively, if you are a current student and have a diagnosed mental health condition you can
One at a Time therapy
A counselling session to support you to develop strategies or ideas to help you with your greatest concerns.
Online appointments
In response to the COVID-19 guidance, we are providing OAAT counselling sessions on-line via MS Teams (audio or video) until further notice.
Please read this information, along with our standard Counsellor Student Contract Information Sheet. This will allow you to make an informed decision about engaging in counselling during the COVID-19 response.
Some advantages
- On-line counselling is flexible, effective and accessible
- You can remain in a safe, familiar and comfortable space – this can encourage relaxation and openness
- On-line counselling allows access to support without having to travel, this can reduce stress – it will continue to be at an agreed time
- Support will continue to be compassionate, professional and respectful
How to get the most out of remote counselling sessions
- Implement a normal routine before therapy such as washing and dressing appropriately – this can help with motivation and focus
- Leave some time before the session to give yourself a moment to get set-up and prepared - this can help you feel ready for the session
- Be aware of the potential to share more online – this can lead to heightened emotional responses during and after the session
- If possible, avoid having another meeting straight after your session- give yourself time to wind down
- Technical problems can arise - check your digital device is fully charged, with a stable internet connection
- Think about where you will be at the time of the appointment - you will need somewhere quiet, where you feel safe and won't be interrupted
- Sit in a comfortable chair and where the counsellor can see you clearly
- Pour yourself a glass of water or a cup of tea/coffee before the session, but avoid consuming recreational drugs or alcohol before or during the session .
How would online counselling work?
- Appointments are delivered using Microsoft Teams - MS Teams is part of Office 365 and is available to all students, click here for more information.
- You will be sent a confirmation email for your appointment -it will contain a link to the MS Teams appointment.
- When you are ready to join the appointment at the arranged time, click on the link and you will be taken through to the MS teams appointment.
- You can agree with your counsellor if you prefer the remote session to be video or just audio.
If, due to personal circumstances, you are unable to engage with on-line support please contact our Student Services Hub.
Limits of support available to students based overseas
Counselling cannot be provided to students based overseas for legal and regulatory reasons. We can provide a support session (not counselling) to help you to identify local support in the country
What is One at a Time Counselling?
Counselling is a talking therapy which gives you the opportunity to explore issues which are causing you concern or
At the University of Stirling, we offer One at a Time Counselling, which means we focus on the most significant issue for
If you feel after this process you need further support, you can make another appointment. Before any subsequent
About 70% of students find a single appointment helps them to move in the right direction.
For what issues can One at a Time Therapy be helpful?
One at a Time Therapy can be used for a wide range of issues, from anxiety to improving relationships, grief and loss, mental health issues, life changes and managing stress. In a One at a Time session, we can offer a contained and immediate response to your most pressing concern. While the session will focus on your greatest concern, this therapy can still be suitable for students with multiple or complex issues. So you may have a lot going on in your life, but still find a One at a Time session helpful.
What can I expect to happen during my One at a Time session?
When you register for the service, you will be sent a pre-session questionnaire to fill in. This will help you and your Counsellor to find out more about your main concerns and goals for your session. Please complete this before your session; if this is not complete before the session you will need to spend time during the session completing this.
If you feel the session was enough to meet your needs then you will not have another session booked, with the understanding that you are welcome to re-contact us at any point in the future.
Making an appointment
If you're a current University of Stirling student and would like to access our service, please complete our Counselling Service registration form. We'll ensure you receive the most appropriate support for your needs. We will treat you with dignity and respect, uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and offer you non-judgemental support to help you better understand your feelings and emotions.
Limits of support available to students based overseas
Counselling cannot be provided to students based overseas for legal and regulatory reasons. We can provide a support session (not counselling) to help you to identify local support in the country
Wellbeing
We want you to thrive at Stirling and make the most of the opportunities and support available to