The Counselling Service was established in November 2003 to give both students and staff the opportunity of speaking with someone in a confidential and safe space. Counselling has since been accessed by a number of students across Key Stage 3 and 4.
The therapeutic rooms were designed to create a welcoming atmosphere where individuals are able to work though their emotional difficulties and experiences creatively using everyday art materials. This gives them the choice of communicating their feelings and thoughts verbally or non-verbally, so they can begin to process and make sense of themselves and the way they engage with other people. This type of therapeutic engagement also enhances the Counselor’s understanding of their world, whilst complimenting the therapeutic work they do together. As the relationship is built around trust and mutual respect both parties have a joint responsibility to determine the pace and duration of that partnership.
Students can refer themselves for counseling as well as being referred by their Tutors or parents/guardian. Once an assessment takes place to ascertain the level of support the individual needs, the student is given a weekly time and day to attend their session. Additionally, students have the opportunity of dropping in to see the School Counselor before their set appointment, should they feel life is becoming unmanageable for them at home or at school.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is essential to the counseling process, but there are a few exceptional circumstances where this cannot be promised. The Counselor has an ethical duty to keep all students safe from harm and to protect those who may be at risk to themselves or others. When matters concerning danger to the student is disclosed, the information will be treated extremely sensitively and will be passed onto our Child Protection Officer at the Bridge Academy.
For further information on counseling services you can visit www.bacp.co.uk or contact the school for more information.
