Welcome to the School Councillor's page

My name is Deanne Gardner and I am the school counsellor. I trained and qualified as a counsellor/psychotherapist several years ago and have worked with a range of people in various organisations. I counsel adults, young people and children and I also work with small groups. I believe that we want to be the best that we can be, but we may not always feel good about ourselves or what is happening in our lives.

What is counselling?

Counselling is a professional relationship that allows the student to meet and talk to someone about problems and difficulties that they might be struggling with and that might be affecting their everyday lives. Counselling offers a safe and confidential space in which students can explore their emotions, thoughts and feelings without feeling judged, belittled or embarrassed. We all have times in our lives when we need someone to talk to who is detached from our situation and will listen to how we are feeling. Having counselling doesn’t always mean that your problems will go away but it gives the opportunity to discuss what might be troubling you and alternative healthy ways that you might deal with them. Counselling can help with issues such as loss and bereavement, friendship and peer issues, bullying, anger and aggression, low self esteem, substance misuse and anxiety.

How does counselling take place?

Much of the time may be spent talking about the issue that is concerning you, but we are not always able to verbalise what we are struggling with. Just as artists and musicians communicate through paintings, sculptures and music, I often use things such as art and games in order to help students share what they are feeling but find it difficult to say. This is often viewed as art and play therapy.

When does counselling take place?

Counselling takes place once a week during the school day and lasts between 30 minutes and an hour. Most of the sessions take place during lesson time but I can see students at any time during the day including tutor time, break, lunch time and sometimes after school. Counselling sessions may be for one week or as long as needed depending on the issue and the individual.

If you have an issue that you are struggling with and would like to speak to me you can do so by speaking to your tutor or your APM and asking them to make a referral. Post 16 students may make self referrals.