Prospectus

Counselling is a process where a person is enabled to explore and seek solutions to or understanding of events that have caused them anxiety or difficulty. A trusting relationship between client and counsellor develops through non-judgmental discussion. Problems are explored and feelings valued and recognised. It is widely recognised that by being listened to and understood a person can find the strengths to move through difficult areas of their life. Our students face many changes, assessments and losses in their adolescent years; some may need a little help and counselling is one aspect of this. Counselling can also be sought through the G.P or private means.

About the service Counselling has been a tradition at Dorothy Stringer and is part of the pastoral care. The counselling at Dorothy Stringer School has developed over the last decade. It has taken on a form that responds to the needs of a large community and both individual and group work take place. Over 50 students receive individual counselling annually. Over 100 students take part in group work. All staff and trainees have had the opportunity to attend listening skills and circle time training over the last 5 years. 24 Year 10 pupils train as mentors to the Year 7's annually. Working closely with PSHE this scheme has been evaluated and is a success. (Appendix) The counsellors are all trained professionals with Post Graduate Diplomas. Two of the counsellors are also experienced teachers. All counsellors receive regular supervision. An annual audit of the previous academic year is presented to the Head Teacher in the Autumn term. Students have access to the service through self referral or recommendation by staff or parents The service is confidential unless a student is deemed to be at risk.

Avril Kirk
Counselling Co-ordinator 2005