Staff Counselling
These pages contain a range of information for staff seeking counselling for themselves or someone else.
As an employee of the University of Sheffield you are welcome to access the service provided by Staff Counselling. These pages are designed to give you some information about the service and the process of counselling. Sharing anxieties with a skilled helper who is detached from your situation can be the first step towards taking positive action for yourself. It may be useful for you to learn some fresh skills in anxiety and stress management, relaxation or assertiveness. Counselling can help you develop the range of skills you have at your disposal in order to lead a healthy and happy life.
What is involved in counselling?
Counselling is a process through which you are encouraged to explore concerns and difficulties and to deepen your understanding of yourself and others and to facilitate change if you so wish. Counsellors are trained to listen in a non-judgemental way so that feelings needs and experiences can be shared. We seek to create a therapeutic relationship wherein the client is respected and valued recognising that every individual has the right to self-determination. Sometimes it will involve a discussion of your past experiences. Counselling is not about giving advice, although useful information about other services can be given.
How confidential is the service?
Confidentiality is of paramount importance and this will be discussed with you before counselling starts. Your counsellor adheres to a code of practice and ethics that lays down the very rare circumstances when information may have to be shared with others i.e. when someone's life is at risk.
During the counselling should you disclose that you have a disability, only with your written consent will the counsellor inform HR and/or your manager, so that support mechanisms may be considered, should you find this helpful.
How long will counselling last?This is a very individual consideration. Your first session with your counsellor will involve a discussion about whether counselling is right for you at this time in your life. If so agreement will be reached on the issues you would like to work on. |
Why do people go?The concerns that people bring to counselling are widely varied, but they include work-relate difficulties, childhood abuse, eating difficulties, problems of addiction, feelings of depression, anxiety or anger, bereavement, traumatic incidents, relationship difficulties and so on. You do not need to be in crisis to come to counselling, although this can be a good time to focus on your problems. Counselling can be preventative if you are able to recognise when you are beginning to feel troubled. Whatever issue you bring you are entitled to be treated with respect and consideration. |
I don't know whether counselling is what I need right now?If you are unsure about this question you are welcome to have a brief discussion on the phone with the staff counsellor. This could be followed by an initial more exploratory appointment if more thought is needed. |
Using Staff Counselling |
About the Service |
Information and Resources |