We provide talking therapies such as counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Therapy provides a safe and confidential space for you to discuss your problems with an accredited and highly trained professional.

What we can help with

Whether you're feeling anxious or depressed or are struggling with some other aspect of your mental health, we can help.

In talking therapy, you can express and explore your thoughts and feelings, develop a better understanding of yourself and start making changes to improve the quality of your life.

What you talk about will vary depend on what you want help with. It could include:

• your relationships
• past and present life events
• your emotions and thoughts
• your behaviour
• situations you find difficult.

How to access talking therapies

To access the right support for you, you can come and talk to one of the Student Support Advice Team at the 4 West Roper Centre. Or you can complete our online form to identify the best information and support for you.

What else you need to know about talking therapies

Your therapist will listen and try to understand in a non-judgmental way. Sometimes the therapist may gently challenge you, but will always respect your values, choices and lifestyle.

Your therapist will not tell you what to do or prescribe medication. Instead, therapy can help you find your own way forward – whether that’s making effective changes in your life or finding better ways of coping with your problems.

We offer talking therapy appointments in person on campus or at the Virgil Building as well as online using Microsoft Teams and by telephone. We will try to accommodate your preference.

We provide short-term therapy – in most cases, up to six sessions. This is usually enough to help you start moving forward with your life.

You might work with one of our in-house therapists or a therapist from one of our partner organisations. Sometimes, we suggest you work with a trainee clinical psychologist from the University's Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Occasionally, we might ask to make an audio recording of a session. This is an important way therapists seek to improve their work. It's fine to say no to this request. If we do ask to record a session, we'll give you lots more information about this so you can make up your mind.

Courses and workshops

We also offer a range of courses and one-off workshops to help you manage and overcome mental health difficulties and develop your emotional wellbeing.

In a group with other Bath students, you'll be introduced to ideas for changing how you approach your problems and you'll learn new skills for building resilience and wellbeing. We aim to give you tools and support to overcome whatever is holding you back.

Confidentiality and safeguarding

We are committed to the highest standards of professional practice and we respect the importance of confidentiality in all our dealings with you. See how Student Support deals with your confidential information.

We also take seriously our duty of care for you. If at any time there are serious concerns for your wellbeing or safety, there are robust safeguarding measures to support you and keep you safe.

24/7 support

If you need advice, support or just somebody to talk to, professional help is also available 24/7 from our free, confidential support line Be Well-Talk Now. You can speak to a trained adviser by phone, video call or live chat from anywhere in the world.

Emergency support

If you need to talk to somebody urgently about your wellbeing, or that of a friend or other student, call one of the helplines listed in the urgent or emergency wellbeing support guide.

In cases of overdose and serious injury through self-harm, seek immediate medical help by calling 999, even if you or the person you are with do not/does not feel unwell. The effects of an overdose can be delayed by hours (even days) and can be fatal.

External support

There are several charities and organisations that can also provide support:

• The Samaritans who can be contacted on 116 123
  
• SHOUT offer a 24/7 text-based volunteer crisis support line - text 85258
  
• Papyrus Hopeline UK is a volunteer crisis line to support young people at risk of suicide, or who are concerned about someone else’s wellbeing