Counselling

Counselling At Hazeley Academy Together (C.H.A.T)

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) define school-based counselling as: ‘a professional activity delivered by qualified practitioners in schools. Counsellors offer….children and young people an opportunity to talk about their difficulties, within a relationship of agreed confidentiality.’ BACP.

Academy-based counselling can support students’ mental health, development and ability to cope with challenges. It helps students understand and manage emotions, reduce stress and develop effective coping strategies, which can support engagement and learning. Counselling can also strengthen confidence, communication, relationships and problem-solving skills, while promoting self-awareness and resilience. Early support can help prevent concerns from escalating and provide timely intervention. Above all, counselling offers a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where students feel heard, supported and empowered to make meaningful change.

Here at The Hazeley Academy, we want to provide students with a safe, supportive and confidential space to explore emotional, psychological and relational difficulties. Counselling forms part of the Academy's whole-school, graduated approach to mental health, alongside pastoral support, safeguarding, SEND, behaviour, attendance, MHST, CAMHS and other specialist services.

The Offer!

Drop-ins: Mondays to Thursdays 08:35 – 09:00. A 10-minute chat about what is concerning you and a chance to plan for support.

Single session: A 50-minute counselling session for those who may need a one-off chat to help manage concerns. A brief solution-focused approach looks at what is happening, how the issue is impacting you, and explores strategies and tools to help.

Counselling sessions: These are an initial eight sessions to explore your concerns. When booking weekly sessions, we try to avoid your core subjects.

Group session: On the last Wednesday of each month, during Period 4, you and up to five of your peers can book a 50-minute group session for coping with exams.

Seeking help is a strength!

How are students referred to school counselling?

Referrals to school counselling can be made through:

Behaviour Coach
Mentor
Parents & Carers
Safeguarding
SENCo
Student Services
Student Peers
Teacher/Tutors

What support can students receive?

Early Support - Accessible low-level support, to help students talk through emerging concerns before they escalate around their mental health.

Targeted Support - More focused support for students experiencing specific emotional, social or mental health difficulties such as emotional wellbeing, relationship and social issues, academic pressure, transition and change and identity and self-learning.

Signposting and Partnership Support - Connecting students and families with appropriate school-based or external services, including MHST, CAMHS and other agencies, where additional or specialist support is required.

Safeguarding Response - Immediate action where there are concerns about a student's safety, significant risk or safeguarding. This follows the Academy's safeguarding procedures rather than being treated as routine counselling.

Parent & Carer Support - Guidance and consultation to help parents/carers understand and support their young person’s emotional and mental health needs.

Confidentiality

What you share with the counsellor is treated confidentially, with information only shared when necessary to keep you or someone else safe, or where there is a safeguarding concern.