Student Counselling Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, all registered students of TUS Midlands can access the TUS Midlands Student Counselling service for free.

Yes. We are a professional, confidential service and all our Counsellors are accredited and bound by a code of practice & ethics. The student-counsellor relationship is confidential. This means that what you say to your counsellor is not disclosed to anyone outside the Counselling Service. There are exceptions, if your counsellor was concerned that you were at immediate risk of harm to yourself; or if your counsellor was concerned that a third party was at risk of harm we would have to break confidentiality, but you would be aware of this and we outline fully the need in which to do this, for your safety and the safety of others.

If there is the possibility of a child currently being at risk of harm, the Counselling Service must report this to Tusla or the Garda Siochana in accordance with national child protection policy. In these circumstances your counsellor ensure that the situation is fully discussed with you and involve you in the disclosure process. The ethos of our work is student led and we strive to empower our students in every way we possibly can.

As a rule, Counsellors will not divulge any information about you outside of the student Counselling Service without your express permission.

Yes! The Student Counselling Service recognises and values the dignity and diversity of all students using our services. Our staff members and volunteers are committed to providing an inclusive service. We strive to meet the unique needs of each student irrespective of age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, ethnicity, culture, or membership of the traveller community.

No. Counselling information is not shared with any other Department/Unit within the University.

The issues that prompt students to attend counselling are numerous and may include: stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, family difficulties, bereavement, homesickness, loneliness, lack of motivation, assault, abuse, loneliness, bullying, financial concerns, gender, sexual or personal identity issues, panic, unplanned pregnancy, eating disorders, alcohol, drugs and academic concerns. This is not an exhaustive list, if something is causing you pain or difficulty, we are here to help. If the issue is causing you problems in your daily life or impacting on you in any way, come and talk to us. We are here for you.

In the event of an emergency that cannot wait, Students are asked to email counselling.midlands@tus.ie and request an emergency appointment.

There is also our Walk Ins from 2-3pm everyday during the academic year. No appointment is needed. Just check in with our administrator and then go to our waiting room.

Email counselling.midlands@tus.ie and make an appointment to speak with one of our Counsellors. During the appointment, you will have the opportunity to speak in confidence about any concerns you have regarding your friend.

A counsellor is trained to listen sympathetically to your problems and suggest ways to resolve issues and change your behaviour. By discussing your concerns with you, the counsellor can help you gain a better understanding of your feelings and actions, as well as facilitating you to look at ways to find your own solutions to your problems.

It can be a great relief to share your worries and fears with someone who acknowledges your feelings and can help you reach a positive solution. Counselling will help you to discover new ways of coping, making changes and developing new skills and finding what works for you. The main aim of a counsellor is to help you work through various issues so that you can learn to new ways of dealing with situations as they may arise.

All of our Counsellors have been trained in supporting members of the LGBTQIA* community. Our team strive to meet the unique needs of each student and values the dignity and diversity of all students using our services.

We are located on the 1st floor of the Count John McCormack building, above the Student Union. The Student Health Centre and the Student Counselling Service are in the same location.

You can make an appointment by clicking here register for counselling.

Please use your TUS email address when contacting the Student Counselling Service. A link will be emailed to you to complete registration forms, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire that will help us identify your needs and how best we can support you at this time. Once you have registered and returned these forms, you will be offered a Brief Assessment with one of our Counsellors.

TUS Midlands Student Counselling service provides face to face, video and telephone sessions.

If you experience any difficulty with creating an account or filling out any of our forms and require help with these, please let us know and we will assist you.

Wherever possible please allow us sufficient notice prior to your scheduled appointment that you cannot attend/wish to reschedule, as we may be able to offer the appointment to another student who is waiting to see a Counsellor. Please email counselling.midlands@tus.ie to advise us that you are unable to keep your appointment. It is very much appreciated.

When you arrive for your initial counselling session, please go to the waiting room. Your Counsellor will come out for you at the designated appointment time.

Each counselling session lasts for approximately 45 minutes.

If you have never used the service before, your first appointment will be a Brief Assessment so we can get a picture of where you need some support. These are shorter assessment appointments approx 30 mins. After the BA, you will then be sent access to the Student Counselling microsite where you can choose the Counsellor and the appointment time that would work for you.

In the event of an emergency that cannot wait, there are emergency slots available every day, please email counselling.midlands@tus.ie to request an emergency appointment.

TUS Midlands Counselling service provides a Walk In service from 2-3pm everyday.

You are not obliged to attend further appointments if you do not wish to do so. If you change your mind and wish to cancel your next appointment, please give us as much notice as possible so that we can allocate the time slot to another client. You can link in with us at any time should you wish to attend the Student Counselling service in the future.

No information regarding the actual content of your session will be disclosed to the referrer (or any other member of the University staff) without your explicit permission. However, if you wish your counsellor to liaise on your behalf with University staff, this will be facilitated.

Counsellors have a professional obligation to keep brief records of all counselling sessions. Files are securely held electronically for a period of seven years and are then destroyed. If you wish to access your file, just ask your counsellor. Alternatively, you can make a formal request to the University Freedom of Information Officer.

We welcome all feedback as it enables us to ensure a quality service. All clients of the service who give permission for email contact will be sent a link to our online feedback questionnaire.

Yes, certainly. Please email counselling.midlands@tus.ie and we will ensure your needs are met. The Student Counselling Service premises has wheelchair access and a lift to the floor we are located on. Lifts are located to the left in the Count John McCormack building, just before the entrance to the Students Union. We are located in the Health Centre on the first floor.

Yes, the Student Counselling Service offer both video and telephone counselling as well as face to face appointments throughout the year.

If you are feeling that you at risk of self-harm or suicide and you are feeling totally overwhelmed it is of the utmost importance that you link in with experienced professional who can help now. Please do not make any rash or impulsive decisions.

1. If you consider yourself to be at risk of suicide contact your GP or nearest Accident and Emergency Department
   Portiuncla Hospital Ballinalsoe Emergency Department 090 9648248 – Mullingar General Hospital Emergency Department – 044 9394121/4129
2. Ring Samaritans 116 123 24 hour freephone to speak with someone immediately. Aware 1800 804 848 10am-10pm freephone
3. Text TUS to 50808 – this is an anonymous text support service 24/7
4. Speak with a parent/Guardian, trusted family member or other responsible adult who can support you to get the professional help you need right now

Please clink on this link for a list of Mental Health Organisations

The Centre for Clinical Interventions provides a wealth of online information and resources in relation to various psycholgical issues