The service is designed to help you achieve the best experience possible while you are part of the Academy community. This service is available to all Undergraduate and Postgraduate students of the Academy.

Detailed advice from the Counsellor is available on AIR, the Academy’s intranet.

Usually people come to counselling because something is bothering them and they want to talk about it. You do not have to be in a crisis to use the service, although you may find it a useful resource if you are.

Everyone experiences problems in their lives that are, at times, difficult and hard to face. It is at these times that you may find it useful to have the assistance of a counsellor in order to better understand and deal with the matters that worry you. This happens through empathy and a non-judgmental attitude so you feel encouraged to express and understand deeply felt feelings.

Difficulties can often be helped with a fresh perspective and a range of strategies can often be found in the counselling setting to deal with them. Seeking counselling is not a sign of weakness but indicates a positive desire to do something constructive about whatever is troubling you.

The following information gives you an overview of the counselling process: what to expect from your counsellor, what your responsibilities are in counselling and the type of problems that may lead you to seek counselling.

Seeking help
One of the most difficult steps in counselling occurs before you even see a counsellor for the first time. Deciding to seek counselling is the first step in change.

Counselling often entails dipping below the surface and talking about things we feel uncomfortable about and tend to push aside in everyday life. Although disturbing, it can also be a relief to air half-buried ideas and feelings. These become buried because we think they are too silly or crazy to express in everyday life. However, they are acceptable in a counselling setting and are important to express if we are to have a better understanding of ourselves.

Tutors
The Tutors have overall responsibility for monitoring their courses and for the general pastoral care of the students. They are also there to assist and guide students in all areas of their curriculum, including performance and academic options, timetabling, progress and any other aspect of a students’ programme of study. The Tutors are an important representational link both on a day-to-day basis, between student, Head of Study, Professor and Music Board (the Academy’s executive academic body), and at the annual Examination Boards. In addition, international students may refer to the International Students’ Officer for help with specific problems.