We offer online and telephone counselling appointments – complete our referral form to book a slot with a Counsellor at Stoke on Trent College.

What is Counselling?

Counselling falls under the umbrella term ‘talking therapies’ and allows our learners to discuss their problems and any difficult feelings they encounter in a safe, confidential environment. The term can mean different things to different people, but in general, it is a process people seek when they want to change something in their lives, or simply explore their thoughts and feelings in more depth. 

A counsellor is not there to sit you down and tell you what to do. Instead, they will encourage you to talk about what’s bothering you to uncover any root causes and identify your specific ways of thinking. The counsellor may then look at creating a plan of action together with you, either to help you reconcile your issues, or help you to find ways of coping. 

Counselling does not come in any specific format and each session is generally tailored to the individuals that we see.  

Anyone is welcome to refer to counselling, no matter your age, gender or problem, we are here to help. For tips and advice, visit the Canvas Counselling page via Aspire.

Our Counsellor

Meet Jake, Counsellor at Stoke on Trent College.

“We all face hardships throughout life especially when at college. Maybe you’re a new student here which can be scary, or in your final year where there’s so much uncertainty about the future. Maybe you’re going through something really hard, or struggling to keep up with all the different things life demands from you. No matter what it is, big or small, that is where I come in because no one has to deal with all those difficult things alone.”

Counselling is about having that safe, non-judgmental space to talk through anything on your mind.

What to expect

On your first appointment, you will have an assessment session with a member of our counselling team, which lasts for up to 50 minutes. This is an introductory session, where together we discuss what to expect, your worries and any questions you may have. 

(Appointments can be offered face-to-face, over the telephone or on teams for a video call appointment).

 If you have a general enquiry, please contact the counselling team via email at: counselling@stokecoll.ac.uk.

Health and Wellbeing Support

Look after yourself and stay connected. It’s really important that you look after your wellbeing and the College is here to help.

You can contact the Mentor Team on:

Steve Taylor07557 319432Steven.taylor@stokecoll.ac.uk
Anne Wise07796 708225Anne.wise@stokecoll.ac.uk
Everton Green07786 113995Everton.green@stokecoll.ac.uk
Gordon Leigh07786 113903Gordon.leigh@stokecoll.ac.uk
Michelle Degg07786 114029Michelle.degg@stokecoll.c.uk

You can also contact Claire Oliver – Learner Safeguarding and Wellbeing Coordinator on 07786 113845 or email claire.oliver@stokecoll.ac.uk

  • Are you unsure how to deal with a situation?
  • Is there a decision you need to make?
  • Is something making your life difficult?
  • Are you struggling to cope?
  • Do you want some help?
  • No problem is too big or too small.

The Stoke on Trent Counselling Service is available to all students.  This is a confidential service and offers you time and space for you to talk, think about and explore the problems that are concerning you. The counsellor will listen and help support you to reach the decisions that are right for you.

Student Mentoring Service

Mentors in each directorate are passionate about engaging with learners in innovative and diverse ways.  The Mentors lift the barriers to learning by providing support in a variety of ways, including 1-2-1 sessions, group work, workshops and referrals to outside support agencies.

Mentors help and support young people and adults with issues that affect them, both inside and outside of college, including Social Skills, Money and Time Management, Housing, Self Esteem and Confidence Building, Careers, Emotional Awareness, Relationships, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Sexual Health and much more!

For further information contact one of the College Learning Support and Mentoring teams on Tel 01782 603563, minicom 01782 603508, fax 01782 603719, SMS Text 07786 113933 or via email LSTeam@stokecoll.ac.uk

WHATEVER ISSUES YOU’RE FACING, SIMPLY BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH US – WE’RE HERE TO LISTEN.