Personal support for students at the University of Bedfordshire

The Counselling Service is here to help you gain as much as possible from your time at university.

We aim to offer you prompt access to counselling if you are experiencing any problems of a personal or emotional nature that may be interfering with your academic work and your life.

Counselling is free to all full time and part time registered students.

How we can help you

• Counselling offers you the opportunity to talk in confidence with someone who is impartial and separate from work, social and family life.
• We do not aim to solve your problems for you; our aim is to help you find and activate your own resources to resolve your difficulties.
• Counselling may enable you to make some changes in your life or think about new ways to manage your situation.
• Help with a wide range of issues.

Frequently asked questions about counselling

I'm not sure what my problem is. Can I still come for counselling?
Yes, counselling will help you explore and clarify whatever is troubling you.

What happens when I contact the Counselling Service?
We will offer you an initial appointment with a counsellor at a time convenient to you.

How long will I have to wait for my first appointment?
We aim to offer a first appointment within 5 working days (although it may take a little longer at peak times, or if you have very limited availability).

What will happen when I come for my assessment appointment?
We will ask you to complete some forms that will help you think about what your difficulties are and what you may want out of counselling. Your counsellor will discuss these with you and together you will decide the best way forward. You may see another counsellor if you return for more sessions.

How many sessions will I have?
We can offer up to six sessions, depending on need and this will be discussed with you at your first appointment. Each session lasts about 50 minutes.

What if I am unable to keep an appointment?
There is a heavy demand for the service and we hope you will value your contact with us. Please let us know as soon as possible (at least 24 hours) if you are unable to attend so we can re-allocate your appointment(s).

Will anyone outside of the Counselling Service know I am coming for counselling?
Not unless you tell them. Counselling is confidential except in certain exceptional circumstances. Find out more about confidentiality

Refer yourself

If you would like to register for counselling sessions please complete the registration form

If you have any questions or queries please contact the team via email:

Bedford Counselling Service

Bedford campus
Student Support (P Building)
Polhill Avenue
Bedford MK45 9EA

E: counsellingbedford@beds.ac.uk

Luton Counselling Service

Luton campus
The Student Counselling Service
The Campus Centre
University Square
Luton LU1 3JU

E: counselling@beds.ac.uk