School Based Counselling Services

Many Jersey schools offering secondary education, also offer a school based counsellor to be accessed by students who attend there. School based counsellors should be able to be accessed by students who are able to self-refer, and can also accept referrals from relevant others who know the student well and have discussed the benefits of accessing counselling eg a family member, member of school staff or support professional.

As with all forms of therapeutic support, a person can't be made to attend or engage in counselling and this has to be personal choice. Whilst school based counsellors will offer opportunities to meet regularly and engage in one to one support, many also lead therapeutic group support, drop ins and further training around the school, always working during school hours from the school premises.

All school based counsellors are expected to be qualified, accredited counsellors in their own right (at least level 4), belonging to a recognised clinical body such as the BACP. Anyone accessing therapeutic support from a school based counsellor has the right to request evidence and information regarding the counsellor's training and professional membership before working with them. As qualified counsellors, their therapeutic work is bound by client confidentiality as any counsellor offering a therapeutic service outside the school context would be.

All school based counsellors in Jersey are employees of their school with any queries regarding access and role made directly to the school themselves. Please see individual school websites for further details.