Welcome to the Counselling Service website
We are a team of professional counsellors and psychotherapists offering confidential help with any personal issues affecting work, self-esteem, relationships, mental health or general well-being. We are available to all University of Manchester students and all members of staff.
We mainly offer brief, focused counselling that encourages people to make the most of each session. We also offer a wide range of workshops including managing anxiety; exam stress; procrastination; assertiveness; confidence and self-esteem; low mood; and speaking out in groups.
The Counselling Service is part of a wider network of help and support; we can advise on where else to seek help within the University and make referrals to NHS mental health services.
Question of the month
I feel really anxious about my exams. I'm scared I won't be able to handle them, will fail them or will panic during them. What can I do?
Anxiety is a normal reaction to a stressful situation. Most people experience some anxiety and tension while preparing for and sitting exams. A certain amount of adrenalin is useful and appropriate; it makes us more alert and helps us . . . Read more
Latest news
Managing Exam Stress workshop
Too much anxiety can block thoughts, create a negative frame of mind, and lead to panic and poor exam performance. The Exam Stress Workshop will provide practical suggestions on how to manage anxiety and provide some simple relaxation techniques to help you practise staying calm.
Book of the month
The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal and John Kabat-Zinn.
Publisher: Guilford Press
ISBN: 978-1-59385-128-6
This book advocates using mindfulness techniques based on Eastern meditative practices and cognitive therapy as a way of managing depression and the negative cycle of rumination and self-blame that lead to despairing thoughts. The reader is guided through meditations on an accompanying CD. A great help to anyone seeking to regain a sense of hope and resilience in their struggle with depression.