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.
Anxiety is a normal reaction to a stressful situation. Most people experience some anxiety and tension about preparing for and sitting exams. A certain amount of adrenalin flowing is useful and appropriate, it makes us more alert and helps us concentrate ...(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 potentially poor exam performance. The managing exam stress workshop will provide practical suggestions about how to manage anxiety and provide some simple relaxation techniques to help you practise staying calm. You may like to look at our wellbeing programme for our full range of workshops and courses including the managing exam stress workshop.
Book of the month
Overcoming low self-esteem: a self-help guide using Cognitive Behavioural techniques.
By Melanie Fennell
Paperback 978-1-85487-725-3
This book roots low self esteem in negative beliefs about the self and explores the impact that self doubt and self condemnation have on lives. The author looks at how low self esteem develops and what keeps it going. Then moves on to how to challenge these beliefs, combat self criticism and enhance self acceptance. Readers are invited to think about rules they have developed from their experience and how to recognise those which are unhelpful and begin to undermine them. This is a book which guides the reader through a programme of practical tasks to help us live our lives more fully.