A Fresh Listener
If ever you’re feeling alone and need someone to talk to – someone who is impartial, willing to listen, and not going to spew your problems to the next friend they see – the school counsellor is available for sixth-formers to see on Tuesdays. No problem is too big or too small, and when the most normal thing to feel as a teenager is abnormal, you should never have to feel like you’re bothering someone.
Heathfield Community College’s school counsellor sees around four or five students a day and is available to listen when students are feeling anything from anxious to depressed. In a busy school with so many students, it’s hard to find a place where you feel comfortable, and the quiet environment in which you can talk to our counsellor is a place where you can verbally or visually express your feelings to someone who will never judge you, mock you or belittle you. If someone suffers from bullying or difficult relationships with those around them, the knock-on effects can be catastrophic to their education, social life or peace of mind, and that’s why talking about it will always help. Even when you can’t find the words to express yourself, there are a variety of ways in which you can take the weight off your shoulders: visual means such as drawing, or painting which in some cases are the only way to put across what you need to. |
Our counsellor sees such a range of students, with such a range of problems that you will not feel judged, and with 8 years of experience whatever you’re feeling will not be new to her. Even if it seems a problem is as small as a mouse, there are no means to measure, and everyone deserves someone (who isn’t a teacher and isn’t going to tell you off) to actually listen, really listen, to whatever it is that may be troubling you and offer a sympathetic ear for you to trust.
All remains confidential unless it is felt unsafe to do so, so don’t worry about your life’s problems being minimalised and mocked over a morning cup of coffee in the staffroom – you will be safe to share what you feel is troubling you. Don’t let your problems affect your education, just talk it out with someone who is trustworthy and won’t ever judge you, because sometimes you can’t talk to your friends or boyfriend or girlfriend about your problems – sometimes you can’t even talk to your parents about things, but you can talk to the counsellor about whatever may be troubling you. If you should ever feel you need to share anything or just talk to someone who is kind and funny, contact Ms Holmes or see her in the LRC and she will arrange for you to visit our school counsellor. |