Counselling Services for Primary and Secondary Schools

Linking emotional well-being to teaching and learning
 

The Bridge Foundation is currently delivering in school counselling services to a number of primary and secondary schools across Bristol.

The In School Counselling Service is uniquely placed to work with pupils/students whose emotional difficulties are affecting their ability to learn.   The service can respond quickly and is available to the whole school, bringing a wide range of services right to the heart of the school community.

What we can provide:
One-to-one counselling sessions - pupils/students can receive 1-12 weekly sessions with a specialist counsellor.
Group work – weekly sessions with groups of pupils/students, exploring themes such as friendship, bullying, transition to secondary school, managing and resolving peer conflict, gang culture and attitudes to difference.
Teachers – we work with teachers and school staff to help develop their understanding of the underlying meaning of children’s/young persons behaviour, and the emotional factors which impact on teaching and learning.
We can offer supervision for head teachers, sencos, teachers and school staff,
Parents – we provide support for parents to enhance understanding of their pupils/students’ behaviour, and develop and support their parenting.
 

How we do it:
In Primary schools, teachers refer pupils who are struggling, either with their learning and/or their relationships with their peers or adults, and whose difficulties are impacting significantly upon their capacity to learn and progress in school.
In Secondary schools, students can self refer or be referred to the counsellor by a tutor or member of school staff.

The In School Counselling Service is firmly embedded in the School Inclusion Team and is viewed as part of the provision provided by the school.

Presenting problems:
Anxiety Self-harm
Emotional distress Depression
Behavioural problems Bullying
Poor peer relationships Anger issues
Low self-esteem
Withdrawal
Identity
Risk taking behaviours

Clinical staff:
The In School Counselling Service employs child/adolescent counsellors and psychotherapists who are qualified, experienced and professionally registered to work with children/adolescents in a safe therapeutic settings within primary and secondary schools.
Staff receive regular supervision from a senior child/adolescent psychotherapist and the service is committed to ongoing training and staff development.
All staff attend multi-agency safeguarding training and work within the school’s child protection guidelines. The In School Counselling Service has clear safeguarding procedures in place.
Staff work closely with CAHMS and other support agencies where appropriate.

Diversity: We work with children and parents from a broad range of social, racial and cultural backgrounds.
Flexibility: we are responsive to particular needs of the individual schools and communities where we work.
Partnerships: The Bridge in Schools counsellors work with multi-agencies and support networks involved with the lives of children and families.
 

If you would like further information, leaflets, or to arrange a visit by one of our staff to your setting, then please call 0117 9424510.