Student Counselling and Wellness Service FAQs

Who can get counselling sessions with the Counselling and Wellness Service?

All full- and part-time students who are fully registered NCI students currently studying at the college. Please note that you must have already started the academic year to register with the Service.

How do I register with the Counselling and Wellness Service?

After you have sent an email from your NCI student email account, a team member will send you forms you need to fill out, a registration form and a consent form, before you can be registered with the service. Once you have returned those, there will be a short waiting period, after which one of the counsellors will contact you (via email) to organise your first session.

What topics can I talk to the counsellors about?

Any issue that is causing you difficulties and which might include:
Stress
Anxiety
Academic difficulties
Relationship difficulties
Depression
Family issues
Grief or bereavement
Homesickness/loneliness
Sexual/personal identity issues
Physical assault/abuse
Self-harm
Disordered eating
Addiction or substance use
Confidence or self-esteem issues
LGBTQ+ Support
Autism/ADHD Support

Do I have to pay for the sessions?

No, the counselling sessions offered to students are free, so you do not need to pay anything.

How do I get in touch with the Counselling and Wellness Service?

Send an email to counselling@ncirl.ie from your NCI student email address. Due to Counselling and Wellness Service policies, we cannot engage with students who contact us from an external email address.

How many counselling sessions can I attend?

The service is designed to be brief, with an average of 4-6 sessions per year. Your counsellor will determine the number of sessions based on your needs. For longer-term counselling, we can refer you to external providers.

How long is each counselling session?

Sessions last 50 minutes.

How often are the meetings?

This depends on your individual needs, but they usually happen on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

Where do the sessions take place?

We offer in-person, audio, and online sessions. In-person sessions occur in the main NCI campus building at Mayor’s Square. Online sessions are held through Microsoft Teams, and audio sessions happen via phone calls; we recommend that you find a quiet and more private space for these.

When do the sessions take place?

Sessions are offered throughout the year, including the summer months (during Semester 3). They take place between 09:30 and 16:30.

Is it confidential?

Yes. We provide a professional and confidential service, with all staff adhering to a strict code of practice and ethics. The relationship between a student and a counsellor is confidential, meaning anything you share with your counsellor stays within the Counselling Service. However, should your counsellor believe that you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or others, they may need to break confidentiality. Also, if there is a concern about a child being at risk, the Service must report this to Tusla or the Garda Síochána as per national child protection policies. In such cases, your counsellor will make every effort to discuss the situation with you and involve you in the disclosure process.

Is it inclusive?

Yes! NCI’s Student Counselling and Wellness Service recognises, acknowledges, and appreciates the dignity and diversity of all students who use our services. Our staff are dedicated to providing an inclusive service, striving to meet the unique needs of each student regardless of age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, ethnicity, culture, or membership of the Traveller community.

What if I have to cancel or reschedule an appointment?

If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give us as much notice as possible so we can offer the appointment to another student. Please email your counsellor or counselling@ncirl.ie to inform us of any changes.

What if I decide that counselling is not for me?

You are not required to attend further appointments if you choose not to. Students often attend only one session. If you wish to cancel your next appointment, please give us as much notice as possible so we can offer the slot to another student.

Where are my records kept, and for how long?

Counsellors must keep records of all sessions. These files are securely stored for seven years and then destroyed. If you wish to access your file, you can ask your counsellor or make a formal request to the University Freedom of Information Officer.

I am a student with mobility concerns. Can I still attend the service?

Yes, absolutely. When reserving your initial session, please email counselling@ncirl.ie in advance or mention your accessibility needs in the registration form. We will ensure your needs are met. NCI’s Student Counselling and Wellness Service premises are wheelchair accessible.

What does it mean if the Counselling and Wellness Service has a waiting list?

The Service will use a waiting list during busy periods with high demand for counselling sessions. This list is organised according to the date students contacted the service. If the waiting list is in place when you request counselling sessions, you will be informed of the approximate waiting time length: due to the nature of counselling sessions and individual needs, we cannot give exact timelines. You will also be offered a free mental health-based appointment with Hanover Medical; this is not a counselling session.

When your name reaches the top of the list, a team member will contact you and ask you to complete the forms as usual. Once these are returned, you will be given an updated approximate waiting time, after which you will be contacted about arranging your first session.

Are there any other mental health resources I can make use of?

Here are some mental health resources you can access through NCI:

• Online mental health platform SilverCloud with self-guided programmes on various topics such as stress, anxiety, depression, body image, resilience, mindfulness, and sleep. It is confidential, accessible 24/7, and works well on mobile devices.
• The Student Counselling and Wellness has helpful links, videos, blogs, hints, tips, and advice specifically designed for students.
• You can also access our Wellness Workshops—recordings are listed on our Moodle Page. There is also a list of helplines and websites that you might find helpful.
• You can Text 50808 at any time if you feel you need immediate support.