University Counselling Service in the top group

The Counselling Service's ‘Workshop & Group Programme' was awarded a ‘Highly Commended' Award by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

A considerable portion of the University's counselling work is delivered in groups, which has often found to be more effective form of help than individual counselling.

Counselling groups offer a microcosm of the 'real' world. They are a place where some of the normal social rules can be broken in a safe environment. A group allows individuals to practise different ways of behaving and help overcome difficulties. Group sessions offer feedback and encouragement from people in similar situations.

"Most people think of talking one-to-one when they think of counselling, but the Counselling Service is running 15 to 20 groups and workshops per week. They are a very important part of the Service's work and we have been developing this programme over several years,” said Mark Phippen, Head of Counselling at the University of Cambridge.

The University Counselling Service came second overall in the category of ‘Innovation in Counselling and Psychotherapy Awards 2007'. The category was open to any organisation or individual who is doing counselling work in the UK.

The Innovation in Counselling and Psychotherapy award is given for work which demonstrates new ideas or techniques likely to have lasting effects on the evolution of counselling and psychotherapy.

“Our groups range from one-off workshops for those who have work-block, to several sessions on increasing self-esteem or managing stress, to long-term counselling groups. Being involved in running or attending counselling groups is not always easy, but it's very rewarding” Mr Phippen continues. “We have a great team of counsellors here who are very committed to group-work and the Service has gained a national reputation for this work. We are very proud to have received this recognition from BACP.”

The British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) is the main professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the UK.

The University's counselling groups are open to all members of the University. The Counselling Service is located in a recently refurbished property on Lensfield Road.

Some of the workshops require booking. To book your place phone (3)32865 or email reception@counselling.cam.ac.uk
Source: By University Of Cambridge