Life as a performing arts student is filled with excitement and opportunities to develop your talents. But even when you’re studying something you love, life doesn’t always follow the script. There may be times when you find you are feeling down, or something happens that causes you feelings of stress and anxiety.
For example, you might be dealing with homesickness, relationship breakdowns, or difficulties making friends in a new environment. Perhaps you’re exploring questions about your identity, considering coming out as LGBTQ+, or processing grief after losing someone close to you. These experiences, while deeply personal, are common parts of many students’ journeys.
Of course, you may be able speak about these things to your parents or friends but perhaps you feel that they have their own issues to deal with or you are not sure how confidential it is to talk to them.
RCS understands this reality and offers comprehensive one-to-one counselling services tailored to support students through both their artistic journey and personal challenges.
What makes RCS’s counselling service special is its people-focused approach. The service offers different therapeutic approaches to match your needs. With the help of Person-Centred approach the counsellor doesn’t simply hand out advice – they recognize that you’re the expert of your own life. They provide a neutral, confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. Your counsellor will work alongside you, helping you navigate your challenges and develop strategies to feel more in control of your situation.
For those who might benefit from it, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is available, focusing on identifying and transforming unhelpful thought patterns into more positive ones. This practical approach can be particularly helpful for managing performance anxiety and other specific challenges.
Confidentiality is paramount within counselling. What is discussed in a counselling meeting stays private – the only exceptions to this are if there is a danger of you harming yourself or someone else or if you disclose information about on-going abuse (emotional, physical, sexual) of a child. Even in these rare cases, your counsellor will always aim to discuss this with you first.
The RCS counselling team reflects the diversity of the student body in terms of ethnicity, gender, LGBTQ+ representation, and disability awareness. This means you’re more likely to find someone who truly understands your perspective and can relate to your experiences.
Getting started is straightforward – simply email counselling@rcs.ac.uk to schedule an appointment. Sessions are available both in-person and online, giving you the flexibility to access support in a way that works best for you. To find more information about a particular counsellor and their email contact details, please see more information on here = Know the Counsellors.
Remember, seeking support isn’t about weakness – it’s about giving yourself the same care and attention you give to your art.