University of Essex
Counselling Service
Annual Report
(2008 – 2009)
Counselling Service Report
List of Contents
Page
2
List of Tables
3
2007-2008 Overall Statistical Survey
4
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
Introduction
Groups
Evaluation
Sources of Referral
Publicity and Outreach
Statistical Data
4
4
5
6
7
1.6.1 Ethnicity of U.K. C.Service Users
1.6.2 Overseas Students
1.6.3 Gender Balance
1.6.4 Self-Referral
1.6.5 Referral Out
1.6.6 Age-Range
1.6.7 Attendance Status
1.6.8 Year of Course
1.6.9 Degree Status
1.6.10 Mature Student Status
1.7
Presenting Problems Data
8
9
10
10
10
11
12
12
12
12
13
1.7.1 Depression
1.7.2 Anxiety
1.7.3 Family of origin Problems
1.7.4 Identity Issues
1.7.5 Loss Issues
1.7.6 Transitional Issues
1.7.7 Self-Destructiveness
1.7.8 Abuse Issues
13
14
14
14
14
15
15
15
2.0
Developments from 2007-08
16
3.0
Future Developments 2008-09
17
2
List of Tables
Table 1
Comparative Totals 2005 – 2008
4
Table 2
Sources of Referral to Counselling Service
6
Table 3
Ethnicity of U.K. Service Users (Colchester)
8
Table 4
Overseas Student Country of Origin
9
Table 5
Age Range
11
Table 6
Attendance Status
12
Table 7
Year of Course
12
Table 8
Degree Status
12
Table 9
Mature Student Status
12
Table 10
Presenting Problems Graph
13
Table 11
Depression Statistics
13
Table 12
Anxiety Statistics
14
3
Counselling Service Report 2008 – 2009
2008 – 2009 Overall Statistical Survey
1.1
In the academic year 2008 – 2009 265 students were seen at the Service for
individual counselling and 42 were seen as members of the different groups
that are run by the Service bringing the total to 307, an increase of 12
students or 4.1% from the previous year and 31 students or 11% from 200607.
Table 1
Comparative totals 2005 - 2009
Total Nos.
Individual
Group
< Prev.Year
2005 - 06
245
245
0
2006 -07
276
252
24
+ 31 / 9.7%
2007 -08
295
254
41
+ 19 / 6.8%
2008- 09
307
265
42
+ 12 / 4.1%
+ 62 / 25%
(< 2005-06)
1.2
Groups
The Service at Colchester has seen the continued development of groups this
year in addition to the one to one counselling sessions routinely offered.
One group was a therapeutic ongoing long term group run by Nick Hay
and Vicky Djordjevic and another, run by Vicky Djordjevic, was targeted
specifically at PhD students. A third group, run by Lee McOwan, also ran,
specifically for students with “writer’s block” which ran on a termly basis as
did the PhD group.
All these groups have proven very popular with students and continue to
provoke interest from both staff and students.
Groups provide an invaluable therapeutic alternative for students and offer a
welcome addition to the provision of ongoing individual counselling which is
the vital foundation of the Service.
4
1.3
Evaluation
Student evaluations after the end of the counselling process have been
received from 96 students (30% increase on 07-08) and these continue to
provide an invaluable tool in helping us to improve our service. 92 of these
evaluations were highly positive in nature which is very encouraging for all
who work at the Service and also indicates that the service we provide is
appropriate, timely and effective. The issues raised in the less positive
responses have been carefully addressed and further steps taken to attempt
to rectify particular problems raised if at all possible.
A small sample of some of the comments is included below:
“Counselling helped me immensely and I wish I would have got in touch
sooner. Really felt that I was listened to and encouraged in my
progress.”
“Counselling helped me to understand my situation better and to feel
good about myself for coping with it. It gave me coping skills I can do to
continue getting on with my life.”
“I am really grateful for the opportunity to talk about things I have never
discussed before…I have learnt in the sessions about positive thinking
and being kind to myself and have the initial input to start changing my
way of thinking and behaviour.”
“I strongly believe that this is one of the best services the University
provides.”
“When someone tells me they are stressed, I always recommend this
service as in my case it helped me a lot.”
“The staff there are all very nice and friendly, which helped me to have
the courage to keep on going……… [The administrator] is very
welcoming: you don’t feel any discomfort when first coming in.”
“Counselling has eased the problems I was experiencing, particularly
with anxiety, and helped me to begin to address them differently.”
“Counselling has improved my self confidence and taught me skills
which I hope will enable me to live my life and the rest of my time at
University to the full. Thank you.”
PhD Group Attendee
“….am more confident in myself and I made a close friendship with one
group member. Being able to talk about my problems was like a heavy
load taken out of my chest.”
5
1.4
Sources of Referral to Counselling Service
Statistics derived from evaluation forms received:
(n=96) (Occasionally more than one source indicated).
Table 2
2008-2009
2007-2008
2006 2007
Word of Mouth
25
26
22
Website
17
13
14
Staff Member
16
14
10
Uni/Service Publication
12
12
11
Can’t Remember
7
6
9
Friend
7
-
-
Poster in Room
3
1
1
Nightline Website
3
1
1
Health Centre
3
3
4
RSN
2
G.P.
2
SSO
1
6
1.5
Publicity and Outreach
A continued effort has been made to improve the promotion of the Service to
students including using e-mail, within University guidelines, to advertise the
different groups available. Close liaison with the Student Support Office
facilitated the optimum approach for such publicity. The Student Support
Newsletter provides an essential platform for advertising our services.
All our publicity leaflets have also been re-designed to fit in with the overall
“Student Support Services” branding and distributed widely around the
campus and the various University agencies that support students.
Liaison with the “Learning and Teaching Unit” within “Educational
Development Services” has also taken place to share ideas and ensure
accurate and targeted publicity is developed for the various groups that both
the Unit and the Service run. Counsellors have also taken part in some of the
L.T.U. programmes which has further enhanced the overall profile of the
Counselling Service and ensured a wider outreach.
The Counselling service website (www.essex.ac.uk/counselling) is also
frequently updated and modified and contains links to various useful sites,
both internal and external, which students can easily access. All information
about the services available, including groups, can be found on the website.
7
1.6 Statistical Data
1.6.1
Ethnicity of UK/EU students (Colchester Campus)
Table 3
(08-09)
White
81.4%
White
(08-09)
(07-08)
(06-07)
81.4%
86.5%
86%
Black (African)
4%
Black (African)
4%
4.0%
2.5%
Black (Caribbean)
3.4%
Asian (Indian)
4%
3.0%
3.5%
Black (Other)
1%
Black (Caribbean)
3.4%
1.5%
2.0%
Asian (Pakistani)
1.4%
Asian (Pakistani)
1.4%
1.5%
0%
Asian (Indian)
4%
Asian (Other)
1.4%
1.0%
2.5%
Asian (Chinese)
1%
Other
1.4%
1.0%
2%
Asian (Bangladeshi)
1%
Asian (Chinese)
1%
1.0%
1.5%
Asian (Other)
1.4%
Asian (Bangladeshi)
1%
1%
1.5%
Other
1.4%
Black (Other)
1%
0.5%
0%
The ethnic spread remains fairly consistent with previous years although
uptake of counselling for Black (Caribbean) groups has improved as hoped.
We are always striving to improve our outreach to specific ethnic groups
which may be under-represented.
8
1.6.2
60 international students (23% of Total CS Nos.) were seen during this
period, an increase of 14 students or 5% on 2007 - 2008.
Table 4
International students nationality
Country Name
UNITED STATES
CHINA
IRAN (ISLAMIC REP)
NIGERIA
TAIWAN
TURKEY
GEORGIA
LIBYA
SYRIA
THAILAND
INDIA
PAKISTAN
JAPAN
JORDAN
KUWAIT
IRAQ
ZIMBABWE
SAUDI ARABIA
SOUTH AFRICA
INDONESIA
COLOMBIA
CANADA
SRI LANKA (CEYLON)
MEXICO
UGANDA
BANGLADESH
RUSSIA
OTHER
Record
Cards
7
6
6
4
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
9
Other Statistical Data (Sample) (07 - 08 figures shown in red)
1.6.3
The gender balance remains typical of Services nationally:
Female 70% (71%)
Male 30% (29%)
1.6.4
Self referral remains the most common route of referral:
(Note: there may have been more than one source of referral)
Self referral
86%
Student Support Office 5%
Health Centre
5%
Friend
3%
Academic Staff
2%
Students Union
2%
Other
2%
(89%)
(4%)
(1%)
(5%)
(2%)
(2%)
(1%)
1.6.5
The routes for referring out from the Service are distributed between 5 main
identifiable areas of resource:
(% total number CS students)
Student Support Office
Health Centre
Open Road
Other
Academic Staff/Departments
5%
5%
1%
1%
0.5%
(6%)
(5%)
(1%)
(2%)
(2%)
10
1.6.6
The age range for the last 3 years of those presenting for counselling is as
follows:
Table 5
Age
Range
20082009
20072008
2006-2007
16-18
15
6
6
19-21
93
77
102
22-25
64
66
64
26-30
45
45
39
31-35
22
27
17
35+
26
33
24
A significant increase can be seen in the younger age group.
The increase in students presenting who are under 18 years of age has
particular implications for counsellors who are obliged to work within a
different legal and professional framework for that age group.
11
1.6.7
Attendance Status
Table 6
2008- 20072009 2008
20062007
F/T
257
238
236
P/T
6
13
12
N/A
2
3
4
1.6.9
1.6.8
Degree Status
Year of Course
Table 8
Table 7
0809
0708
0607
20082009
20072008
20062007
Year 1
114 97
79
U/G
158
138
157
Year 2
65
58
83
P/G
98
114
93
Year 3
64
71
63
Intermitting
1
2
1
Year 4/5/6
12
17
13
Other
8
1
1
Pre Course
3
3
1
Post Course
0
0
4
Intern.Prog.
2
4
2
Intermitting
2
2
0
Socr/Era/Temp
2
0
2
N/A
1
2
3
1.6.10
Mature student status
Table 9
2008-2009 2007-2008
33
12
38
2006-2007
35
1.7
Presenting Problems
Table 10
Percentage of clients with at least one problem in area
60
54.3 54.3
50
41.9
40
36.6 36.2
30
26.8
24.2
20
22.6
17.7
13.2
10.9 10.2
10
9.4
5.3
4.5
3.4
2.6
2.3
2.3
1.9
1.9
1.5
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The above table shows the number of clients with at least one presenting
problem within the designated categories. Thus, by way of example, 54.3% of
all clients presented with symptoms of depression and anxiety apart from any
other problems they may have discussed.
Below is a sample of some of the principal collected figures within some of
the categories: (2007 – 2008 figures are shown in red)
1.7.1
Table 11
Depression (54.3% of total =144 students) (52% =133)
% within
“Depressed”
category
Numbers of
Students
(n=144)(133)
% of Total CS Student
Nos
(n =265)
(n=254)
Moderate
42%
(41%)
61
(55)
23%
(22%)
Mild
42%
(41%)
60
(42)
23%
(16%)
8% (16%)
12
(21)
5%
(8%)
8% (11%)
11
(15)
4%
(6%)
Mood
Disorder
Severe
(Clinical
Depression)
13
1.7.2
Table 12
Anxiety (60% of total=158 students) (60% =153)
% within
“Anxiety”
category
Numbers of
Students
(n =158) (153)
% of Total CS
Student Nos.
(n=265)
(n=254)
General
58%
(56%)
92
(88)
35%
(35%)
Exam/Study
Stress
20%
(24%)
32
(36)
12%
(14%)
Panic Attacks
20%
(18%)
31
(26)
12%
(10%)
2%
(2%)
3
(3)
1%
(1%)
Phobias
1.7.3
Family of Origin Problems
59% (157) of Total CS Numbers
(60% (152))
% Total CS Nos
Current = 51% (80)
Past
= 49% (77)
80
72
30% 31.5%
29%
28%
1.7.4
Identity issues
38% (100) of Total CS Numbers
51% (130)
% Total CS Nos
Self-Esteem
= 62%
Identity
= 19%
Cultural Identity = 10%
Sexual Identity = 8%
(63)
(19)
(10)
(8)
76
33
15
6
24%
7%
4%
3%
30%
13%
6%
2%
1.7.5
Loss Issues 39% (103) of Total CS Numbers
39% (98)
% Total CS Nos.
General
= 34% (35)
Relationship End = 28% (29)
Bereavement
= 23% (24)
Separation Anxiety = 15% (15)
14
30
28
23
15
13%
11%
9%
6%
12%
11%
9%
7%
1.7.6
Transitional Issues
29% (76) of Total CS Numbers
34% (86)
% Total CS Nos.
Career/Life Planning =
Loneliness
=
Leaving University
=
Adjusting to University =
Homesickness
=
32% (24) 38
21% (16) 15
13% (10) 15
16% (12) 12
18% (14) 6
9%
6%
4%
5%
5%
15%
6%
6%
5%
2%
1.7.7
Self-Destructiveness 11% (30) of Total CS Numbers
17% (44)
% Total CS Nos.
Self-Harm
= 57% (17)
Suicidal Ideation
= 40% (12)
Suicide Intent/Attempt =10% (1)
23
15
6
6%
4.5%
.5%
9%
6%
2%
1.7.8
Abuse Issues 52% (137) of Total CS Numbers
65% (164)
% Total CS Nos.
Past Abuse
Emotional
Sexual
Physical
Bullying
Current Abuse
=
=
=
=
=
=
35%
20%
13%
12%
12%
8%
(48)
(27)
(18)
(17)
(16)
(11)
24% (62)
23% (37)
10% (17)
13% (21)
10% (16)
7% (11)
18% 19%
10% 15%
7% 7%
6% 8%
6% 6%
4% 4%
The “Abuse Issue” category has been included in the report this year to
illustrate the high preponderance of such issues in the work of the Service.
Although higher in the 2007-08 period , overall, the students presenting with
such issues this year still comprises 52% of the total figures.(It should be
remembered that these students will undoubtedly have reported other
“Presenting Problems” in addition to this category).
15
2.0
Developments from 2007-2008

To further develop links with the Senior and Disability Advisers (Mental
Health) and with local community mental health teams. The Senior
Adviser to take part in the training day mentioned below.
Development is ongoing and the Senior Adviser and her deputy
successfully participated in the training day in January 09.

To attempt to establish more permanent links with a local psychiatrist
to provide psychiatric supervision and support, particularly with regard
to therapeutic processes. It is hoped this would also improve referral
efficiency.
Contact made and a link in place with a local psychiatrist.

To further encourage counselling staff to develop more contact with the
University and thus further develop useful “networking” connections.
Ongoing.

To address the issue of the need for more space for the Service.
Re-housing of the Service is a distinct possibility in 3 years time when
the University plans to open a new Student Centre or a restructuring of
the working hours at the Service if that does not occur.

To further links with University counsellors in the Eastern Region by
running a Training Day on mental health Issues in university
counselling organised by Vicky Djordjevic and Rosa Waller.
Very successful day held in January 09.
16
3.0
Future Developments 2008-2009

To achieve British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
(BACP). service accreditation

To further develop group provision by providing a still more varied
group programme

To review nationally available Evaluation Systems and consider their
relevance to the Service

To consolidate the many achievements of the Service in the last 5
years and build a strategic plan as a team for the next 5 years
Barbara Fisher
Head of Counselling Service
October 2009
Staff at the Counselling Service
Counsellors
Vicky Djordjevic
Nick Hay
Lee McOwan
Rosa Waller
Administrator
Heather Farrow
Head of Counselling Service
Barbara Fisher
17