When the Personal Affects your Academic Performance

Where this issue arises, it's advised in the first instance to seek out the guidance of your personal tutor (visit your school's secretary office for details), relevant academic staff member or the chairperson of your programme.

It's also advised to visit the DCU registry site specifically the student information area.

When personal and social difficulties have a significant negative impact on your academic performance, your counsellor will work with you on the emotional and psychological barriers impeding your learning progress.

The kinds of presenting issues relating to academic performance that a counsellor may be consulted about would typically include:

Time Management Loss Motivation Procrastination Stress Management Presentation Skills Academic Group Work Study/Learning Challenges Intra/ Work Dynamics Thesis/ Project Challenges Academic/Staff Relationships Course Choice

Transferring internally or externally Deferring exams/year Exam Appeal Withdrawing/exit from college Under Achievement Fear of Failure Fear of Success Exam Technique Exam Anxiety Exam panic Repeating Exams

Personal Issues

Many difficulties can be resolved by talking to a trusted friend, a family member, your G.P., chaplain, tutor etc. However at times it's valuable to elicit the input of a counsellor.

The kind of personal concerns students consult a counsellor about vary. Typically the issues may include:

Family difficulties Parental Divorce/Separation Domestic Violence Bereavement Accidents Bereavement Rape Physical Assault Unplanned pregnancy Sexuality Sexual identity Substance Abuse Addictions Phobias/Obsessions Post Traumatic Stress

Depression Self Harm Psychosis Body Image/appearance Eating problems (binging, not eating, over eating) Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia) Suicide Suicidal thoughts and feelings Attempted suicide Attempted suicide by a friend Suicide by significant other Harassment/being bullied Racial discrimination Traumatic experiences