School Counselling

At Farnborough Hill we recognise that our pupils can sometimes face challenges which may require support beyond that usually given by their Tutors, Heads and Assistant Heads of Year or the Chaplain. The School Counselling Service is a professional service available to assist them with these challenges as they progress through the School. In keeping with the School’s Mission Statement and ethos, the service enables us to help the girls to become confident, articulate young women who can achieve their full potential by making the most of their gifts and talents.  

Counselling referrals can be made to the Deputy Head (Pastoral) by staff, parents or the pupils themselves, the details of which can be found in the School Counselling Policy which is available on request from the Head.

The School Counsellor

The School Counselling Service provides friendly, approachable and confidential support.  Our School Counsellor, Mrs Michele Blockley, is in school on four days per week and works closely with the Pastoral Team to identify which girls may benefit from the offer of extra support. She is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and is bound by their ethical framework.  Mrs Blockley has highly relevant counselling qualifications, has a Level 5 Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling working with Children and Young People, and is specifically trained to work with children and young people; she has particular experience in various fields, including bereavement and creative working.  

The Counselling Room

The Counselling Room is located in the St Raphael’s Well-Being Area.  It has been set up to provide a safe, confidential, warm environment where the girls are able to relax, share and discuss their particular concerns with the Counsellor. There are also creative media available to enable the girls to express their needs if they find it difficult to articulate their own specific challenges.