Frequently asked questions about psychological counselling

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Find the answers to all your questions

Are you considering making an appointment with a psychologist or educational psychologist? You’re not alone. Every year, hundreds of UCLL students make use of this support. In this FAQ, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Which psychologist or educational psychologist should I choose?

The choice depends on your specific needs, your campus, waiting times and any personal preferences. 
Not sure? Contact the student services team at your campus. They’ll be happy to help you make a choice and let you know about waiting times.
Prefer to choose for yourself? Then check out the list of our psychologists and educational psychologists on the intranet.

How do I book an appointment?

Choose a psychologist or educational psychologist and book an appointment yourself via the online calendar.
If you haven’t been contacted within a week, please send an email to psychosocialedienst.limburg@ucll.be.

How long will I have to wait for an initial appointment?

Long waiting times are not uncommon in mental health services.
As a UCLL student, you can usually have an initial consultation within four weeks. The exact waiting time depends on the time of year and your availability. The student services team can provide you with further information.

Where will the appointment take place?

Sessions can take place on a UCLL campus, online or during a walk-and-talk session.

How much does a session cost?

A session with a psychologist normally costs between €75 and €90.
For UCLL students and LUCA students on the C-Mine campus, counselling is free of charge.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

No, you don’t need to bring anything.

What can I expect from the first session?

The first session is an introductory and exploratory meeting.
You’ll have the opportunity to tell your story, and the psychologist or educational psychologist will explain how the counselling process works.

What if we don’t click?

A good rapport is important.
Do you feel uncomfortable with your psychologist or educational psychologist? Please feel free to discuss this. Together, we can see if a colleague might be a better fit for you.
Do you find this difficult? If so, please contact the person who referred you or make an appointment with someone else.

Is a session confidential?

Yes. Psychologists and educational psychologists are bound by professional confidentiality.
Whatever you discuss remains confidential. No information will be shared with parents, teachers, GPs or others without your consent.
This may only be waived in situations of immediate danger.
Shared professional confidentiality also applies within the team. Colleagues may discuss a situation anonymously if this is in the best interests of your care.

How long does a session last?

A session lasts approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

What if I can’t make it?

If you are unable to attend an appointment, please notify your psychologist or educational psychologist as soon as possible. This will allow the slot to be offered to another student.

How often do sessions take place?

The frequency of sessions varies from student to student and is determined in consultation with your psychologist or educational psychologist.

After how many sessions will I start to feel better?

That varies from person to person.
The number of sessions required depends on your needs, your situation and the steps you take. Sometimes just one session can help a great deal; sometimes several sessions are needed. If this form of support isn’t helping enough, we’ll explore other options together.

Where can I provide feedback?

At the end of the academic year, you’ll receive an invitation to complete a satisfaction survey.

You can also discuss your experiences directly with your psychologist or educational psychologist, contact the person who referred you, or send an email to psychosocialedienst.limburg@ucll.be.

Is there a limit to the number of sessions?

During your time as a student, you are entitled to 10 free sessions. 
In some situations, a further 6 sessions may be available. Please discuss this with your psychologist or educational psychologist.
You can book these sessions up to three months after completing your studies or obtaining your degree.