JCA employ our own counsellor to support our students, giving students much quicker access to a counsellor than may otherwise be possible.
Pupils bring a wide range of issues to counselling including: bereavement and other loss and change, family and peer relationship difficulties, mental and physical ill health, anxiety, panic attacks, stress, depression, social media and internet issues, assault, sexuality and gender, self-esteem and the impact of Covid-19.
To make an appointment to see our counsellor, either you are a student or parent/carer/teacher you can do so in the following ways:
Our Mental Health Support worker supports children and young people aged 11-16 providing low to moderate Mental Health Support. One aspect of the role involves working on a 1-1 basis with children and sometimes their parents, delivering Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Li-CBT). Some of the Mental Health concerns they can support children and young people with are:
The other aspect of the role is the Whole School Approach. This involves:
If you are a young person wanting some Mental Health support please speak to your year team about a referral.
If you are a parent who is concerned about your child’s Mental Health and feel they would benefit from some support please speak their year team.
CBT is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems and mental health issues.
CBT usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns. These strategies might include: Learning to recognize one’s distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to re-evaluate them in light of reality. Gaining a better understanding of the behaviour and motivation of others. Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations. Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities.
CBT also usually involves efforts to change behavioural patterns. These strategies might include: Facing one’s fears instead of avoiding them. Using role playing to prepare for potentially problematic interactions with others. Learning to calm one’s mind and relax one’s body.
Not all CBT will use all of these strategies. Rather, student and therapist work together, in a collaborative fashion, to develop an understanding of the problem and to develop a treatment strategy.
Some pupils may benefit from longer term counselling, or therapy for the whole family may be beneficial. Looking for a Counsellor who is accredited with BACP is recommended. The following list includes organisations that offer counselling to young people and families:
If you have any concerns of a safeguarding nature and you want support, please email directly to safeguarding@jca.clf.uk. You can contact any member of staff at John Cabot Academy and your concerns will also be passed on to the Safeguarding team, while you can also contact Trust PALS team.
Contact the local council’s child services to inform them of any concerns about the abuse of a child or adult.
Bristol – First Response – 0117 903 6444
South Gloucestershire – Access and Response – 01454 866000
Bath & North East Somerset – 01225 39 61 11
Contact your local police on 101 if concerned that an offence may have occurred.
Contact the police on 999 if somebody is in immediate danger of significant harm, injury or death.
