Frequently Asked Questions

How do the services offered by the program work?

The sessions offer someone to listen to young people’s conflicts and concerns, to help them become clearer about their issues and then look for ways to deal with them.

They are a space for listening, attention and confidentiality.

They offer the possibility of breaking down the resources available in each case, with a short series of meetings (around six sessions). For more extensive services, students can be referred to other professionals, as the professionals who work for the program cannot handle referred cases.

What types of problem can the program deal with?

All students have their own issues and concerns, in line with their moment and situation. Therefore, different types of problems may be enough of a reason to seek help:

Situations involving a lot of distress and the threat of losing control – feelings of inadequacy and panic.

Stress about academic performance pressure.

Isolation – loss, anger, loneliness, sadness, depression.

Difficulties in relationships with relatives, friends or classmates – involvement, jealousy, abuse or another type of violence (physical or symbolic).

Family issues – parents, children, paternity, separation, divorce, homesickness.

Loss of self-confidence – being obsessed with flaws, thinking that nothing is good enough, feeling judged.

Depression – feeling isolated, emptiness, sadness, unloved. Ideas of suicide.

Repetitive destructive behavior. Food compulsions, self-harm, abusive relationships, alcohol and drugs.

What should I say?

In the meetings, you can say whatever comes into your mind. The way you present your problems does not matter.

Can I expect to receive advice?

At first sight, advice may seem a source of relief from a given problem. However, they are actually of little help, given that this strategy does not explore each young person’s capacity to build their own solutions and understandings in relation to their issues. Instead, the sessions are aimed at promoting the autonomy of each young person and helping them to understand that they are able to participate actively in making decisions about their own life.

Do I have to pay anything?

The program is offered by FGV EESP at no additional cost, as part of a support system created to give students the ability to learn as well as possible. If young people need specialist services that differ from this psychological support, they may be referred to an external service. Financial difficulties may be taken into account when students are referred.

What are the program’s limits of confidentiality?

The meetings follow the professional code of ethics, which calls for confidentiality in relation to everything that happens during each person’s sessions. As a result, FGV EESP does not have access to any specific material arising from the therapeutic consultations provided by the program.

Can I choose the gender of the person who will see me?

We can accept this kind of request. Please specify the gender you prefer when you make initial contact.