Roehampton University wants residents to take part in free therapy sessions as part of a new research project.

The Centre for Research in Social and Psychological Transformation (CREST) therapy clinic at the university's Whitelands campus, in Holybourne Avenue, is now offering up to 24 sessions of ‘pluralistic therapy’ for people in the community.

Initial research is said to show that pluralistic therapy is associated with reduced levels of depression and matching therapy with clients’ preferences improves results.

This type of psychological therapy involves a range of methods and works in collaboration with clients, aiming to help find the right approach for them to reach their targets.

It is being offered by a counselling psychologist or experienced trainee psychologist or counsellor.

The sessions will be closely supervised by a fully qualified therapist and is part of a research program that aims to find out how to improve treatments for people with depression.

Mick Cooper, professor of counselling psychology at Roehampton University, said: “Mental health concerns affect people from all walks of life, ages and different cultures and it’s not always easy to deal with.

“Depression can be triggered for a number of reasons and it is important that people who want a talking therapy find an approach that suits them.”

“Pluralistic therapy can be a good solution. It is tailor-made to suit all clients and as the name suggests – it’s a means of finding what is right for clients from a number of therapies, to help them overcome their challenges.

“Clients can also set goals along the way - if that suits them. If people are already seeing their GP or another mental health professional they are still welcome to contact us.

“However, they should discuss this with the GP or professional first.”

Students at the university are currently being offered support for depression-related issues.

For more information, you can email: crestclinic@roehampton.ac.uk

You must be 18 or over to attend the sessions, and be willing to participate in the research elements of the program which includes completing some questionnaire prior to each session and having them recorded.