Counselling Service

Introduction to the Service

What does the Counselling Service provide?

We all experience difficult and confusing times in our lives. The service provides several ways in which to explore and address your concerns.

Individual counselling

Benefits from counselling include:

• having support following a crisis or trauma
• sharing your thoughts and feelings with a trained person
• developing strategies for problem solving, decision making and change
• identifying and building on your strengths
• looking at alternative ways of behaving or thinking
• becoming clearer about your concerns and direction

Small Group Counselling

This offers the same benefits as individual counselling with the bonus of sharing your concerns in an ongoing confidential group setting. The number is limited to four. Further information is contained in the brochure “Small Group Counselling”.

What do people talk about?

Counselling is a process of talking and listening which may help to creatively resolve problems. The kinds of issues which students frequently discuss with us are:

• concerns about course or study-related issues (concentration, motivation, academic expectations, writing, and sitting exams are just a few examples)
• difficulties in relationships with significant others (family, partners, friends)
• questions of identity, self-esteem and confidence
• feelings of depression, anxiety and fear
• loss or trauma
• stress or conflict at home, work or University coping with disabilities or health problems

What to expect

An individual counselling session is usually of 50 – 55 minutes duration. The number of sessions will vary but the great majority of students are seen for between one and three sessions.

The counsellor may:

• provide information or assistance in one session
• refer you to an agency
• inform you about Counselling Service groups or Small Group Counselling
• offer you further counselling within the service (possibly with another Counsellor)
• at times when we have no immediate vacancies, we may offer you the option of being placed on a waiting list or we may help you find a counselor outside the university

Making an appointment

At most times of the year, it is necessary to make an appointment to see a counsellor. Contact us by telephone on (03) 9479 2956 or come in and speak with the receptionist. We are located on Level 2, Peribolos East. At peak times there may be a wait for an initial appointment.

Confidentiality

Your attendance for counselling and the information you provide is treated as confidential within the Service. Your right to confidentiality is treated seriously. We will inform you about the reasons for collection of personal information and handle this information in accordance with the Health Record Act 2001.

Our commitment

Our commitment is to provide:

• an environment which is accepting and respectful of diversity within the University community
• a quality professional service
• service or information as promptly as circumstances permit
• respect for privacy and confidentiality
• appropriate referral to other services

We expect that you will:

• inform the service as early as possible if you are unable to attend for an appointment
• respect the privacy and confidentiality of others attending the Service
• let us know if you experience any difficulties
  with the Service

Contacting us