The Bouverie Centre COVID-19 updates

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought with it a complex, challenging and dynamic time for our world that is largely uncharted. In keeping with our vision, it is a time to confront this uncertain time in ways that ensure that healthy relationships are maintained in families, organisations and communities.

We believe that open, direct and transparent communication and specific information are key to both to maintaining healthy relationships and to responding effectively to challenges like we are all currently facing.

How is The Bouverie Centre responding to the COVID-19 pandemic?

To ensure everyone’s safety, we are changing the way we offer our services and rapidly adding to our online delivery options. The key changes are outlined below and we will provide regular updates via direct emails, our monthly e-newsletter, Bouverie Connect and here on this page.

We are pleased to announce that our doors have now re-opened. We have resumed onsite clinical appointments in addition to offering Telehealth appointments by phone or video calls. Our onsite operations are guided by Victorian government restrictions.

We are taking COVID-safe measures to keep both you and our team safe. These include observing any lockdown measures advised by the Victorian government, contact tracing via QR code sign in, socially distancing, offering hand sanitisers, sanitising surfaces before and after each consultation, and daily office cleans.

If your family has been working with one of our family therapists, they will be in contact with you to discuss options for ongoing family work or supportive contact. You can also contact us at (03) 8481 4800 and ask to be connected to your family therapist.

If you are a referrer or a family who is new to The Bouverie Centre, you will still be able to book a call with our Intake worker to discuss the options available at this time, which include a discussion about whether Bouverie is the right place for you, the status of our waiting list and other referral options in the community.

We understand that family relationships can become very strained under the enormous stress that families are experiencing right now and we are endeavoring to continue to provide resources for your family to manage as best as possible at this extremely difficult time.

Please don’t hesitate to call us at (03) 8481 4800 during business hours (9am to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays) should you have any questions.

The Bouverie Centre coordinates the FaPMI (Families where a parent has a mental illness) Program, a statewide initiative which is funded by the Victorian government. Loss of connection to key supports will leave many families feeling isolated, especially those living with adversity.  Limited respite options and the cancellation of holiday activities for children and young people means they will have drastically reduced access to sports, social activities, connections and time with friends. In response to this unprecedented time, a group of FaPMI coordinators from across Victoria developed some simple, age specific resources to add to families’ own ideas about spending time together predominantly at home. The resources also give some guidance about explaining COVID-19 to children to help alleviate fear and information about getting help in a crisis.

My name is Coronavirus [PDF 1.5MB]

Meaningful time with your infant/child: 0-5 years [PDF 655KB]

Family fun when school is out: With children 6-12 years [PDF 799KB]

Family fun when school is out: With teens 13-18 years [PDF 767 KB]


For more information, you can contact Hanna Jewell, Statewide FaPMI Coordinator at FaPMIEnquiries@latrobe.edu.au or phone (03) 8481 4835. You can also contact your local FaPMI coordinator [PDF 276KB] who can provide additional support and information.

We are delivering our academic teaching online, with opportunities for face-to-face practical intensives once the COVID-19 pandemic passes. Our teaching faculty, backed up by our clinical staff, workforce development staff, researchers and the full resources of La Trobe University continuously develop material that integrates theory, practice, workplace context and the self-of-the-therapist, presented in dynamic ways that combine didactic presentations, online activities, peer reflection, and face-to-face therapeutic work with families where possible.

Students attending the Centre in any capacity, including for work with client families, are also asked to observe the health advisory precautions above.

Our professional development courses are now online (self-paced, live stream and blended) and allows you the flexibility and accessibility to attend training. We will resume in-person training alongside our suite of online courses in 2022.

We are continuing to develop our suite of blended and self-paced online learning to include Relational Trauma, Clinical Supervision Training, Introduction to Family Therapy, No Bullshit Therapy, First Steps in Family Work Skills, Narrative Therapy with Aboriginal and Islander Families, Healing Informed Practice and more.

Stay updated with our course offerings here.

Please contact us directly at (03) 8481 4800 to discuss options for in person training at your workplace.

We continue to provide all consultations and supervision services in person where possible (in line with government advice) and online using videoconferencing platforms.

We will privilege phone and on-line communications. We will actively consult regarding the best ways to achieve the key goals of the project under the current circumstances.

For the latest, reliable advice and resources about COVID-19

Online resources and information are available on the Health Direct website. Telephone advice is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. If you are unwell or concerned about your physical health, please speak to your doctor.


Last updated 30 August 2021