Counselling Service

The Counselling Service is available to all students and members of the school community. The Counselling Service is there to provide confidential help and support. We aim to help students cope more effectively with pathway development and personal or emotional difficulties that may arise during their time at High school.

Counsellors are generally contactable on weekdays from 8.00am – 4:30pm during term time.

Making Appointments

STUDENTS:

Appointments can be booked:

• by directly e-mailing the Student Counsellor you wish to see
• in person at the Counselling Rooms before or after school, at recess or lunch break
• through the middle school office (Year 7 and 8 only)
• via another staff member

NON-STUDENTS:

Appointments can be booked:

• by phoning the Student Counsellor directly
• by directly e-mailing the Student Counsellor you wish to see
  or through contact with another staff member

In An Emergency

If you need to talk to someone urgently, or if you need emergency medical or psychiatric help, here are some suggestions of 24 hour services whom to contact:

• Kids Help Line 1800 551 800 (free call)
• Parent Help Line 1300 364 100
• Crisis Care 131 611
• Life Line 131 114
• Youth Health Line 1300 131 719

WHAT IS COUNSELLING?

Counselling offers you the opportunity to confidentiality explore issues in a private setting with someone who understands. Many students find that talking things over with a trained listener can offer a new perspective and help you find ways to deal positively with difficult situations.

Counselling is a joint process that requires your motivation and active involvement. The counsellor will help you explore your feelings, thoughts and personal experiences in order to work towards finding your own solutions or find best way forward.

Counsellors are trained to be non-judgmental, reflective, and respectful of individual differences. They offer professional support and expertise on a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties.

WHAT CAN I TALK ABOUT?

Any inquiry or problem, no matter how big or small, can be brought to the Student Counsellors. Common concerns include pathway planning, organization strategies, academic pressures, problems with concentration, family and relationship difficulties, eating disorders, issues with self-esteem and confidence, depression, anxiety, grief and loss.

Sometimes there isn’t a specific problem but you may simply want to talk about feeling unhappy or confused. You don’t have to be in crisis or at the end of your tether before you contact a counsellor.

HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

Some students attend only once and find this is enough. Others may need several sessions or return at different points throughout their years at high school. Every person’s particular situation is unique. The counsellor will discuss with you what they can offer, given your personal circumstances and the resources available.

The counselling service we offer is primarily time-limited. Students who need longer-term support may be encouraged to discuss with their GP the possibility of a specialist referral. We can also provide information about community counselling resources, or help you to find a private counsellor or local agency, if you prefer.

At Hallett Cove School we have two school based psychologists from In-School Psychology who work in school one day each week. The Student Counsellors can support you to access the psychologists who have expertise in providing therapy to young people.

IS IT CONFIDENTIAL?

All of the help and support we offer remains confidential. This means we do not disclose verbal or written information about you to others without your consent.

Confidentiality is, however, subject to certain legal constraints. There are also rare occasions when the rule of confidentiality might be waived, particularly when we believe there is a risk to your safety and wellbeing.

DO COUNSELLORS KEEP NOTES?

Student Counsellors may keep written information on meetings as part of good professional practice. Individual counsellors may keep written memory notes of ongoing counselling sessions and actions that have been agreed on. These records stay securely within the Counselling Service and are for our use only.

CONCERNED ABOUT A FRIEND OR PARTNER?

The Counsellors are occasionally contacted by students with concerns about a friend or partner. Caring for an emotionally troubled friend can be stressful and upsetting. We are happy to offer a confidential consultation, which can help to clarify your concerns and decide how best to respond. A discussion with a counsellor can also help you to keep in mind your own limits and to know when to stop intervening and seek adult support.

If your friend or partner is also a student, and wants to see a counsellor, they should contact us directly. By making his or her own appointment, they will feel more committed and involved, and will be much more likely to keep the appointment.

Timing and motivation are both factors in the effectiveness of counselling. This means it is important that students book their own appointments and decide for themselves whether this is the right time to seek help.