Counselling Services
What is Counselling?
Counselling is a process of developing an understanding about ourselves, our hopes, dreams and fears, how we relate to others and how we can make changes in our lives to reach our potential and achieve our goals.
Counselling provides an opportunity to discover your own voice and find the courage to express it. It may mean practicing new skills, undertaking set tasks or even accepting challenges to venture into new ways of thinking, acting and feeling. Your counsellor will listen, encourage you to talk openly and honestly about your concerns, and help you reach your own decisions about the best way forward.
The counselling room is a safe place where you can talk privately with someone who will listen and not judge you or take sides.
Personal Counselling at OLSCC is positive, future and solution focused. It’s generally brief in nature, yet it is not about finding quick fixes or miracle cures. It is a gradual process of understanding how our thoughts affect our feelings and how we choose to act. It includes self- reflection, honesty and openness.
Some areas students seek assistance include: grief and loss, stress, anxiety or worry, depressed or sad mood, relationship difficulties, anger /aggression, friendship problems , family problems, loneliness, confidence, conflict with peers, family and teachers, bullying or harassment.
If you are interested in discussing counselling services at the College for your child, you can:
- Email me at : katrina.ballantyne@twb.catholic.edu.au
- Phone or Email the College Office on: 07 4672 411 Dalby@twb.catholic.edu.au
Please note, the provision of counselling at the college is usually a short-term intervention service. This service should not replace existing psychological/counselling support that your child is accessing outside of school.
Guidance Counsellor Confidentiality
The sharing of information between the Guidance Counsellor and College Staff and /or other agencies or professionals involved can be important to help with a more coordinated approach in working towards better outcomes for students.
Likewise, the positive involvement of parents, family members or other key support people you trust can also help you reach your goals sooner.
If sharing of information is to occur it will be handled respectfully and on a strictly ‘need to know basis’s for the purpose of supporting you and the provision of the most appropriate care. If I believe the sharing of information would benefit you or be in your best interests, I will discuss this with you and ask you to consider giving your permission for this to occur.
In most situations I will make some brief notes. This is so I can remember what we have discussed and what I have done to assist you. These notes are kept in a secure place.
If in doubt about confidentiality or any other part of the Counselling Service, please ask.
Where else can I go for help?
- Family Doctor - General Practitioner
- Kids Help Line 1800 55 1800 (freecall) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- PARENTLINE 1300 301 300 8am to midnight, 7 days a week
- Lifeline 13 11 14 (24 hour Telephone and Crisis Counselling Service
- Homelessness Hotline Phone: 1800 177 107
- Men’s Line Australia - Phone: 1300 789 978
- Pregnancy Help Line -Phone: 1300 301 300
- Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline- Phone: 1800 010 120
- Suicide call back service (24/7 telephone and online counselling) Ph: 1300 659 467
- Alcohol and Drug Information Service 24 Hour counselling – 1800 177 833
1300 MH CALL ( 24/7 mental health support line) Ph: 1300 64 2255
Beyond Blue (anyone feeling anxious or depressed) Ph: 1300 22 4636
1800Respect (confidential information, counselling and support service open 24 hours to support people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse) Ph: 1800 73 7732
