It is normal to have worries from time to time as a young adult. Being prepared to do something about dealing with those worries is a mark of maturity and indicates you are prepared to take responsibility for yourself. As part of its commitment to your well-being, the College provides a free and confidential counselling service which can be used by any student in Years 5-12.
How do you make an appointment?
Students in Years 11 and 12 should use study periods
for counselling appointments in preference to coming out of formal classes, unless the matter is urgent.
Students in Years 7-10 may make an appointment for themselves by a personal approach to one of the counsellors. Appointments can be made for any time during the school day. Counsellors can also be available by arrangement before and after school and at lunchtime.
Junior School students may make their own appointments, or if they prefer they can ask their teacher or the Junior School Pastoral Care Co-ordinator to make an appointment on their behalf.
Does it cost anything to see a counsellor?
No. It’s a service provided by the College at no cost to you or your parents.
Where can you find the counsellors?
The counsellors are located near the Careers Advisor in offices on the top floor of the Coghlan Building. Go up the stairs near the tennis courts and go to the top floor. The offices are on your left.
What is a psychologist?
A person has to have the appropriate university training, supervision and experience before being registered to work as a psychologist, just as a doctor, nurse or solicitor is registered. Psychologists who work in schools are experienced in dealing with the range of personal and educational issues that teenagers and pre-teens may have from time to time.
What can you talk about?
Anything that is worrying you. It is your call. You can tell your story in your own words and you can have any questions answered.
Will my teacher know I have been to the counsellor?
Out of courtesy to a teacher or Year Coordinator, the counsellor will let them know that your absence from class is accounted for, but a teacher will not ask you why you have been to see a counsellor nor will they be told.
Common Issues for students
The following list is drawn from the experiences of many teenagers and young adults who have worked with counsellors in a variety of situations - schools, TAFE colleges, community health centres, telephone help lines and internet youth counselling services. It covers some of the worries that young people have from time to time.
- Behaviour at school.
- Behaviour at home.
- Making and keeping friends; friendship groups.
- Boy/girl relationships.
- Family relationships (communication, trust, separation, divorce).
- Progress at school; changing schools, leaving school.
- Loss and bereavement.
- Inappropriate use of drugs, including tobacco and alcohol.
- Physical changes of puberty.
- Emotional issues (anger, anxiety, loneliness, depression).
If these are some of the things that worry you from time to time, or if you have other concerns, it would be a good idea to talk them over on a one-to-one basis with a trusted adult. That person could be a parent, relative, sports coach, teacher or counsellor. The College counsellors are available to you during school hours and may be able to help you work through your worries before they become major problems. ‘
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