Flinders University

Counselling service

The University provides a free counselling service for students. Our counsellors have qualifications in psychology and social work and are highly experienced.

The counsellors have background experience in a broad range of areas including mental health, education, cross cultural counselling, disability, sexual diversity, drugs and alcohol, trauma, sexual assault and family and relationship issues.

To make an appointment to see a counsellor phone 8201 2118 or drop in and speak to the reception staff.

We try to see students on the day if the matter is urgent.

A drop-in service from 11am-12.30pm each weekday offers short appointments to deal with any immediate concerns.

There is also a Phonelink Counselling Service from 3.30pm-4.30pm. Phone 8201 2118.

Further information

Need help now

Contact details for other services

Who are we ...

Andrew Wood, BSW MSocSc GradDipFamTh
Head of Counselling Service and Counsellor
Lesley Bretag, BA DipAppPsych MASH
Counsellor
Anne Hayes, BA (Hons) DipEd M Psych(Ed) MAPS
Counsellor
Christopher O'Grady, BSW
Student Equal Opportunity Adviser/Counsellor
Roei Plaves, B.Psych (hons), M. Psych (Clin)
Counsellor
Andrea Rohde, BA (Hons) BSW MBus (Admin Mgt) Grad Cert Mediat
Counsellor
Lisa Shanahan BSc (Psych) Hons, Grad Dip Educ, M. Psych (Clin), PhD submitted
Counsellor
Nicola Williams, BSW, BSocSci (CommServ)
Counsellor
Helen Herreen
Finance and administration
Chris Crichton
Reception and administration
Clair Pavey
Reception and administration

What is counselling?

Counselling is a collaborative process where the counsellor and student work together to understand and resolve an issue that is causing concern. The counsellor acts as a facilitator in this confidential process, and has a range of resources to assist students.

Why do students come for counselling?

Students attend for a number of different reasons, including:

Academic issues

time management / procrastination
exam anxiety
presentation anxiety
support for extensions and supplementary examination applications
assistance with retrospective withdrawal and HECS remission applications
academic planning
disability accommodations.

Personal issues

Relationship breakups
Low self-confidence
Depression
Anxiety
Stress management
Problem solving / decision making
Managing a crisis
Bullying

Need help now?

If you feel you are in immediate physical danger, telephone:

24 Hour Emergency Services (police, ambulance, fire) – 000
Police non-urgent contact number – 13 14 44
Campus security – extension 12880

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, telephone:

24 hour Mental Health Triage Service - 131 465

Other services

Lifeline (24 hours): 13 11 14
Telephone crisis counselling and support
Crisis Care (4pm-9am): 13 16 11
Telephone crisis counselling and support
Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hours): 1800 800 098
Telephone counselling for victims of DV and people who commit DV
Domestic Violence Crisis Service: 1300 782 200
Office hours telephone counselling for victims of DV and people who commit DV
Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service: 8226 8787 (24 hours); 1800 817 421 (toll free)
Information and support service for people who have been raped or sexually assaulted
Alcohol and Drug Information Service (24 hours): 1300 13 13 40
Telephone information, counselling and referral service for anyone concerned about drug or alcohol use
Youth Healthline: 1300 13 17 19; 8303 1691 (mobile ph callers - standard rates apply)
Telephone counselling, support and information for young people aged 12-25
Mensline (24 hours): 1300 78 99 78
Telephone support, information and referral service helping men deal with relationship problems
Women's Information Service: 8303 0590; 1800 188 158
Office hours information and referral service for all women in South Australia

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about a particular problem or concern, you may find information on our self-help pages or on one of the web sites listed on our useful links page.