Counselling service
The University provides a free counselling service for students.
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 - Karen Simpson, BA (Hons) DipEd Couns MAPS
Counsellor - Kelly Barrett, BSW (Hons)
Counsellor - Andrea Rohde, BA (Hons) BSW MBus (Admin Mgt) Grad Cert Mediat
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
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
Other services
- Lifeline (24 hours): 13 11 14
- Crisis Care (4pm-9am): 13 16 11
- Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hours): 1800 800 098
- Domestic Violence Crisis Service: 1300 782 200
- Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service: 8226 8787 (24 hours); 1800 817 421 (toll free)
- ACIS (Acute Crisis Intervention Service: Adult Mental Heath): 13 14 65
- Alcohol and Drug Information Service (24 hours): 1300 13 13 40
- Youth Healthline: 1300 13 17 19; 8303 1691 (mobile ph callers - standard rates apply)
- Mensline (24 hours): 1300 78 99 78
- Women's Information Service: 8303 0590; 1800 188 158
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.