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.