Student counselling

You or a friend may want to speak to us if you are experiencing:

• difficulties adjusting to university life, including homesickness
• exam stress and/or difficulties managing your time and priorities
• stress, irritability or anger
• mild to moderate mental health issues, including anxiety and depression
• difficulties with family and relationship issues
• grief or loss
• alcohol and drug issues
• sexuality and gender identity questions
• anything which impacts upon your life or general well-being.

Counselling is:

• voluntary
• confidential within ethical and legal constraints
• independent of Faculty and other university staff
• non-judgemental.

Counselling is not:

• an indication you are ‘crazy’, ‘weak’, or ‘stupid’
• two friends chatting
• a means of discipline or punishment
• telling you what you should or shouldn’t do.

What happens in appointments

• Appointments last for 50 minutes.
• First appointment: Confidentiality is discussed and we spend time getting to know you. We may ask about how you are coping with university life, what your family and friends are like, and what feelings and thoughts you have been experiencing. This is to help work out the best solution for you.
• Repeat Appointments: You can speak to us just once or a few times. Time between appointments is generally 1-2 weeks. This will allow you to try the strategies discussed with you.
• Referrals: We may suggest that you see a doctor, a dietician, or another service or counsellor in town. We will try to recommend free or low-cost services.
• Remember, these are your appointments so ask or tell us anything that is on your mind!

While you are waiting for your appointment

There maybe short delays when trying to book an appointment with the counselling service. While you are waiting for your appointment and require urgent assistance please contact alternative National Support Services.

Skype video counselling is a convenient alternative to traditional face-to-face counselling. Skype counselling allows you to build a professional therapeutic relationship with your counsellor. It allows your counsellor to see you and listen intently to your concerns or worries, and for you to see how your counsellor is responding to you.

Skype Counselling is becoming an increasingly popular way for any student to connect with our experienced counsellors, especially in this ever changing fast paced society. It can be a convenient option as you don’t need to go into the counselling service, and you may feel more comfortable in the privacy of your own home.

A Skype appointment is usually booked for one hour. Your counsellor will talk with you at the beginning of your first appointment about what will happen if you disconnect or there are technical issues. We recommend you find a private place where you will not be overheard to ensure your counselling session is private and confidential.

In light of COVID-19, and to prioritise your safety and wellbeing, we have transitioned our counselling service to phone and Skype counselling.

Phone counselling is is a convenient alternative to traditional face-to-face counselling. it is beneficial because it enables you to connect with your counsellor wherever you are.  It can be a convenient option as you don’t need to go into the counselling service, and you may feel more comfortable in the privacy of your own home.

A phone appointment is usually booked for one hour. Your counsellor will talk with you at the beginning of your first appointment about what will happen if you disconnect or there are technical issues. We recommend you find a private place where you will not be overheard to ensure your counselling session is private and confidential.

In light of COVID-19, and to prioritise your safety and wellbeing, we have transitioned our counselling service to phone and Skype counselling.

We will keep your information private, except for a few circumstances. We do not tell lecturers, parents or partners that you have visited our service. However, under any of the following conditions, we are required by law to disclose sensitive information:

• imminent harm to self
• danger to/from others
• child welfare concerns
• subpoena or court order
• commitment of a major criminal offence.

You will need documentation to apply for special consideration. We can only provide it if you either:

1. are already a client of the Student Counselling Service and are working with us to achieve your personal and academic goals. You are required to have spoken to us more than once.
2. have not had prior contact with us but you have experienced a serious, recent event or incident.

If we are unable to provide documentation, a registered medical practitioner or counsellor external to the University who is aware of your circumstances may be able to. They will have to complete the Charles Sturt Medical Certificate.

How to apply for Special Consideration

• Information about how to apply for Special Consideration, including the forms you will need to complete and how to submit these.
• For assistance with student appeals and advocacy please contact Student Liaison Officers

If you live elsewhere in Australia or overseas, you can make an appointment via phone or Skype (webcam) or sign up for email counselling.