Student Counselling
Student Counselling Service
At times, we can all experience personal difficulties that may cause disruption and confusion in our lives and, sometimes, the lives of those with whom we are connected. Study ordinarily involves a significant commitment and disciplined routine in order to achieve academic success: unfortunately, sometimes ‘other matters intrude’ and in such circumstances, it can be helpful to seek counselling.
In recognising the importance of providing specialist support for students experiencing individual problems affecting academic progress, CDU employs a Counsellor to assist students in resolving such issues. The counsellor is available for contact with students in person, by telephone or by email or by using a combination of all such approaches.
Location of Counselling Services
The counsellor is a member of the CDU Support & Equity Services, located on Casuarina campus, in Blue building, level 1, room 21, telephone 08 8946 6288 and fax: 08 8946 6654.
Accessing Counselling
Counselling is by a self-referred, appointment basis, arranged by contacting Support & Equity reception staff, telephone 08 8946 6288.
Upon attendance, students are requested to complete a Registration Card for record and accountability purposes only, details of which are stored confidentially.
Appointments are usually a maximum of one hour duration. Ordinarily, the majority of sessions involve a period of short-term counselling interventions. However, in some circumstances, particularly where long-term counselling is necessary, alternative counselling options may be recommended.
Every effort will be made to support a student promptly should they feel they need to consult with the Counsellor urgently, such as in an emergency.
If unable to keep your appointment, please NOTIFY our reception staff IMMEDIATELY and re-arrange your appointment as necessary, thus making time available for another student.
What is Counselling?
Counselling is commonly understood as ‘talk therapy.’ It is a reflective process of personal disclosure by you with the support of your counsellor that involves talking, listening and action. The counsellor will help you explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and identify your concerns and, together, develop strategies to help resolve them.
To help benefit from counselling:
- Prepare for your session – for example, writing down your questions or concerns often helps;
- Embrace and commit yourself to the opportunity for self-evaluation and personal development – there are generally no ‘quick fixes,’ so arrange your schedule accordingly;
- Actively ‘participate’ and be as specific and ‘open’ as feels comfortable;
- Review your progress regularly;
- Engage yourself in undertaking any suggested goals and tasks.
How Can Counselling Help?
Counselling involves discussing personal issues that interfere with the achievement of your academic goals, such as:
- Anxiety;
- Conflict and assertiveness;
- Grief, bereavement and loss;
- Mood disorders, including depression;
- Personal and family difficulties;
- Relationship problems;
- Self-esteem, confidence and motivation;
- Situational stress;
- Trauma.
Counselling is a collaborative process whereby you are encouraged and assisted to resolve issues and gain problem-solving skills.
Confidentiality
Counselling services are confidential. A counsellor is ethically bound by a professional code of conduct that ensures no personal information will be released to another party without student (client) consent, the latter always obtained in writing wherever possible and including the reason(s) for such recommendation.
It should be noted, however, that where the following circumstances arise, the counsellor is legally and ethically obligated to disclose pertinent information regarding an individual client to a third party, without obtaining formal consent, if the latter is not obtained voluntarily:
- When the counsellor makes a professional judgement that you and/or someone else may be at risk of harm;
- Sexual abuse/assault of a minor;
- Where a court of law subpoenas the counsellor to disclose information.
An Introduction To Your Student Counsellor
Student Facilitator (Counselling)
Counselling Service
Jean is available by appointment for all students seeking to discuss any issues of concern affecting their academic and/or personal life.
Community Resources
Information:
- Overcoming Homesickness and Adjusting to University Life - Tips for International students and other newcomers to Charles Darwin University
- Feeling Blue - Darwin City Council's Guide to Support Services
- Australian Guidelines for the Treatment of Adults with Acute Stress Disorder & Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Information for people with ASD and PTS, their family and carers
Emergency:
- CDU Security – 08 8946 7777;
- Ambulance/Fire/Police – 000;
- Crisis Line (24 hour telephone counselling service) -1800 019 116 or 08 8981 9227;
- Lifeline – 13 11 14 or 08 8941 2365 (or, if calling from rural area – 1300 13 11 14);
- Darwin Top End Mental Health Service (Emergency Assessment Team) – 08 8999 4988;
- Royal Darwin Hospital – 08 8922 8888
- Darwin Sexual Assault Referral Centre (24 hour call) – 08 8922 7156
Other:
- Anglicare Financial Counselling Service – 08 8985 0000;
- Beyondblue depression support/information – 1300 22 4636
- Youth Beyondblue
- Centrelink (Youth and Students Line) – 132 490;
- Centrelink (Abstudy Enquiries) – 132 317;
- Centrelink (Appointments) – 131 021;
- Darwin Community Legal Centre – 1800 000 473;
- Gay and Lesbian information/support
- NT Anti Discrimination Commission – 1800 813 846;
- NT Legal Aid Commission – 08 8999 3000;
- SANE for mental health support – 1800 18 7263
- Youth services, NT
Medical Services:
The following local medical practices are reasonably accessible by students from the Casuarina University campus using public transport:
Dr. Annie Wells, former Charles Darwin University GP:
Arafura Medical Clinic
Casuarina Village Shopping Centre
Shop 23A CASUARINA - Tel: 8945 6911
Dr C G Ramdoss
Suite 5 Aralia St Shopping Complex
66 Aralia Street NIGHTCLIFF - Tel: 8985 3754
Dr Ramdoss may offer bulk billing to students who hold a Medicare Card
Dr Vicki Beaumont
6 Quandong Crescent NIGHTCLIFF - Tel: 8985 4064
Dr Vicki Beaumont may also consider offering rebates to Concessional Card Holders
The following Medical Practices are located in close proximity to CDU and have indicated their willingness to offer economically-priced consultations to students:
Casuarina Family Practice
Shop 200 Casuarina Shopping Square
247 Trower Road CASUARINA - Tel: 8927 7588
NB - the above Practice also has an arrangement to cater for CDU’s International students offered through OSHC Worldwide Direct Billing Services.
Night & Day Medical & Dental Surgery
Shop 31 Casuarina Shopping Centre
CASUARINA Tel: 8927 1899
Vanderlin Drive Surgery
38 Vanderlin Drive
CASUARINA Tel: 8945 5888
Medicross Medical Centre
Ground Floor
Darwin Private Hospital
Rocklands Drive CASUARINA Tel: 8920 6200
Palmerston Medical Clinic
6 Maluka Street PALMERSTON Tel: 8932 5100
NB – Bulk billing and after-hours access
For EMERGENCY medical services, contact:
Royal Darwin Hospital
Rocklands Drive CASUARINA - Tel: 8922 8888