Counselling Services

School Counsellors are available at each school in the Diocese to work collaboratively with school communities to promote and foster the development and mental health of students. The Counsellors provide a consulting service for students with personal, social, emotional and educational needs. The Counsellors acknowledge and attempt to be responsive to the diverse needs of the contemporary Catholic school which caters for an increasingly complex community of teachers and learners. This response occurs in partnership with members of the school community as an integral part of the educational endeavours of that community.

In primary schools Counsellor services are provided to a cluster of schools. The Counsellor delivers direct services to schools. The focus of this support is child centred and it can involve direct counselling or the provision of consultancy skills to facilitate programmes such as peer support or implementing specific programmes for personal growth. The Counsellor works as part of the school team to promote a positive school environment that deals with issues such as bullying or peer pressures.

Within the secondary schools Counsellors can provide direct counselling support or a wider range of activities, pertaining to careers counselling, or assist families in supporting their students as they mature into young adults in our community.