New and affordable counselling services address critical need in Perth's north
A range of affordable counselling services are now open to the public at the Edith Cowan University (ECU) Health Centre, Wanneroo.
First published by ECU
A range of affordable counselling services are now open to the public at the Edith Cowan University (ECU) Health Centre, Wanneroo.
The personalised counselling services are led by ECU's final year Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy students, guided by specialist couples and family therapists who are also senior clinicians and lecturers in ECU’s counselling program.
The ECU Counselling Service operates in partnership with ECU Psychological Services at the ECU Health Centre for a holistic approach to care.
Counselling services include:
- Individual and relationship counselling
- Counselling for couples and families
- Counselling for children (aged 6 years and above) and adolescents
- Difficulties through life transitions
- Understanding difficult emotional issues
- Loneliness and isolation
- Grief, loss and bereavement
- Parent-teen conflicts
- School or friendship related challenges
Urgent need in northern suburbs
Academic Lead Counselling Discipline Dr Sonam Pelden said the new services offer a twofold benefit in providing real-world experience to ECU Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy students and addressing a lack of counselling services available to children and families in the northern suburbs.
"An ECU research project in 2020 highlighted a significant need for counselling services for children and families in Perth's northern suburbs," she said.
"Suburbs including Clarkson, Alkimos and Yanchep were identified as having a high demand for services yet faced low service provision, and this continues to be the case," Dr Pelden said.
"Our ECU Counselling Service is aiming to bridge that gap, offering support for individuals, couples, families, and children.
"We welcome and support people from all walks of life, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTIQ+ community, migrants, and older adults."
Affordable and tailored services
ECU's new counselling services are tailored to the individual needs of clients, offering both short and long-term services at an affordable cost with the aim of making counselling accessible for all.
Fees range from $10 for casual workers, students and unemployed, $20 for part-time workers and $30 for full-time workers.
"In the current economic climate people who need counselling services may not be able to afford them," Dr Pelden said.
"By charging the minimum amount possible we're hoping to pave the way for more people to access the services they need."
Students can put theory into practice
Danielle Hayman is a final year student of ECU's Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy course and is one of the counsellors you might meet at the ECU Health Centre in Wanneroo.
"I really look forward to my practicum days and enjoy being part of the student team. It is a supportive and cohesive environment, and so far, no two days are quite the same," Danielle said.
"I feel lucky to have the support of the lecturers onsite, who provide both practical support and clinical supervision, assisting the team to put into practice all the skills and knowledge we have gained in the course.
Danielle explained how the practical experience is providing valuable exposure to a diverse group of clients experiencing a variety of challenges.
"It's helping me to develop confidence and skills as a counsellor as well as implement the knowledge I've gained throughout the course," she said.
"The experience of providing a professional counselling service to members of the community and the guidance and supervision of the ECU staff is an invaluable opportunity for professional growth and reflective practice."
ECU Counselling Service also provides groups, workshops and community education on:
- Online safety and digital world challenges
- Healthy relationships
- Understanding difficult emotional issues
- Parenting support groups
- Self-development groups
Student counsellors practice according to the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia's (PACFA) standards.
The ECU Counselling Service is located at the ECU Health Centre, Level 2, 30 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo WA 6065. For more information email pscyhologicalservices@ecu.edu.au or call (08) 6304 7200.
Featuring
Dr Sonam Pelden, Lecturer, School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University, Perth.
