Guidance and Counselling Service
Information about the service
School counsellors provide appropriate psychological services to students that address educational, social, emotional and behavioural needs, either individually or in groups. Working collaboratively with families, school communities and external agencies is integral to the role. School counsellors work proactively and responsively within the principles of a Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention framework.
School counsellors are required to be registered with the ACT Psychology Board. They are also required to have teaching qualifications.
Counsellors work within the ACT Education Act, the ACT Health Professionals Act and other relevant legislation.
How can a school counsellor help
Counsellors have a range of skills that enable them to assist students, parents and teachers with issues that can affect the student’s educational progress and adjustment including, for example:
- learning difficulties
- behaviour management
- special education services
- social skills
- family relationships
- grief and loss
- personal development
- study skills
- protective behaviours
- transition across sectors
- secondary subject choice and career advise
- tertiary course options
- conflict resolution
- gifted and talented students
This may be achieved by:
- psycho educational assessment and recommendations for support
- counselling (individual and group)
- referrals to and liaison with community agencies and other professionals
- in-servicing and consulting with school staff
- parent liaison
- parent education and discussion groups
- curriculum development
- mediation and negotiation
- confidential discussions
How to contact a School Counsellor?
Parents can contact their school counsellor directly at their child's school.
The Assistant Manager and Senior Counsellors can be contacted through the Student Support Section
Phone: (02) 6205 6925
Fax: (02) 6205 7623
