Counselling
- Kindergarten-Year 12
Ms Juliet Reiner
P: (02) 9327 9413 - Kindergarten-Year 6
Ms Sophie Heseltine
P: (02) 9327 9419
A feature of Cranbrook School's ethos is the emphasis on the needs of the individual. The School is committed to offering care and counsel through the School Counsellor when problems and painful situations arise within and outside the School context.
The School Counsellors are trained educational psychologists. They play a significant role in all aspects of the pastoral care of students at Cranbrook School. They counsel individual students and families, in relation to needs identified by the parent, Housemaster, Tutor, teacher or the student himself. Areas of concern may include anxiety, depression, school refusal, behavioural concerns, motivation issues, family and relationship difficulties, and peer and social relationships. The School Counsellors also conduct or facilitate psychological and educational assessments for individuals or groups as required.
The Referral Process
- A member of staff may identify a need and refer the matter to the Housemaster or the Head of Senior School, one of whom will give a written referral to the School Counsellor.
- A Housemaster may identify a need and give a written referral to the School Counsellor.
- A parent may identify a need and request assistance through the Housemaster who will give a written referral to the School Counsellor.
- A parent may identify a need and liaise directly with the School Counsellor.
- Senior students may refer themselves to the School Counsellor. Appointments are made directly with the Counsellor.
Group-work Programs
To support students in all sections of the School, programs addressing the following issues are provided:
- anxiety
- depression
- anxiety prevention
- behaviour management
- social skills
- boarding care
- peer relations, including bullying.
Confidentiality
The counseling service is a confidential process offered to students and families. However, this process is bound by duty of care requirements and the Children and Young Persons Act (1998). Consequently, the School Counsellor has a mandatory reporting obligation to disclose information and break confidentiality when there are reasonable grounds to believe that:
- a student is at risk of harm to himself
- a student is at risk of harm from others (ie verbal or physical abuse, neglect, sexual assault, domestic violence)
- a student is at risk of harming another individual
- a serious crime has been committed
- a subpoena is served on the School Counsellor to present documents at Court.
Useful Telephone Numbers
| Kids Helpline | 1800 551 800 |
|---|---|
| Lifeline - 24 hours | 13 11 14 |
| Salvo Crisis/Suicide Prevention Line | 9331 2000 |
| Domestic Violence Line | 1800 654 648 |
| Relationships Australia - adolescent and family therapy | 1800 654 463 |
| ADIS - Alcohol and Drug Information and Counselling Line | 1800 422 599 |
| Gamblers Anonymous | 9564 1514 |
Police Stations
|
9362 6399 9365 9699 8356 8299 |
Useful Websites
| Kids Helpline | www.kidshelp.com.au | 24-hour counselling |
|---|---|---|
| Beyond Blue | www.beyondblue.org.au | depression and anxiety |
| Reach Out | www.reachout.com.au | depression, anxiety, eating disorders, drug and alcohol information, family issues, grief and loss |
| Yes to Life | www.yestolife.com.au | depression and anxiety |
| Make a Noise | www.makeanoise.ysp.org.au | adolescent-related issues and discussion topics |
| Lifeline | www.lifeline.org.au | 24-hour counseling |
| Black Dog Institute | www.blackdoginstitute.org.au | depression and bipolar information |