Personal counselling
About the student counselling service
Life's difficulties and demands can get in the way of studying and achieving goals.
Kangan Batman TAFE offers a free counselling service to assist students through these difficulties, and help them reach their educational goals.
The counselling service is:
- available at all campuses
- staffed by experienced counsellors and registered psychologists
- offered face to face, in private
- by appointment only
- by telephone counselling, if necessary.
Some concerns and problems which you might seek assistance for are:
- Adjusting to major changes such as study commitments
- Managing stress and balancing other commitments
- Learning methods of relaxation
- Overcoming fears (eg of giving presentations or of exams)
- Working out relationship and family problems
- Coping with lack of friends or support
- Motivation, goal setting
- Easing depression, distress
- Rebuilding self esteem, confidence
- Dealing with challenging situations
- Understanding the Australian culture and education
- Sorting out mental health issues that may affect your study
- Resolving conflict with other people
Our counsellors can also help you apply for Special Consideration if illness or another serious cause has interfered with the completion of your course.
How can I talk to a personal counsellor?
Feel free to consult with a counsellor about any matter that is getting in the way of your study. If this kind of counselling turns out not to be what you need, the counsellor can refer you to other services.
Phone +61 3 9279 2511 to make an appointment.
If the matter is urgent, our counsellors will make every effort to assist you as soon as possible.
Confidentiality
Counselling is confidential. Nothing you say to a counsellor will be disclosed to a third party without your consent. Counsellors do speak about their work, in a professional way to other counsellors (who are also bound by confidentiality) for the purpose of reviewing the counsellor's work. Usually only the first name is used in order to protect the person's privacy.
There are exceptions to confidentiality when the counsellor believes that your life or someone else's is at risk. In this case, the counsellor will usually tell you of their concern and what they intend to do. The counsellor may need to contact other health professionals and/or your family depending on the nature of the risk.
Feel free to ask your counsellor any questions you may have.
Mental health services
For more information on available Mental Health services, the government provides information for consumers, carers and services.
For mental health emergencies, depending where the person needing help is located, you should call the appropriate Psychiatric Triage services from the list below:
- Inner Urban East (Richmond campus) 1300 558 862
- North West (Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Coburg, Moreland campuses) 1300 768 073
- Inner West (Essendon, Docklands campuses) 1300 304 407
There is also a service especially for young people. For emergency help for adolescents (15 - 18 years):
- North West Metropolitan (Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Coburg, Moreland, Essendon, Docklands campuses) 1800 888 320
- North Eastern Metropolitan (Richmond campus) +61 3 9496 3620 (business hours) 1300 558 862 (all other times)
For adults aged over 18 years, seek help from the:
- Crisis & Assessment Team 18+ (if suicidal or appearing to have a serious mental disorder)
North West Area (Broadmeadows)
(03) 9356 5611 Business hours
(03) 9356 5000 After HoursInner North West Area (Essendon)
(03) 9377 3400 Business Hours
(03) 9342 7000 After Hours