Frequently Asked Questions - Counselling

	With what kinds of problems can a counsellor provide support?
	How do I get to see a counsellor?
	Do I get to choose who I see?
	Will I have to pay?
	How long does counselling take?
	What happens during a counselling appointment?
	Is what I say to a counsellor confidential?
	Can a Counsellor help me get Special Consideration for exams or assignments or if I am at risk of being kicked-out of my course?
	Do Counsellors use psychological tests?
	Is Counselling part of the Student Union or SSAA?
	Is Counselling available for International Students?
	How qualified are the counsellors?

Q. With what kinds of problems can a counsellor provide support?

A. Counsellors can help with a wide range of problems, difficulties and concerns. These might be of personal nature. They might involve relationships or family issues. They might involve stressful things that are happening in your life which affect your study or work. Counsellors can help with problems you may be having with your studies. If you are thinking of dropping out of your course it is a really good idea to talk with a counsellor first.

Q. How do I get to see a counsellor?

A. There are counsellors on all Swinburne campuses. You can phone to make an appointment, or you can just drop-in (in some instances there may be a short waiting period). Counselling is normally available during business hours but other times can be arranged. For contact and location information, click your campus:

Croydon | Hawthorn | Healesville | Lilydale | Prahran | Wantirna |

Q. Do I get to choose who I see?

A. On most campuses there are two or more counsellors. When you make an appointment this is usually with the first available counsellor. If you want to see a particular counsellor (for example a female counsellor) it may be possible for the Reception person to arrange this.

Q. Will I have to pay?

A. No. Counselling is provided at no charge to currently enrolled students of Swinburne.

Q. How long does counselling take?

A. The usual counselling appointment is around 50 minutes but this may be reduced or extended according to need. Many difficulties can be sorted out in a single counselling appointment. Others may be best managed by seeing the counsellor on a number of occasions.

Q. What happens during a counselling appointment?

A. That depends greatly on the nature of the problem or the issue. Usually, the counsellor will encourage you to explain what kind of help you think you need. The counsellor will talk with you to help you get a clear idea of the problem and what kinds of options there are for dealing with the problem. The counsellor will help you decide what is the best option for you and how to put this into action.

Q. Is what I say to a counsellor confidential?

A. Ordinarily, what you say to a counsellor is confidential and will not be passed-on to anyone else (like a teacher or another family member) without your consent. An exception to this could be if a counsellor had good reasons to be concerned for your safety or the safety of someone else. If you would like more details about your privacy click here for the Swinburne Privacy Statement.

Q. Can a Counsellor help me get Special Consideration for exams or assignments or if I am at risk of being kicked-out of my course?

A. Yes. Sometimes crises happen in your personal life which affect your ability to study, do assignments or sit exams. Talking with a counsellor can often help you to manage the situation better. If necessary, the counsellor may be able to write a letter supporting your Application for Special Consideration, or you explanation of why you should not be excluded from your course, or your Appeal against a failure grade or an exclusion decision. If you wish, the counsellor can accompany you if you have to appear before a Progress Review Committee or an Appeal Committee. The Student Union have Education Officers who also provide support to assist students through their appeals and reviews and other academic concerns.

Q. Do Counsellors use psychological tests?

A. Counsellors do not require you to take psychological tests. Sometimes a counsellor who is a psychologist might suggest that a particular test could provide you with useful information. For example, if you believed that the course you were enrolled in did not seem to fit your interests or abilities.

Q. Is Counselling part of the Student Union or SSAA?

A. No. The Counsellors are employed by Swinburne in the Student Services Department. Student Services, the Student Union and SSAA are quite separate, though the counsellors often work closely with SSAA Academic Advisors to help particular students.

Q. Is Counselling available for International students?

A. Yes. The Counsellors see a lot of International students and are quite familiar with issues that particularly affect students living away from their home and loved ones. All students are welcome at the Student Development and Counselling service.

Q. How qualified are the counsellors?

A. All the Student Development and Counselling counsellors are fully-qualified, with many years of study and practical experience. Many counsellors are also registered Psychologists who have undergone extensive training. In some situations, you may be seen by a student counsellor, under the supervision of an experienced professional. If you are concerned about this, however, you can request to see someone more experienced.