Counselling at Berwick Campus

Monash University Counselling Service provides professional and confidential assistance to students and staff of the University.

The service is staffed by experienced psychologists who are trained with particular skills in assisting people explore, understand and work on resolving difficulties related to the demands of University and life in general.

Appointments

It may be possible for people to be seen immediately but it is advisable to make an appointment in advance. Appointments can be made personally or by telephone.

In special circumstances it may be possible to arrange an appointment outside normal hours by arrangement with one of the staff members.

Location

• Building 930, Located at the base of the communications tower. At the city end of the library building.
• Similar services are available at the Parkville, Peninsula, Caulfield, Gippsland and Clayton Campuses.
• Note: University Counselling Service is free and confidential to all Monash students and staff.

Individual Counselling

This service is free to Monash students and staff and can involve short-term problem resolution or longer, more intensive psychotherapy, so it can be useful to those with mild difficulty in their lives as well as those with more serious or long-standing problems, where referrals can be arranged if necessary.

Issues often discussed are:

• personal unhappiness and distress
• approaches to study and study difficulties
• identity and confidence issues
• dealing with stress, anxiety and depression
• examination performance
• course and vocational uncertainties
• relationship and sexual issues
• marriage and family difficulties
• bereavement
• uncertainties about deferring or leaving University
• work related problems
• transition problems
• anger management

The service is free, confidential and is designed for students and staff at Monash University.

Seminar Programs

Throughout the year various programs are offered to teach skills for academic survival and for personal growth and development.

These programs address such issues as:

• improving your study skills
• managing time effectively
• concentration
• preparing for exams
• stress management and relaxation
• decision making
• assertiveness and self esteem
• motivation

Consultation

The staff are available for consultation with groups or individuals within the University on matters relating to staff or student welfare.

In the past, seminars, lectures or workshops have been presented for various student or staff groups. For example, Service psychologists have participated in Mature Age Student Orientation, Group Presentation skills, Orientation for Overseas Students, Staff Development Training for various departments, and Basic Counselling Skills.

Programs can be developed to meet specific needs of academic, social or special interest groups, e.g. programs to enhance students' ability to work together on projects, to speak up or make presentations in tutorials. Counselling Service staff have also offered programs in areas of stress management, conflict resolution, team building, work place communication and coping with traumatic incidents.

Testing

The service offers vocational testing which is available for students and staff on a fee-for-service basis.

After Hours Telephone Counselling Service

+61-1300 361 008

An after hours telephone counselling service is available to students of Monash University. The service is provided by OSA Group who are the current external provider of the Monash University Employee Assistance Program for staff.

This service is

• Available by calling +61-1300 361 008
• Provided by qualified and experienced psychologists
• Private and confidential
• Free
• Available from 5PM to 9AM, Monday to Friday
• Available from 5PM Friday to 9AM Monday

24 Hour Emergency Services

Emergency Numbers

These numbers are provided for use in Melbourne, Australia where the services listed here are located. The 1800 numbers can be used anywhere within Australia. Whilst the information provided here is for the benefit of the Monash University community, none of the organisations have any association with Monash University and no undertaking is given as to their efficacy.