Services /
Counselling Services
The following provides details on the counselling services available through SCWHS. It is advisable that clients contact SCWHS to enquire about appointment availability and that they speak with a counsellor to ensure SCWHS is appropriate for their needs.
Emotional Health and Wellbeing Counselling
Provides assessment and counselling to women for a range of issues such as generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, phobias depression, trauma, grief and loss and relationship problems. Evidence based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Schema Therapy and Solution Focussed are practiced by qualified counsellors. The service has been in operation since 1992.
“Professional, caring, understanding counsellor.” [Parent]
How to access the service
The service is open to all women and their families. It does not need a referral. An appointment is needed. Reduced rates apply to Health Care Card holders.
Prior to an appointment all clients are given a date and time to call back to speak to a counsellor to ensure SCWHS is the best service to meet their needs.
Empowering Women’s Support Group
This is an ongoing support group available to women of all ages. It has been operating since 1999 and is held fortnightly during school terms to provide support and information to women regarding a range of issues. Within a safe group environment, women are able to give and receive support from other women, develop communication and assertiveness skills and build self confidence. The group also offers the opportunity for women to meet new people, build up new friendships and assists with personal growth.
“This is the first time in months that I've been able to have a conversation with another adult without continually being interrupted and having my attention demanded all the time. I can't believe it was that easy!” [Attendee]
How to access the Service
The service is only open to women who are currently or who have previously attended SCWHS counselling services. A referral is needed. A small fee applies per session.
Children’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing Counselling
The program has been operating since 2005 and provides counselling for children aged 4 - 12 years of age. Contact SCWHS for appointments on (08) 9550 0900.
The issues that children present with can range from family abuse, loss and grief, anxiety, depression self esteem and/or social skills issues and separation and divorce issues. Some children attend counselling due to having been a witness to or victim of domestic violence. The service also receives referrals from the Child Protection Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital. There is also the opportunity to involve parents and assist with parenting skills to bring about change for all parties
This program is supported by St John of God (Murdoch).
“I can have my children in counselling and get counselling separately for myself - because I need help now.” [Grieving mother]
How to access this service
Children may be referred by parents, caregivers, legal guardians or service providers. An appointment is needed. Counselling fees are subsidised by St John of God (Murdoch). Reduced rates apply to Health Care Card holders.
Prior to an appointment all clients are given a date and time to call back to speak to a counsellor to ensure SCWHS is the best service to meet their needs.