THERAPY | senior phase

THE ROLLS OF THE PSYCHOLOGIST AND COUNSELLOR:  

The psychologist and counsellor form a team that is responsible for the personal and social well-being and development of the learners, parents and staff of Unity College.   Psychotherapy, play therapy (individual and in groups), parent counselling and life skills groups all form part of this therapy. The counsellor is primarily concerned with individual or group therapy in response to particular individual needs identified in the learners, while the psychologist is responsible for psycho-education and career assessments. These assessments are used to gain understanding of the learners’ functioning, ability and interventions needed.  

The school policy is that all the therapists keep progress notes on each child seen.  In the case of psychotherapy or counselling, these notes are kept confidential.  However, these process notes will be passed on to the next psychologist / counsellor to ensure continuity of therapy if the current psychologist / counsellor leaves.

In order to render a holistic service, at times it may be necessary to share information with other team members e.g. teachers or other therapists.  Only information that is essential to rendering a quality service to you and your family will be shared.

The therapists focus on behaviour difficulties (e.g. anger outbursts, bullying, poor self-esteem), relationship problems (e.g. friendships, child-parent relationships, family interaction, sibling rivalry), loss (e.g. divorce, death), trauma (e.g. accident, hi-jacking), sexuality and substance abuse.   The psychologist and counsellor work hand in hand with parents, teachers and other therapists for the benefit of your child.