Lavalla College offers parents, teachers and students, the highest standard of psychological support.

College psychologists are members of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). When consulting an APS Psychologist, expert psychological services of the highest standard are assured. APS Psychologists follow guidelines about professional conduct, responsibilities and confidentiality that are set and monitored by the Society in the APS Code of Ethics.

All psychologists are legally required to register with the Psychologist Registration Board in their State or Territory, in the same way that medical practitioners must be registered. Practice is regulated under the Psychological Registration Act 2000. APS membership is not compulsory for psychological practice.  Those who do become Members must meet specified academic and professional standards, in addition to this registration.  Entry to the APS requires more University training than necessarily required by the Boards.  Because of this requirement, our psychologists continually upgrade their standards of practice through regular personal and professional development and training. At Lavalla Catholic College, the psychologists are referred to as Counsellors. It is their aim to support their clients to address everyday problems, such as school pressures, out of school work stress, relationship troubles with family and peers, and coping with illness and loss. These issues seriously affect life. Through counselling, clients can move on to enjoy life and good relationships, and attain a higher level of resilience.

• Therapeutic conversations using:
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  • Relaxation training
• Art Therapy through our partnership with ArtsBillabong Studio (see below);
• Conducting psychometrics assessments, writing reports and setting practical recommendations for students;
• Advocacy for student or staff where required;
• Team member for students who are within the Additional Needs Program where appropriate;
• Professional Development and support for teachers where appropriate;
• Liaising with external agencies and other relevant professionals;
• Parent support and education;
• Counselling Support during a critical incident within the school or wider community.

They are available to provide professional counselling and assessment services for the entire school community. Students, parents and staff, have the opportunity of talking with them about any personal matters.

CONFIDENTIALITY

This psychological service is confidential and free of charge.

APS Psychologists are ethically bound to protect all personal information.  They are not required to pass on any information to the school administration or other members of staff, parents or the community.  This means that the content of sessions will not be divulged to anyone without the permission of the individual. 

There are three exceptions to this undertaking. If the individual advises the counsellor that she/he will:

• hurt themselves;
• be hurt by other people;
• that they are contemplating hurting others or will damage somebody else's property.

The reason for these exceptions is protective. The psychologist aims to protect the welfare and safety of their clients and those in the community.

A Court of Law can subpoena a psychologist to appear as a witness in a court case; they can also subpoena the information in any professional file.

TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

• Parents can ring the relevant College Campus;
• Students approach the Counsellor directly themselves or through the Front Office on their Campus;
• Students may also ask their teachers, family or friends to help them make appointments or to accompany them to appointments;
• Teachers can also recommend that a student visit the counsellor to talk over some difficulties;
• Students will not be penalised for this absence.

ArtsBillabong

Lavalla Catholic College is also in partnership with ArtsBillabong. This is an independent art therapy studio situated off campus in Morwell.  It is not part of Lavalla Catholic College.  Here students have the opportunity to engage socially with others, and also tap into their inner world through interaction with the Arts: visual, drama and movement.  Art Therapy is about emotional intelligence … that is learning who you are by understanding your emotions and the values that underlie them.

Here they discover their potential to make shifts and changes in the way they understand themselves and their life experience.  In this way, they build their resilience. Mary McNamara and Mr John Mutsaers provide these services.  Both hold a Masters Degree in Arts Therapy. A web site is currently under development.

CAREERS COUNSELLOR

In addition to our Psychologists, the College employs trained careers counsellors who are also available to work with students, as they begin seeking vocational guidance. This is especially important to Year 10 students who complete two week's work experience during term two. The careers counsellors are also involved in guiding VCE subject choices as well as tertiary entrance choices.

Mrs Anne English and Mrs Anne Symes are located at the Kildare Campus. See the Careers section of the web site for more information.

YOUTH PATHWAYS WORKERS

Youth Pathways is part of the Australian Government’s Career Advice Australia Initiative that helps all young Australian’s gain access to the information, training and support they need to start planning their future.  It is designed for 13 to 19 years olds who are most at risk of not making a successful transition through to year 12, or who have recently left school without finishing year 12.  Youth Pathways helps them to get back on track with their education and training, and to make the most of their potential.

Ms Suzanne Ryan and Mrs Kylie Downie are its representatives who attend the College. They are at each Campus one day a week. They can be contacted either at the relevant College Campus or through their main office:

Workways Association Youth Pathways
35 Della Torre Road
Moe
Phone: 51 264 052