At Bethlehem College the wellbeing of your child is something we care deeply about. We have an excellent team of professional Christian family counsellors available to support students and their families through life's difficult situations. Our counsellors are trained to work through all kinds of issues including anxiety, friendships, family issues, stress, addictions, body image and others. At the heart of Christian counselling is a Biblical view of personhood: that we are made in the image of God. In alignment with the Special Character of Bethlehem College, it is our great privilege to help students and families work through various issues and come out the other side stronger, believing the truth of who God created them to be. The Counselling Department can be contacted via email at [email protected].
Counselling provides an opportunity for students to find ways of dealing with challenges they may be struggling with. They are invited to share their feelings with a trained Christian counsellor who will help them to:
- Process feelings
- Understand their struggle
- Provide strategies to overcome
- Identify their strengths and build self-esteem
- Understand that they are loved and cared for and are not in this alone
Primary (Y 0-6): Referrals through class teacher via online referral form and discussed at an intake meeting with counsellors.
Junior Secondary (Y 7-9): Referrals through class teacher, parent or leadership team. The parent is considered part of the support intervention and communication with the parent/s or caregiver is a choice. Contact can be made via email or the vistapad in the foyer of the counselling suite by phone.
Senior Secondary (Y 10-13): Students are able to request counselling directly. Referral can also be made through a teacher, dean, parent or the leadership team. Communication with parents/caregivers is a choice made by the student who is granted the right to confidentiality. Contact can be made via email, counselling suite or by phone. Students can self-refer in the same way.
Family Services: Parents can ask for counselling support due to life-changing circumstances or in support of their own child. Support is usually limited to 3 or 4 sessions, however each case is taken on its own merits and in negotiation with the counsellor, and if required the Head of Counselling. Confidentiality as bound by legal requirement is in place.
'He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds' (Psalm 147:3).