Counselling

Disability Counselling

Everyone has the right to feel safe. We provide free counselling and support to individuals with disabilities and their families, including individuals affected by the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (Disability Royal Commission).

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Overview

Who It's For

This free service is for people with disabilities, their parents, guardians, carers, and family members, as well as people working in the disability sector. Our experienced counsellors will work with you to determine the best approach for your unique situation.

How We Help

Our professional, trauma-informed counsellors offer a safe space to help you explore your feelings, experiences and needs. We also partner with other service providers such as disability legal services and advocacy groups to give you further support.

What to Expect

Our appointments are available in-person, online or over the phone and last between 30 and 90 minutes. Your counsellor will work with you to determine how many sessions you need. Interpreters are available at no cost, including AUSLAN interpreters.

People with disabilities often experience a range of challenges:

Emotional and verbal abuse

Physical or sexual abuse

Legal and financial abuse

Coercive control and manipulation

Humiliation

Neglect or social isolation

Exploitation

What you’ll take away

Our friendly team can support you to:

Start to work through past trauma

Regain your confidence and self-esteem

Nurture your emotional and mental wellbeing

Learn coping mechanisms to help manage stress

Learn ways to respond to future negative behaviour that's directed at you

If needed, prepare a submission to the Disability Royal Commission

Access ongoing support and guidance through our free weekly support group, especially for clients

“It was fantastic to be in an environment that said that it wasn’t just ‘ok’ or tolerable to struggle, but that it was to be expected. It was excellent that there was a real focus on the obligations of organisations and employers to be realistic about the nature of the work and the roles people perform – and plan ahead for what their needs will be. I liked that this was well-balanced by a pragmatism that pointed us towards actions to support ourselves.”

– Disability-Specialised lawyer

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Fees

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Find a location near you

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Location

Distance

Filters

Parking

Bus

Train

Language Interpreter

Wheelchair Access

Centre Locations

Our services are available 6 days per week through most centres.

Illawarra Centre

Dharawal Country

Relationships Australia NSW — Illawarra Centre, Level 1/63B Market Street, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia

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Centre Info

Macquarie Park

Darug Country

level 1/68 Waterloo Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113, Australia

Family Relationship Centre

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Centre Info

Outreach Locations

If the above locations don’t suit you, we also have the following outreach centres. However, to visit an Outreach Location you will need to make an appointment as these do not always have staff in attendance.

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FAQs

Is counselling right for me?

Sometimes we all need some extra support and guidance to help find ways to move forward. Counselling can offer you practical tools and strategies to help you overcome challenges and look at things from a different perspective. Our counselling services are welcoming, non-judgemental and suitable for individuals, couples, and families. If you are in crisis, experiencing domestic or family violence, or have made the decision to separate, we have additional services that we can offer to give you the best support.

What qualifications do your counsellors have?

Our counsellors have a diverse range of skills, qualifications, and relevant industry training. While professional backgrounds often range from psychology to social or casework, all our counsellors need to have a Bachelors degree or higher, with additional counselling-specific training.

Can I request a counsellor with specialist training in a specific method?

During the Client Intake process, our team will ask you specific questions to help connect you with programs or services that we believe will be best for your situation. Our counsellors have experience and ongoing training in a variety of counselling models and methods, and will work with you to determine the best approach for your particular needs.

Can I request a specific counsellor for my sessions?

Yes, we will do our best to accommodate your request to meet with the counsellor of your choice. However, we can’t always guarantee you will see your preferred counsellor, as they may already be booked out and unable to accept new bookings.

Can I speak with a counsellor prior to the session to check if they are a good fit?

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to speak with your counsellor prior to the sessions, due to their schedules. However, our client services team can help you with your enquiries, and make notes for your counsellor to refer to during your first appointment.

Do I get the same counsellor every time?

Yes – after your first session with a particular counsellor, you’ll continue to see the same counsellor for your follow-up sessions as well.

Do you provide counselling services for children?

Children under the age of 18 can attend Family Counselling or Adolescent Family Therapy sessions with their parents or carers. We can’t provide individual counselling sessions for children under the age of 18 years.

Do I need a referral from a GP or other healthcare professional to see a counsellor?

No – while we welcome referrals from healthcare professionals and GPs for many of our services, a referral for counselling isn’t required.

Do you provide mental health assessments?

We don’t provide mental health assessments or diagnoses for any mental illnesses. However, this is something that most GPs can provide, so we encourage you to speak to your doctor or healthcare provider. They may then refer you to one of our services for further support. Find out more about mental health assessments here.

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