Student Wellbeing
It has been a calm but busy start to 2022 in Student Wellbeing.
We said goodbye to Katrina Katz and Lea Marrison who have moved on to new roles in which they can continue to support students with their mental health and wellbeing. Guiseppe, Sanela and Flip remain at the college and are continuing to support the students who attend Wantirna.
What some students and families don’t know is the Wellbeing team has a number of people supporting them that don’t always get spoken about.
Throughout the year we have a number of university placement students who assist wellbeing in supporting students throughout their time at the college. These placement students have a range of experience, knowledge and qualifications that put them in a great position to both learn from and support some awesome young people that attend the college.
We thought this would be a good opportunity to introduce you to a couple of our placement workers. This week we would like to introduce you to Lauren and Chris.
Lauren:
What Qualifications do you have and are you working towards?
I completed a Bachelor in Psychological Science in 2020. I continued my study and I am in my last semester of a Graduate Diploma of Counselling. Student placement is the final part of my degree.
Why did you choose to become a therapist/social worker?
I always had a passion for supporting people. In my senior years at high school I became passionate about supporting friends and family during difficult times in their lives. I became a youth leader at my churches youth group and I loved working with and supporting young people as they move high school and the issues they can face.
What type of Therapist/social worker are you?
I am very person centred in my sessions. I aim to provide a non-judgemental environment and enjoy working collaboratively with the students. This allows an opportunity for the student to completely express themselves and the issues they are facing. Through this I am able to gain a deeper insight into their concerns and how I can help.
What did lockdowns teach you about yourself?
Lockdown taught me to use my time more wisely and appreciate spending time with my friends.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I love music and play a range of different instruments. I grew up playing brass instruments such as trumpet, tenor horn, and many more. When I was in high school I changed to more contemporary instruments and now play guitar and bass regularly with my band.
Chris:
What Qualifications do you have and are you working towards?
Student placement is actually the final part of my degree (studying a Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling); using the hands-on field experience as a way to transfer our teachings from class and Uni, into practical skills that will ready us for future employment! I have almost 3 years of theory in mental health, illness, care, and counselling under my belt, and use these all day/ everyday here at the college.
Why did you choose to become a therapist/social worker?
Becoming a therapist means I can support the person who I was only not too long ago; a high school teen in desperate need of support, be supported, heard, and seen.
What type of Therapist/social worker are you?
I consider myself an ‘eclectic – therapist’; meaning I utilise skills, theory, and tools from many different philosophies and systems in the expanding world of mental health care. This can range from tools from the common Person-Centred Therapy to the philosophical tones in Existential Counselling! Jack of all trades, master of none!
What did lockdowns teach you about yourself?
The Lockdowns… major challenge! But challenges can help strengthen your resilience and change your ways of thinking. I appreciate what I missed so much more now, and really saw the strength of us as people, together and individually.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I am a student counsellor, but I’m also a client of therapy myself! I’ve learned so much about both sides by being on both sides of the field. It’s been a real eye -opener, and helped me to understand what may and may not work for the students.
Support Services
The Wellbeing Team have compiled a range of resources and support services for students and families to access via Compass under Community (the two people) – School Documentation – For Students/For Parents – Wellbeing Resources.
Youth support services
headspace: visit headspace.org.au to find your nearest centre or call headspace on
1800 650 890.
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
ReachOut: reachout.com.au
SANE Australia: 1800 187 263 or sane.org
National 24/7 crisis services
Lifeline:13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 or suicidecallbackservice.org.au
beyondblue: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au
Parent Support
Parentline: 13 22 89
If you would like further ongoing support, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your family General Practitioner (G.P.) where you can discuss the concerns that you may behaving. The G.P. will then be able to make the appropriate referral for ongoing support as required.
Student Wellbeing Team
Instagram: @wcwellbeinghub
Email: wellbeing@wantirnacollege.vic.edu.au
Guiseppe Relia – Social Worker
Sanela Avdic – Social Worker