Student Referrals

Referrals to Open Doors - information.

Dear School Counsellor,

Recognising that school counsellors face a great deal of responsibility in addressing the needs of students and accessing the appropriate supports for them, I would like you to know about the services that Open Doors Counselling provides.

Open Doors has provided a range of free and confidential counselling services to the community since 1984. Over that time we have catered for a large number of clients concerned with pregnancy and related issues, as well as grief associated with pregnancy loss of all types and relationship difficulties. The age range we serve is diverse but, in particular, we provide counselling for the younger client who may need to talk through their concerns and who may not know who to talk to.

Many adolescents struggle in isolation with relationship difficulties and loss issues, making them vulnerable and in need of support. This vulnerability may lead to risky behaviours in an attempt to compensate for unmet needs. Much of this behaviour reflects an unconscious need to belong.

It is in identifying the more at-risk adolescents, providing support to develop self-esteem and providing them with lifeskills and coping strategies that we believe the needs of young people can best be served. Counsellors at Open Doors do this in a very relaxed and informal setting that many of our clients refer to as “homely”. Clients are encouraged to see a counsellor as often as they need.

Many of our clients contact because they are concerned about a pregnancy or a pregnancy scare. Frequently we have found that those grappling with the issues previously mentioned are often predisposed to an unplanned pregnancy - using sex to compensate for those unmet needs. The girl faced with an unplanned pregnancy finds herself in crisis, making it extremely difficult to consider her situation and options in an objective way. The dilemma may be compounded by pressure (perceived or real) from others who may have a part to play in the whole scenario e.g. parents or partner.

At Open Doors we provide non-directive counselling independent of the abortion referral system. This approach allows the client to explore her situation and feelings, gather all the relevant information, access the supports she needs in the decision making process and then make her decision with all these factors in place. Open Doors will continue to support the client through her pregnancy or after a termination if she is distressed, has concerns or needs to talk it through.

As school counsellors dealing with many students who may be struggling with any of the above issues, you may find that Open Doors could provide a suitable venue for your students to discuss their concerns. Obviously you would need to feel comfortable and confident about any service to which you would refer students. I would like to invite you to contact me if you would like further information.

Yours faithfully,

Anne Neville
(R.N., R.M., Dip. Past. Psych., Dip. Marriage & Family Therapy C.P.C., Accredited Counsellor National Association of Loss & Grief, A.M.C.C.A., M.A.S.S.T.S.) Director of Counselling
 

OPEN DOORS COUNSELLING
5 Greenwood Ave Ringwood. 3134
Ph: (03) 9870 7044
Freecall outside Melbourne 1800 647 995
Email: info@opendoors.com.au

Updated May 2005