School Counsellors

SJPC School Counselling Service

For those new to SJPC or unfamiliar with the School Counselling service, we’d like to explain how the service operates and introduce ourselves. We have 2 full times counsellors in Brad Poidevin and Kate Roberts who bring their own style of counselling and therapy.

About the SJPC School Counselling Service

• This is a free and confidential with-in school service open to all students.
• We provide intervention for a range of issues pertaining to youth including anxiety, low mood, social issues, social skills, family breakdown, anger management, peer pressure, bullying, self-confidence, resilience, stress reduction or questions about puberty, a diagnosis, mental health or life in general. We are also just a non-judgemental, safe and confidential space to talk and unload.
• We conduct risk assessments for students presenting with safety concerns.
• Although we don’t engage in family or parent counselling, we are very open to consult with parents on matters pertaining to their child such as behaviour, mental health, recent or possible diagnosis and help make appropriate referrals if needed.
• We typically operate on a short-term intervention model of 6-8 sessions per referral (a student may have several referrals during the year).
• As a registered psychologist, Brad is able conduct certain behavioural assessments and provide a report to help inform external practitioners if they are conducting diagnostic assessments.
• Being at the ‘coal face’ we can liaise with external supports and help implement strategies within the school setting.

Referral process

Students and family members can request an appointment with a School Counsellor using the following methods:

• Online - Through either parent or student Compass, click ‘ School Favourites’ go to ‘Counsellor Referral Form’. Please complete and submit this form;
• Contacting the school- Make a request in person at the school office, via the school phone 6653 3155, or via the school email sjpccoffs@lism.catholic.edu.au
• By contacting the counsellors directly (email addresses as follows:  bradley.poidevin@lism.catholic.edu.au and kate.roberts@lism.catholic.edu.au )

Students under 14 years will need a parent to complete and sign a consent form prior to commencing counselling – available on request or download the form which can be found on the parent Compass portal under ‘School Documents’. 

We are lucky to have both a male and female counsellor at the school and a student can request a preferred gender depending on availability.