Waminda Counsellors
Crisis Counselling & Ongoing Counselling
Counselling Services
Waminda’s counsellors provide high quality therapeutic approaches to Aboriginal Women, Children, Young People and their families.
The counselling team exists of:
- Two Aboriginal Healing Counsellors
- One Social and Emotional Wellbeing Counsellor
- One Youth Counsellor and
- A Drug and Alcohol Counsellor
We work across the Shoalhaven and do In-house and Outreach sessions.
PREVENT THE SPREAD
Please self-isolate if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including a sore throat, coughing or sneezing, or flu-like symptoms. Call our reception to make a telehealth appointment with one of our doctors.
Our Counselling Services Include
How To Use Our Service
To access our counselling services, please call Waminda; A Waminda intake officer or your regular Waminda worker can refer you to a counsellor.
Your appointment will be scheduled depending on what is happening in your life and what you need support with.If you want to yarn to someone urgently, we will do our best to support you.
If you need to speak to a counsellor urgently, please call Waminda and ask to speak to a Social & Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) support worker.
Counsellors FAQ’s
How Do I Make A Referral As An External Service Provider?
Please email counsellorsintake@waminda.org.au and ask them to send you the relevant forms.
Do I Have To Tell My Whole Story?
We believe you are the expert of your life. We are guided by what you think is important. Your counsellor will talk with you about what you feel comfortable sharing and when you share it. There are many ways to share your story. We want to make sure you don’t have to tell your story over and over again if you don’t need to. We will be guided by you to tell your story in ways that make you feel stronger.
What Happens If I Don't Feel A Connection With My Counsellor?
This is ok as it can take time to find someone who feels right for you. It is important for us to hear about your experience of the counselling relationship. You can talk with your counsellor if you feel comfortable, or you can speak to another Waminda worker, or the person who made the referral about what you would like to do. You can request to change counsellors if you like.
Do My Parents Need To Know That I Am Getting Counselling?
Every child and young person will be treated with respect and has the right to have someone to talk to about your worries.
If you are 13 years old or under, we do need parental/guardian permission to see you for counselling, but we can talk to you about who needs to know what.
If you are 14 years or over it’s a little different, so we can have a yarn about the support we can offer you and answer any questions you might have about your counselling and who needs to know.
What Are Your Confidentiality Protocols?
Confidentiality is important for people to feel safe in the counselling space. Your counsellor will yarn with you when you first meet and answer any questions you have about keeping your information private. If you don’t want other people or family to know you are having counselling, we can plan meeting times and venues to suit you.
Counsellors FAQ’s
Can Someone Come With Me?
You are welcome to come on your own or with someone you trust.
Where Does Counselling Happen?
Counselling can happen where you feel safe and comfortable. We have counselling spaces in Nowra, Ulladulla, Wreck Bay, Jerrinja, St Georges Basin or on country. We can also come to your home if this feels right for you.
Do I Have A Choice Of Koori Or Non-Koori Counsellor?
We do have Koori and Non-Koori Counsellors and we will do our best to offer you a choice of counsellor that fits best for you.
Are Phone Appointments Available?
Yes, we can do phone, zoom, or online counselling. We can also support you via text. We may be able to offer transport to your appointment, if needed.
Contact Healing Counsellors
3A & 3B Nowra Lane, Nowra 2541
Program operating hours are between
9:00am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday.
For more information, including appointment times and transport availability, please call;
Waminda Reception: (02) 4421 7400
Free Call: 1800 997 330
Prevent The Spread
Please click here to find out more information about COVID-19 and how it has affected Waminda services. Please self-isolate if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, including a sore throat, coughing or sneezing, or flu-like symptoms. Call our reception to make a telehealth appointment with one of our doctors.
Our practice has an appointment booking system for all consultations, we can accommodate walk in consultations with the clinical team, but it is encouraged to make a booked appointment. On arrival you will be triaged by an Aboriginal health worker prior to seeing the Doctor. If you are unable to attend face to face due to symptoms, we have the option of a telehealth appointment.