Broome Counselling


Welcome to the Broome Student Counselling Service. We want you to thrive at University. We provide free, professional and confidential counselling services to all students at Notre Dame to help you successfully achieve your academic and personal goals.

We recognise that many things can impact on your health and wellbeing while studying. Our counsellors provide a safe and supportive environment in which you can discuss issues impacting on your study. Counsellors will help you develop strategies to address your concerns, improve mental health and wellbeing and achieve your academic goals.

  • What can I talk to a counsellor about?

    Students attend counselling for many different reasons. You are free to talk with your counsellor about any issue affecting your academic or personal life. You can talk to our counsellors about any issue that is of concern to you.

    When is the most helpful time to talk with a counsellor?

    You can attend counselling at any time during the year. If you have been experiencing any of the following situations or symptoms for a period of more than two weeks we encourage you to talk with a Student Counsellor or your GP / Medical Doctor.

    • Struggling to keep up with your work or have failed a paper, exam or unit;
    • Experiencing low mood, depressive thoughts and a sense of not being able to shake off the blues;
    • Experiencing feelings of anxiety and worry that impact negatively on your day to day life;
    • Experiencing personal difficulties in your life and finding it difficult to cope;
    • Noticing behaviour changes that are causing you or others concern;
    • Experiencing uncomfortable and unwanted thoughts or emotions which are affecting your day to day life;
    • Experiencing stress or discomfort;
    • Finding relationships difficult or unsatisfying;
    • Not coping well in class, workplace learning, clinical placement, at home or at work;
    • Having a conflict of faith or values that is worrying you;
    • Wanting to make personal or professional changes to help achieve your goals; or
    • Experiencing any thoughts of self-harm, wanting to die or suicide.

  • How to make an appointment

    You can make a counselling appointment by:

    • Calling the Student Counselling Service located on the Fremantle Campus on +61 8 9433 0580 between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
    • Whilst these service are provided from the Fremantle Campus they are relevant and available free of charge to students enrolled in Broome.
    • Appointments with the Counselling Service are conducted via telephone.

    What do I need to make an appointment?

    • You must be an enrolled student.
    • Please have your student ID available so that our staff can make your appointment for you.
    • It is a good idea to have your calendar available to help you select a suitable time and place your appointment in your diary or calendar once it is confirmed.

    What happens once I have made an appointment?

    • When you make an appointment you will be asked for your current contact details.
    • You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment date and time at your Notre Dame email address.
    • Please check the information in the email is correct, especially the contact phone number that a counsellor will call you to conduct the session, and take advantage of the suggested self-help strategies and resources attached.
    • The day before your appointment you will also receive a text message reminding you of your appointment.
    • If you do not want to receive texts or emails from the counselling service please inform staff when you make an appointment or your counsellor.
    • Please be available for your appointment 5 minutes prior.

    What can I do while waiting for my appointment?

    Sometimes you may have a short wait for your first appointment. If you feel comfortable to do so you could also speak with your trainer/assessor, the Head or Deputy Head of Campus or the Campus Minister for support and guidance. In addition, the following self-help strategies are designed to help you manage:

    Take care of yourself

    • Establish a daily routine - work, sleep, recreation, etc.
    • Balance activity and rest - engage in moderation.
    • Engage in physical activity - walking, jogging, and yoga.
    • Maintain a healthy diet - reduce caffeine and sugar.
    • Avoid unhealthy habits - drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, etc.
    • Learn a relaxation strategy.
    • Take time out if you need to rest and refocus.
    • Practice spiritual and cultural values.

    Get Support

    • Let someone know that you may need support.
    • Don't want to be alone? Ask a friend or family member to stay with you.
    • Surround yourself with people who are positive and care about you.
    • Accept that you may not be able to support others right now.
    • Say NO to unwanted demands.
    • You may be irritable but don't push away the people who care about you.
    • Do not assume that other people cannot cope with your difficulties.
    • Remember that there are people who are interested in your wellbeing.
    • Talk to our Campus Minister.

    Use your thoughts to manage stress

    • Remind yourself you have managed difficult times before.
    • Set a small goal and reward yourself when completed.
    • Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings.
    • Say to yourself "This is how I feel right now and it is ok".
    • Remember your current thoughts and emotions don't define you.
    • Identify the problem and ask "What is making me feel like this?".
    • Think about how you want to manage this situation now.
    • Identify the facts and avoid "should have"/"could have" thinking.
    • Refrain from impulsive actions and ask for others opinions.

    Don't give up

    • Don't give up - Focus on the positives in yourself and your life.
    • Reassure yourself - "I will get through this!"
    • Refrain from self-criticism and self-blame.
    • Do something each day that makes you feel competent or successful.
    • Pay attention to positive experiences.
    • Remember other times when you have solved a problem successfully.
    • Smile and laugh – smiling makes you and others feel better.
    • Pray and meditate.
    • Stop viewing distressing material on TV and avoid violent gaming.

    What do I do if I need to change my appointment or cannot attend on the day?

    • Please notify us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend by phoning reception on +61 8 9433 0580.
    • You will receive an email notifying you of missed appointments.
    • You are most welcome to reschedule your appointment if you missed your previous appointment.

    Confidentiality

    • The Student Counselling Service is staffed by professional Psychologists and Counsellors whose practice is governed by professional Codes of Ethics. This ensures that any information revealed by you in a counselling appointment remains confidential.
    • Information collected in counselling will only be disclosed to other parties, such as your faculty or an external medical service, with your prior written permission.
    • There are exceptions to confidentiality and these are:
      • Where a clear risk exists to your safety or the safety of others;
      • Where a court has subpoenaed records or requested that a counsellor be present a witness; or
      • Where laws require mandatory disclosure of information.

  • Meet our team

    All Broome students are supported by the Fremantle Counselling Service. Please see the list of counsellors available for tele-counselling appointments:

    Counselling Coordinator

    Gillian Dixon (Counsellor/Psychotherapist)Gillian has been involved in tertiary education for over ten years, lecturing and providing pastoral care and counselling to students throughout this time. Gillian is a psychotherapist and counsellor who helps people to understand their emotions and thoughts. Counselling enables clients to eliminate and regulate symptoms to increase their ability to function well and improves how they relate to self and others. Psychotherapy is a process which assists in making the unconscious conscious through the therapeutic relationship. Gillian enjoys assisting people in their journey with the problems and difficulties of life, including mental ill-health, emotional difficulties and exploring challenging issues.

    Gillian has an undergraduate degree majoring in counselling, a Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling, and is currently working towards a Doctorate of Counselling specialising in mental health issues pertaining to tertiary students. Gillian is a compassionate therapist who values the development of a warm and trusting therapeutic alliance to journey through therapy together. In her spare time, Gillian enjoys being a mother to her fun-loving young adults. She loves the beach (any day of the year!) and attending live music events.

    Counsellor

    Andrew Winton (Counsellor/Psychotherapist)As a registered psychotherapist and counsellor, Andrew has 20 years’ experience in the education sector as a counsellor and pastoral care practitioner.  Andrew places great emphasis on co-constructing safe and effective therapeutic relationships with individuals. Andrew has a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy and can assist students with difficulties related to university life and its complex stresses, personal and family issues, those experiencing sexual difficulties or sexual assault, relationship concerns and individuals navigating past or current traumatic events. Andrew has a reputation as a compassionate and empathic listener, has a desire to understand individual and unique perspective’s on life and can support students via a range of approaches and therapeutic modalities. Andrew is also an accomplished musician and a lifelong surfer.

    Counsellor

    Isabella Zaninovich (Counsellor)
    Isabella is a PACFA registered and experienced counsellor, with a Master of Counselling and undergraduate degree in psychological studies. This year Isabella has joined the Notre Dame Student Counselling Service after working in regional and rural WA, where she provided counselling and support to a wide range of individuals and communities. She also has experience working alongside students and young people in understanding the challenges and difficulties that accompany studying in a tertiary environment. Isabella enjoys working with people to help and guide them through mental health issues and is able to assist students with extensive matters including, anxiety, depression, interpersonal or relational conflict, grief and loss, and COVID-related stress or anxiety. Isabella has previously attended Notre Dame as a post-graduate student and is greatly honoured to return to the University. Isabella has a warm, empathic, and person centred approach to therapy, which is reflected in a kind, calm, and personable character. She is very passionate about mental health and enjoys working with people to support them in their individual journey and help them reach their goals. Isabella also loves to cook and is an avid reader, spending much of her free time at the local bookstore.

    Counsellor

    Emily Parker (Provisional Psychologist)
    Emily has worked in the non-for-profit sector for over 5 years, providing therapy for young people and their families. Emily approaches mental wellbeing holistically and enjoys working with people to build their ability to cope with challenges that can happen in life. Emily has a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Counselling and is currently a Provisional Psychologist. She enjoys working with people, helping them to better regulate their emotions and behaviours in order to assist with things such as anxiety, stress, low mood and interpersonal difficulties. Emily values building a warm and genuine connection with people that allows them to feel comfortable and allows space for them to grow. In her spare time Emily enjoys spending time with family and friends and trying out new recipes.

    Administration Officer

    Hilda Bolmanac
    Hilda manages the services reception services and provides administrative support to our counsellors. Hilda worked as an administrator in the New Zealand education system before joining the counselling team in 2014. Hilda enjoys exploring new walking trails and enjoying the Freo lifestyle. She is also passionate about volunteering and currently volunteers at a local primary school with the Good Start Breakfast Club and with an aged care facility. Hilda values creating a safe and friendly reception and waiting environment for clients where each person is treated with respect and kindness.

  • Urgent support

    If you are distressed, feeling unable to cope or are experiencing suicidal thoughts please call reception or come into the office and make an appointment to see a counsellor.

    If a counsellor is not immediately available our reception staff will assist you to:

    • Contact a support person to come and collect you;
    • Attend a local GP practice;
    • Attend the nearest hospital emergency department; or
    • Call emergency services for you.

    24 hour Crisis Support Services

    Other counselling services that may be able to provide appointments in a crisis situation

    What do I do if I feel at risk of being harmed by someone or that someone is at risk of harming others?

    If you are concerned that someone will harm you or others, try and ask someone for help immediately and call the Police 131 444 or 000.

  • Common questions

    I need support for Special Consideration, Deferred or Irregularly Scheduled Exams & Retroactive Withdrawal

    There are many reasons that students might require special assistance during the course of their degree. Any special assistance is guided by the university's policy on Special Consideration, Deferred or Irregularly Scheduled Exams or Retroactive Withdrawal. It is important that you read these policies and regulations before submitting an application for assistance.

    It is usually useful to discuss your application with your faculty before submitting your application as they will be able to guide you to the correct information and advise you as to whether your situation meets the criteria set out in the regulations.

    Our counsellors provide a number of services to help you submit your application for assistance:

    Help in understanding the regulations,

    Help in deciding what the best option may be for you

    Help completing the necessary forms

    It is your responsibility to provide documentation to support your applications for Special Consideration, Deferred or Irregularly Scheduled Exams or Retroactive Withdrawal. If you can bring this documentation to your first appointment it may be possible to complete your form and return it to your faculty immediately. In some cases counsellor may be able to sign Special Consideration, Deferred or Irregularly Scheduled Exams and Retroactive Withdrawal forms without further supporting documentation. For example if you have seen a counsellor a number of times before applying or if you are able to clearly demonstrate a pre-existing mental health diagnosis. In most cases you will be required to provide further documentation before a counsellor will sign your forms.

    Please note that when a Student Counsellor supports your application for Special Consideration, Deferred or Irregularly Scheduled Exams or Retroactive Withdrawal it does not necessarily mean that these requests will be granted. These decisions are made by the Administrative and Academic Staff of the University.

    I would like a counsellor to advocate on my behalf regarding special circumstances or difficulties

    If you are experiencing difficulties with your studies, it is always important to speak with your lecturer, tutor or course coordinator. Your issues or concerns can often be dealt with immediately by academic staff.

    If you are unable to resolve your concerns or have difficulty contacting academic staff directly, the student counsellors may be able to advocate on your behalf.

    Please note that when a student counsellor advocates on your behalf it does not necessarily mean that they will achieve your desired outcome. Academic staff will make decisions based on all the evidence provided including that from the Student Counsellor and within the University regulations.

    I would like Assistance with appealing an academic or administrative decision affecting me

    Students have a right to appeal against academic or administrative decisions affecting them. Please read the Student Appeals Policy to help you determine whether you can appeal a decision and how to lodge an appeal. Student Counsellors are available to support you during your appeal process should you decide to proceed.

    Assistance with Grievances

    The University recognises that students may wish to raise a complaint, problem, issue or concern (Grievance) relating to their current or past involvement with the University. Please read the Grievance Procedure and talk with a Grievance Officer for further information. Student counsellors can help you decide whether to lodge a grievance and provide support while your grievance is being heard.

    I would like advice and support about my disciplinary committee hearing

    If you are required to attend a Disciplinary Committee hearing our counsellors are able to offer you advice and support. They can help you prepare for the hearing and manage any anxiety so that you are able to state your case with confidence. Counsellors are also able to provide a debrief appointment after a hearing if you are feeling concerned or upset.

    I am an Indigenous Student

    We invite all indigenous students to come and meet with a student counsellor to discuss how we might support you in your academic and personal goals. You don't have to have a problem or be struggling to meet with us. We provide coaching and mentoring support that is specifically designed to be relaxed, conversational and supportive. The Student Counselling Service is committed to working sensitively and culturally with indigenous students. With a large indigenous staff group and the campuses presence for over 20 years in the Kimberley region, as an indigenous student you are part of an education environment that is here for you.

    I am a mature age student

    We understand that being mature age student takes a lot of skill and determination. Mature age students often have to re-train themselves into study habits whilst balancing multiple responsibilities at home or work. Sometimes balancing life's demands and academic expectations can feel overwhelming. We invite you to make an appointment with your counsellors to discuss developing good study habits as well as addressing any difficulties that you encounter along the way.

    I have a disability

    If you have a disability that affects your study in any way we encourage you to contact the University's Access and Inclusion Advisor at Pathways. You are also welcome to make an appointment with a counsellor if your disability is affecting your studies or personal development.

  • Local services

    If the Student Counselling Service is unable to provide an appointment in a timely manner due to demand for appointments students will be referred to the following external agencies. If you require specialist or long term support our counsellors will also recommend an external agency to you or ask you to speak with your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan.

    These agencies are not directly associated with the University. However the Student Counselling Service has a working relationship with these agencies and can help you make contact with them or communicate with them regarding your situation with your permission.

    Counselling and Support Agencies

    Private Counsellors and Psychologists in close proximity to the university

    • Robyn Bradbury FAPS, Clinical Psychologist
      14/39 Hamersley Street, Broome 6725 WA
      Telephone : 0422 349 061

    Mental Health Care Plans

    If you need to access an external psychologist or psychiatrist you will be referred to your GP. You are encouraged to discuss with them your eligibility for a Medicare rebate through the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) initiative. Better Access aims to improve outcomes for people with a clinically-diagnosed mental disorder through evidence-based treatment. Under this initiative, Medicare rebates are available to patients for selected mental health services provided by general practitioners (GPs), psychiatrists, psychologists (clinical and registered) and eligible social workers and occupational therapists. Please see the Department of Health website for more information about Better Access to mental health care.

    If you do not have a regular GP you can contact the following local practices. You can also access crisis services at the following three hospitals.

    General Practitioners:

    Broome Medical Clinic
    Address: 26 Robinson St, Broome WA 6725
    Phone: (08) 9192 2022

    Broome Doctors Practice
    Address: 3/7 Napier Terrace, Broome WA 6725
    Phone: (08) 9193 7933

    Aboriginal Health Services:

    Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service (BRAMS)
    Address: 2 Dora Street, Broome WA 6725
    Phone: (08) 9194 4800

    Hospitals:

    Broome Health Campus
    Address: Robinson Street, Broome, WA 6725
    Phone: (08) 9194 2222

    Kimberley Mental Health and Drug Service
    Address: cnr Anne & Robinson Streets, Broome WA 6725
    Phone: (08) 9194 2640

    Phone: (08) 9194 2400