Your School Counselling Service:

Hello, my name is Kate Dean and I work for CatholicCare in Canberra, in the Student and Family Counselling Unit. We provide short term counselling for many of Canberra’s Catholic schools as part of the school’s pastoral care program.

I have a master of social work and have many years’ experience working with families and children. I also have three children of my own, aged 10, 14 and 18.

My role is to support the emotional and social wellbeing of students and their families. I offer a professional service and provide a safe space to talk about any issues your child is experiencing.

We see children with difficulties which are just part of normal growing up, as well as issues of concern for either the school, or the family, or the child themselves. It doesn’t have to be a big problem, it is better to get help sooner rather than later. Typical concerns can be fears, anger, relationships with peers, grief, family relationships and family difficulties including parental separation, stress, or anything that is perceived to affect student’s learning or their general well-being.

As well as individual sessions with students during school time I work with families, consult with parents, carers and teachers and may carry out some group work. I may also refer students and families to specialist services and professionals when appropriate.

You can refer your child for counselling by filling in a referral form available on Catholic Care’s website or via a link provided by the school. Or you can follow this link:

https://catholiccare.force.com/housing/s/school-referral-form

After you have filled out the referral form you will automatically be sent an email requesting your consent for your child to access our service. In the case of families where parents are separated we normally require the consent of both parents. If this is difficult for you please feel free to discuss with me.

I will be at Holy Trinity every Wednesday and alternate Mondays on odd weeks. If you would like to talk to me, please feel welcome to contact me directly through the school when I am attending.  

I look forward to working with your child and wish you all a happy and peaceful year.

Kate Dean

School Counsellor

Catholic Care