School Counsellors at St. Thomas Aquinas are trained mental health professionals who assist students experiencing social, emotional and/or relationship difficulties.
Counselling offers a confidential, non-judgmental, and safe space for students to discuss their concerns. Counsellors support students’ mental wellbeing by providing 1-on-1 sessions and group seminars. Confidentiality will be maintained at all times with a few exceptions.
If you would like to make an appointment to see the school counsellor, please email counselling@aquinas.org. Please note that school counselling is different from academic advising. Students with course planning, graduation, or academic concerns should refer to the academic advising department.
Counselling Confidentiality
Confidentiality is keeping discussions and information private between the counsellor and the student. Confidentiality will be maintained at all times except for the following three exceptions:
- A student is going to hurt themself
- A student is going to hurt someone else
- A student has been hurt by someone else
If any of the above situations arise, the counsellor will discuss the options available to students in regards to staying safe.
The counsellor will always inform the student if confidentiality cannot be maintained. If you have concerns about confidentiality, please discuss them with your counsellor.
Reasons to seek counselling
Counselling is available to every student, regardless of how big or small their problems are. Students can seek counselling for a variety of personal issues such as:
- Bullying
- Conflict resolutions and mediation
- Peer pressure
- Personal relationship issues like problems friends and/or family
- Problem solving
- Anger management
- Body image
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Self-care and maintaining healthy lifestyles
- Self-worth and self-esteem
- Self-harm
- Sexuality
- Stress and academic pressure
- Substance use i.e. alcohol and drugs