Student Counsellor

The Student Counselling Service was established quite recently on a full time basis at Victoria University, but its origins can be traced back over many years.

It had long been apparent that many students did not acquit themselves well at university because of personal problems and difficulties that interfered with their studies. This kind of emotional handicap was not only reflected in the failure rates of some students, but it also prevented others from doing the best work of which they were capable.

The students themselves were frequently the first to be aware of the nature of the problems, and they sought help from various friends and members of staff. Some of the problems were so serious as to warrant the professional services of a trained counsellor, and they also became more numerous as the number of students increased at the university.

It is impossible to outline the difficulties that students have that affect their study except to say that they are of such a personal and social nature as to lead to worry, lack of concentration, anxiety and perhaps depression.

The function of the Student Counsellor is to provide a professional confidential service to help any student to come to terms with problems that are out of control. Many students used the Counselling Service last year and, as the new premises become available in Wai-te-ta Road, it is quite certain that many more students will seek consultations this year. If any student is in any doubt about emotional problems or emotional illness, he would be well advised to ring to make an appointment with the Student Counsellor.