Counselling
SHine SA offers a therapeutic counselling service provided by professional sexual health counsellors. The service is available to individuals, couples and families.
Counsellors also conduct group sessions and provide advice and referral on sexual health relatd concerns. You can come in to see us on your own or with a partner or support person. It's up to you.
All services are confidential. (There are exceptions to confidentiality. Please refer to the Client rights pamphlet and discuss with your counsellor.)
What is therapeutic counselling?
Counsellors at SHine SA provide a non-judgmental, supportive and confidential service for you to talk about whatever sexual health related concerns you might have. It’s really about having conversations that can help you and getting information that you need. You will only have to discuss things you are comfortable with.
What issues can I get help for?
Counselling is provided for concerns related to sexual health. These include:
- sexual concerns for men, including erectile or ejaculation difficulties
- sexual concerns for women, including orgasm issues and vaginismus
- differences in levels of sexual desire (libido)
- sexual and/or gender identity concerns
- effects of sexual assault or child sexual abuse
- not sure what to do about pregnancy
- termination of pregnancy / post-termination
- sexual issues relating to a disability
- living with sexually transmitted infections
The sexual health counsellor will be able to refer you to another service if there is a more appropriate service for your concerns.
Fees
Our services are provided mainly for women and men under the age of 35. Services are free for all clients under the age of 25. For clients 25 years or over, there will be a service charge which varies according to whether or not the client has a concession. See SHine SA Fees for current counselling consultation fees.
Making an appointment
To make an appointment contact your nearest SHine SA team and ask to speak to the counsellor:
- Woodville: 8300 5300
- Davoren Park: 8256 0700
- Christies Beach: 8186 8600
Rural clients can phone to arrange for a telephone counselling appointment. The counsellor will then call you at the pre-arranged time.
Interpreters
Free interpreting can be arranged with a male or female interpreter. Please let us know what you require when booking your appointment.
When are the counsellors available?
A sexual health counsellor is generally available during work hours. The days and times vary for each location, so please contact your local SHine SA team to find out when counselling is available in your area.
There may be a waiting time for appointments, as there is often a high demand for counselling.
However, some issues such as unplanned pregnancy are considered a priority, so make sure you let us know it is urgent when you call.
Support for parents, school counsellors and other workers
We prefer self-referrals, but referrals may be made from parents, caregivers or teachers as long as the person is wanting a service. Our counsellors are also happy to talk to parents, school counsellors and workers if they have a query or are unsure where to refer a client.
Library
SHine SA has a range of self-help books and DVDs that may help you with your concerns.
Download the Counselling services leaflet.
At SHine SA you'll be treated with respect and receive quality health care at all times. For information about your rights as a client of SHine SA see the Client rights leaflet.