Counselling
SHine SA offers a therapeutic counselling service provided by professional sexual health counsellors. The service is available to individuals, couples and families.
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.)
Sexual health counsellors:
- provide therapeutic counselling for a range of sexual health concerns
- facilitate group sessions
- provide a consultancy and referral service for workers and clients
- get involved in community projects, training and health promotion
What is therapeutic counselling?
The aim of therapeutic counselling is to help you to become more aware of the options you have to shape your own life and make sense of the difficult periods that you may have experienced. Counsellors at SHine SA have a minimum of two years therapeutic counselling experience and hold an appropriate tertiary qualification. They offer help through empathic, genuine and respectful listening and support. We encourage you to ask about your counsellor’s professional background and approach when you first contact them.
What issues can benefit from counselling?
Counselling is provided for concerns related to sexual health. These include:
- sexual concerns for women, including pre-orgasmia and vaginismus
- sexual concerns for men, including erectile or ejaculation difficulties
- differences in levels of sexual desire (libido)
- concerns about same-sex attraction / sexual identity
- sexual issues arising from sexual assault or child sexual abuse
- not sure what to do about pregnancy
- termination of pregnancy / post-termination
- sexual issues associated with disabilities
- 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
To attend SHine SA’s clinics there is a $20 annual fee ($10 concession), which covers counselling and clinic services. Costs can be reduced if there are financial difficulties.
Making an appointment
To make an appointment contact your nearest SHine SA team:
- 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
A free interpreting service 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.Some regions may offer evening appointments by negotiation.
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 and arrangements will be made to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
If you are unable to attend your appointment please give 24 hours notice and ring to cancel.
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.