Ascham provides short-term psychological services to help students and their families manage a wide range of issues that can get in the way of students’ wellbeing, learning and development.
Our team of psychologists support students with a range of services including:
Should any student, parent or member of staff need to talk about any concerns, please fill in the appropriate form and one of our psychologists will be in touch to discuss the next steps.
Every Ascham student has an opportunity to access the Ascham Psychological Services, in a safe and confidential setting.
In Hillingdon and Fiona, students may be referred to the School Psychologists by parents and/or staff.
In the Senior School, students may refer themselves or be referred by parents and/or staff.
At Ascham, all the school psychologists have a special interest in working with children and young people. We are part of the school staff and work closely with teachers and other support staff to try to ensure that all students feel supported during their time at Ascham.
We are currently a team of four psychologists working across the week on different days. To find out more about us, click on the link to our profiles.
School Psychologists work with students to help them with problems they might be facing, both at school and at home. Some of the things that people talk to us about are mental health concerns; family breakdowns; friendship and relationship difficulties; academic stress; traumatic events; self-esteem, body image and identity concerns. It’s our job to listen, try to understand, and help you problem solve.
Referrals can be made by students, parents, and staff members. Please fill out the appropriate Hub form below and one of the School Psychologists will email you about next steps. The service is short-term, with a limit of 4 sessions. Appointments for Junior School students are arranged with the classroom teacher so that important lessons or assessments are not missed. Appointments for Senior School students are usually held during study periods.
Email psychologicalservices@ascham.nsw.edu.au
This is a very common concern raised by students who come to see a School Psychologists. School Psychologists, like any other therapist, are required by law to maintain student confidentiality regarding the information that is shared during counselling sessions. However, just like in other settings, there are some limits to confidentiality.
– If you provide information that suggests you are at risk of harm (to yourself or someone else), or that you have been harmed in the past, then your psychologists would need to let the School know about this. Wherever possible, the student will be involved in how this information is shared with the relevant staff members and parents.
There are two other main types of information that we, as psychologists, provide to the School:
1. Information needed to provide pastoral care. This is information about a student’s safety and wellbeing, both physical and psychological (e.g. potential triggers for distress or helpful coping strategies) that may be shared with a small group of staff (e.g. Year Coordinator, Deputy Head of School). This would be done with the consent of the student, to ensure that their privacy is respected.
2. Statistical information to the Head of School and Deputy Head of School about numbers of students and sessions, presenting issues, year group demographics etc. This information is de-identified.
School Psychologists can make referrals to external specialists, like psychologists, psychiatrists or other mental health professionals. They will discuss this with you if required.
The School Psychologists offices are located upstairs in Holmwood (Health Centre). If you are unsure, please let the nurse know you have an appointment, and they will be able to point you in the right direction.
For Junior School students, we obtain consent from parents to access the school counselling service. The School Psychologists will share information pertinent to the students’ physical and psychological safety and wellbeing with the School and this information may be shared with parents as required.
For Senior School students, we ask that you be the one to provide signed consent for your own treatment. We can then discuss the level of parental involvement that you would be comfortable with.
Appointments are free.
Appointments for Junior School students are arranged with the classroom teacher so important lessons or assessments are not missed.
Appointments for Senior School students are held during study periods.