Conversations around mental health are constantly increasing, and it’s widely known that taking care of our mental health is just as important as our physical health.
In times of uncertainty or change, like starting university or dealing with a global pandemic, speaking to a psychologist can help to guide you through the experience and learn how to cope with challenging times.
Bond’s Medical, Psychological and Disability Services centre offers a range of support services related to any aspect of study, medical and personal wellbeing. In addition the medical and disability support available, Bond has a team of psychologists who are available for appointments – free of charge – for students and staff.
Dr Justine Ebenreuter is a student counsellor and Psychology Teaching Fellow at Bond and in her practice, she helps a wide range of people through many different situations.
“My role is to help people learn to cope with stressful situations, with difficult issues and with mental health problems,” Dr Justine tells Jason Murray, General Manager of Learning Services, in an episode of the Academic Skills Centre podcast.
“Some people may talk to a psychologist because they feel anxious, or angry, or sad all the time and they’re not sure what to do. Others come in for a chronic mental health condition that interferes with their life and others come in for short term problems they want us to help navigate them through, like feeling overwhelmed at university or having an interpersonal problem with family or friends.”
The first step is booking an appointment, but what happens next?
“In your first session of attending Bond University Psychological Services, we’ll give you the opportunity to talk about your difficulties,” explains Dr Justine.
“Sometimes, a psychologist will then ask you about your current situation as well, and what brought you into the clinic, gaining information in areas about family dynamics, academic and work life, medical and previous mental health history, just to get a good overview of what’s going on.”
Sometimes, an initial appointment might include a diagnostic assessment to get a more in-depth understanding of your concerns and how the psychologist can help.
At Bond Psychological Services, counsellors are trained in a range of therapies, which means a therapy can be tailored to a person and their unique circumstances and concerns.
“Cognitive behavioural therapy, solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and acceptance and commitment therapy are just examples of the main therapies we use,” says Dr Justine.
Students and staff can also access couples counselling, or even family therapy.
Dr Justine encourages students and staff alike to take advantage of the counselling services available, whether it’s for personal, mental health, study or interpersonal issues. For Dr Justine, every opportunity to help a student is rewarding.
“I love being a psychologist,” she says (as inspired by the words of Clinical Psychologist Dr John Duffy; PsychCentral.com).
“I find it a privilege to play a part in the story of others. I can’t think of any more rewarding career, one that’s designed to decrease the mental suffering of others and one that works towards improving someone’s quality of life. That’s pretty good!”