Counselling Services

What is counselling?

When you come for counselling, you have a chance to talk with a professional in confidence about whatever is going on in your life, whether you have problems regarding home or school, or simply want someone to talk to and seek advice from him/her. The counsellor will listen to you in a neutral and non-judgmental manner and help you work through challenges and explore your own strengths and potential clearly. S/he will respect your values, lifestyle and culture, and will work to help you make your own decisions, so that you feel stronger and more in control of your life.

What counselling can help

Counselling, both individual and group, is helpful for a range of issues, such as:

•    Identity and Self-image
•    Self-esteem and Confidence
•    Bullying
•    Family problems
•    Relationship problems
•    Managing Emotions
•    Depression and Self-harm
•    Anxiety or Exam Stress
•    Addictions
•    Grief and Loss

Coming to see a counsellor is a positive step in trying to overcome your difficulties. Everyone has problems at points in their life, and sometimes we all need some help in finding our direction again. 

Confidentiality

All conversations with you are private and confidential unless you give permission to share with others. The only exception is when there appears to be a serious risk to your own or others’ safety. In these circumstances, we would normally seek to speak to you first before contacting anyone else.

Sometimes it is helpful that we agree to share some information with your parents or teachers in order to get you the support you might need, this is always done with your permission too.

How to make an appointment

• Speak with your Tutor or Head of House or Head of Leaning Family who will help you to arrange an appointment
• Email a school social worker / counsellor directly (see email contacts above)
• Call or Drop by the Counsellor’s Office (2240-6703) for making an appointment directly
• Talk to your parents who can help you by doing any of the above

# Parents are welcome to contact the counsellor for consultations or referrals too.

Commitment to the process

Counselling is a collaborative process for both you and the counsellor. Engaging in the process will definitely help you to move forward though you may find it takes some time to talk openly with the counsellor. It will be important to commit yourself to scheduled appointments and taking responsibility for emailing or texting your counsellor in advance if you are unable to attend any meeting. It will help us re-arrange meetings with other student in need. You may reschedule another appointment.

Support for Parents

If your child is receiving counselling, you can help them by:

• Respecting their privacy and the confidential nature of counselling
• Try not to intrude on their experience but let them know you are available if they need to talk
• Limit your advice and guidance by encouraging your child to express what their feelings, needs and goals are
• Praise and encourage their positive manner in seeking help

• Please feel free to contact our School Social Worker or School Counsellor if you require any help.
• If your child is not ready for receiving counselling service in school but you as parents feel you need help, you may check the resources from any non-government organizations or private counseling service centres for assistance.

1. 24-Hour Hotlines for Crisis Intervention

2. Other Youth Helplines

3. Family Counselling Resources in HK                      

3.1 Integrated Family Service Centres from the Government / NGOs Sector:

On District Base: Please search from website of Social Welfare Department (SWD) on the List of Integrated Family Service Centres/ Integrated Services Centres (should find it in accordance to the residential area of the Client) (revised in June 2015)

3.2 Other Counselling Services in Private Setting:

Additional Information

You may also find the following professionals from these websites:

• Directory of Psychologists Registered with the Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS)*** hkps.org.hk/index,php?fi=public

(Note: ***Currently, there is No Statutory Registration on who can practice as a Psychologist in HK and so the HKPS made a Register to ask members to observe the Code of Professional Conduct.)

• Search engines for finding Psychiatristsg. www.hkdoctors.org (by HK Medical Association) OR 醫德網 www.edr.hk (Chinese Only)

Disclaimer: All information listed above is not comprehensive but for your information ONLY. You may explore other counselors, therapists, social workers that fit your needs and interests.

(updated in September 2015)