Counselling is a way of assisting students overcome their personal problems and dilemmas around school, self esteem and relationship issues. It can be effective because allows a student to work through what may be troubling them in a safe, supportive, non-threatening environment.

Experienced, professional counsellors will focus on helping a young person sort out their “stuff” and help them to create ways to think more clearly, make better decisions, and to feel better about themselves.

Counselling is a confidential process that involves careful listening to the practical and emotional needs of the student seeking the counselling. By seeking help at an early stage of a problem, counselling may head off the more serious stress and depression experienced by more than 20 per cent of teenagers.

Making an appointment with the school counsellor is a good place to start. Most high schools provide counsellors experienced in dealing with adolescent issues.

There are other counselling services experienced with dealing with young people. Most counsellors have a psychology degree. With a referral from a GP, consultations with a professional psychologist are Medicare rebateable.