Psychiatry and Social Work:

Psychiatry and Social Work:                   

 This page contains information about the counseling, psychology, psychiatry and social work professions, and what to expect in the therapy situation.

• What is a Counselor?
• What is a Psychologist?
• What is a Psychiatrist?
• What is a Social Worker?
• What happens during a Counseling Session?
• Take a virtual tour of Swinburne's Student Development and Counseling service
• How to get in touch with a Counselor, Psychologist or Psychiatrist

What is a Counsellor

Counselors assist people to better understand themselves by explaining options, setting goals and helping them to take action. There are no formal qualifications required to be a counselor, however most professionals will have a degree or diploma in counseling, psychology or social work. All counselors at Swinburne Student Development and Counseling have extensive training in counseling techniques are eligible for professional registration as psychologists. Counseling at the Psychology Clinic is provided by graduate students who have completed a minimum of four years study in psychology and are supervised by senior staff at the Psychology Clinic, who are fully-registered psychologists with the Psychologists Registration Board of Victoria and the Australian Psychological Society.

What is a Psychologist

Psychologists study human behavior, conduct research and apply research findings in order to reduce distress and behavioral and psychological problems, and to promote mental health and rational behavior in individuals and groups. Psychologists work on a broad range of issues with clientele including children, adults, couples, families and organizations. Psychologists often specialize in a particular type of psychology, such as clinical psychology, neuropsychology, organizational psychology, forensic psychology, educational psychology or sports psychology. In order to practice psychologists are required by law to complete a degree majoring in psychology (with honors), or a four-year Bachelor of Psychology. This is followed by either an accredited two-year postgraduate qualification, or two years of supervised experience with a registered psychologist. The Swinburne Psychology Clinic provides both counseling and psychological services.

What is a Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are specialist medical practitioners who diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders, and prescribe medications and treatment to promote or restore good health. To practice, psychiatrists must study medicine at university and then undertake one year of full-time employment (internship) at a recognized teaching hospital to be able to gain full registration as a medical practitioner with the Medical Board. Entry to the psychiatry specialization requires postgraduate study, experience in approved hospitals and the passing of examinations leading to membership of the appropriate professional college. Swinburne University does not currently have any psychiatrists on staff, however the Psychology Clinic will be able to refer you if desired.

What is a Social Worker

Social workers help people to deal with personal and social problems, either directly or by planning or carrying out programs that benefit groups or communities. To become a social worker you usually have to study social work at university. Some counselors at Swinburne Student Development and Counseling are trained in both psychology and social work. You can request to see a counselor with social work qualifications if desired.

What happens during a Counseling session?

Making the decision to seek help for emotional or psychological issues can be difficult and scary. To make this step easier for you, you may want to check out some answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Student Development and Counseling service. Information on what to expect and instructions on how to make an appointment are provided here. The first step towards getting help can often be the hardest, but it is important that you seek help early on to prevent these difficulties becoming worse.

What happens during a counselling session depends greatly on the nature of the problem or the issue. Usually, the counsellor will encourage you to explain what kind of help you think you need. The counsellor will talk with you to help you get a clear idea of the problem and what kinds of options there are for dealing with the problem. The counsellor will then help you decide what is the best option for you, and how to put this into action. Click on the link below to watch a short video about what happens during Counselling.

Take a virtual tour of Swinburne's Student Development and Counselling service 

If you have any questions or concerns about counselling, psychology or psychiatry services, you can submit them via the Swin-e Counselling service, however please ensure your question has not already been answered in our FAQ section.

How to get in touch with a Counselor, Psychologist or Psychiatrist

Counselors are available at all Swinburne University campuses, and psychologists can be accessed through the Psychology Clinic located on the Hawthorn Campus. Appointments can be made either in person or by phone. Click here for contact information for the Student Development and Counselling service on your campus, or here for the Psychology Clinic. Students are usually advised to speak to a counselor at the Student Development and Counselling service in the first instance. More serious or chronic issues will be referred to the Psychology Clinic. If you wish to access counselling, psychology or psychiatry services outside of Swinburne University, staff at the Student Development and Counselling or the Psychology Clinic may be able to refer you to a suitable professional. Professional contact information can also be found in your Local Community Council Database or through the organisations listed in the Swin-e Counselling links directory.