WAAC provides counselling and emotional support to people living with HIV with a focus on HIV, relationships, gender, sexuality and other related issues. Fees are either free or capacity-based (depending on the client) and are discussed with the counsellors upon assessment. Sessions are typically face-to-face. They can also be via telephone or online for people in rural and remote areas.
We strive to make our services inclusive to people from all walks of life, and operate in a non-judgmental, supportive space, with your privacy and confidentiality at the forefront.
How does it work?
The counsellor and the client will work together to determine how to achieve the best outcome with up to 10 sessions of 60 minutes available.
Our counsellors use a person-centred approach which means the client is in control of what is explored and the pace at which they go.
Our services take place at WAAC head office in West Perth and are available 9am -4.30pm Monday to Friday.
What is counselling?
Counselling is a confidential service provided by trained professionals to support mental health.
Typically it helps to enhance wellbeing through developing greater self-understanding, self-awareness and acceptance.
The sessions can be quite broad in nature or focus on a particular topic and are available for individuals or couples. Our counsellors are trained to work with adults and young people from 12 years old and take a collaborative, person-centred approach, actively involving clients in each stage of the process.
“This approach facilitates the personal growth and relationships of a client by allowing them to explore and utilise their own strengths and personal identity. The counsellor aids this process, providing vital support to the client as they make their way through this journey.”
We understand that the most effective counselling happens when clients feel respected, understood and accepted without judgement. Counselling is a great way to achieve a change in perspective, awareness and learn how to handle feelings and behaviours. It’s also a great way to promote new ways of thinking about or dealing with a situation.
How do I know if I should explore counselling?
We all come up against things that challenge us in life and sometimes it’s difficult to know who to talk to. If you are unsure of the best way to tackle an issue, a counsellor can offer you a professional perspective with care, compassion and acceptance. We provide counselling for people who are:
- Living with HIV
- Newly diagnosed with HIV
- Contemplating testing
- Awaiting results, and
- Partners and family of someone living with HIV
We prioritise seeing people who are newly diagnosed, financially disadvantaged, experiencing health or relationship issues, or people experiencing the affects of trauma/violence.
Booking an Appointment
To access this service you will need to participate in a brief assessment process either over the phone or face to face.
For more information, you can call us on 08 9482 0000 or fill out the below contact form with as much information as possible.