About the Centre

Many personal decisions are made and problems solved through conversations with family and friends. There are however, times when it may be right to seek assistance away from the usual environment. The Centre was created to meet just such a need.

The Centre has professionally trained and widely experienced counsellors. They are associated with relevant professional bodies and are subject to the Code of Ethics of the Uniting Church and Code of Practice of the Counselling Asssociation of South Australia.

Rev. Dr. Phil Carr directs the Centre. He has had over 30 years experience as a counsellor. He has been a lecturer in the School of Medicine (Flinders University) for over a decade. He is currently teaching Ethical Issues in Counselling with the School of Psychology, within the University of South Australia, and for the Off Shore Programme in Singapore.

What Happens in Counselling

Counselling is not the same as giving advice. Rather a counsellor seeks to help you to focus on and understand more clearly the issues that concern you. By respecting your own values, choices and lifestyle, the counsellor can work with you to make decisions that are right for you.

Counselling takes place in a comfortable and private setting. The content of couselling sessions is confidential. Under normal circumstances, nothing will be disclosed to anyone outside the Centre without your express permission.

Who Benefits?

The Centre serves the wider community. It is also available to ministers, employees and members of the Uniting Church.

What issues are addressed?

People come for assistance with issues such as anxiety, stress, depression, grief, chronic illness, palliative care, family crises, rehabilitation, abuse, pre-marriage and relationship counselling.

Other Activities

As well as offering individual counselling, the Centre offers groups and workshops, both short and long term. Throughout the year workshops in the area of grief management, depression and crisis intervention are available. We also offer a series of Preparing to Marry seminars every year.

The Centre is also competent to offer short and long term supervision for those in professional positions.

Making Appointments

Sessions last around 55 minutes and take place at Marlborough Street.

An initial appointment to agree on the most appropriate form of counselling is helpful. Decisions about subsequent sessions are negotiated between you and the counsellor. Referral to another agency may sometimes be more appropriate.

Most people are seen for two to four sessions, others for longer depending on the issues.

There is a modest fee for service, which will take into account personal circumstances.

Futher details are available by phoning the Centre in office hours (08) 8271 6817.