COUNSELLING SUPPORT

Here is some useful information about the various types of counselling support that is offered by the Aftercare Resource Centre which provides a service to people who are former residents of Queensland institutions or former children in care.

The effects of growing up as a child in government and religious institutions differ between individuals. Although some people have fond memories of their time in institutions, many others suffered physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and as adults struggle with the long-term effects of their abuse.

Problems might include:

• Dysfunctional relationship and intimacy problems as a consequence of disrupted family experiences
• Difficulty trusting people and problems with emotional boundaries
• Low self esteem and self worth and self destructive thoughts
• Anxiety and depression
• Anger management problems
• Negative coping strategies such as gambling and alcoholism
• Parenting problems caused by the lack of healthy parental figures in your life as a child
• Ongoing nightmares and flashbacks

We realise at ARC that people find it difficult talking about their childhood abuse because they are afraid that it will make them relive the abuse. Counselling at ARC is client focused which means that you are in control of what you want to talk about and when you want to do this. We pay particular attention to making sure you feel OK at all times. At ARC our various programs are designed to assist you to reach your desired goals, what ever they may be, and this commitment is reflected in all of our services. Sometimes, it helps just to speak to someone outside your family and friends who is able to offer professional support. We can provide face-to-face or telephone counselling for yourself or family members or cover the costs for you to see a practitioner outside ARC.

If this application is to see a counsellor outside ARC we have to make arrangements with that counsellor which may also involve collecting certain information from them if they are not already registered with us. Sometimes, this may take time and unfortunately cause short delays in starting the counselling. Once we have received this information at ARC we process it as soon as possible.

About The Aftercare Resource Centre

Following the Forde Inquiry into the abuse of children in Queensland institutions, Relationships Australia (Qld) was funded by the Queensland Department of Families to provide support to former children in care. In 1999 the Relationships Australia (Qld) established the Aftercare Resource Centre to provide this service.

The Aftercare Resource Centre offers:

• Counselling and support for survivors and their families
• Assistance with educational opportunities
• Help with record searches
• Advice on how to contact support groups and community resources
• Assistance with family reunions

AFTERCARE RESOURCE CENTRE

Address:	26 Merivale Street, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101
Telephone:	(07) 3255 2848
Free Call:	1800 501 560
Fax:	(07) 3255 2258
Email:	arc@relateqld.com.au

Hours:	Monday	8:30 - 4:30
	Tuesday	8:30 - 4:30
	Wednesday	Closed
	Thursday	8:30 - 4:30
	Friday	8:30 - 4:30