Online counselling a first

An online counselling service launched by AUT means students can access help from anywhere in the world

AUT launched a free online counselling service on September 1, a first among New Zealand universities.

Students anywhere in New Zealand or the world can access the service via the Internet and counselling sessions take place by email, live chat or a combination of both.

Director of Student Services, John Carlson says this is one of a number of new initiatives aimed at the holistic support of students.

“Our strategies are about student retention and success, and encourage the best possible outcomes for the students.”

Counsellor Leon Tan from the Health, Counselling and Wellbeing team developed the service, after research completed by fellow staff member Amanda Lees in 2004 confirmed its feasibility.

“Online counselling offers many advantages over traditional face-to-face counselling, and it’s appropriate that AUT as an innovative university leads the way,” says Leon.

Benefits include breaking down physical mobility and geographical barriers, providing flexible appointment times and ease of use for the hearing impaired.

“Many people find it easier to discuss significant issues without someone sitting in front of them,” says Leon.

Next year the Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences will introduce two online counselling papers and AUT will become the first university in Australasia to offer these entirely via the Internet.