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Student Counselling Services

SUPPORTING EVERY STUDENT

Student Wellbeing at Immanuel

Every student deserves to feel supported, heard, and understood. That’s why our wellbeing team creates a safe space where students can share their thoughts, work through challenges, and build resilience for life.

TALK TO US ABOUT THE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS OF YOUR CHILD

WHOLE PERSON CARE

A Complete Support Approach

Happy, confident students learn better – it’s that simple. Our dedicated counselling team supports your child’s emotional, social, and academic growth, helping them become their best selves. Whether they’re navigating friendship challenges, managing study stress, or dealing with bigger life changes, we’re here to help.

PRIMARY SCHOOL SUPPORT

Primary School Counselling Services

Primary school years are full of big feelings and new experiences. One day your child might be on top of the world, the next they might be struggling with friendship worries or classroom challenges. Our counsellors understand these ups and downs, creating a warm, welcoming space where children feel safe to share their thoughts and feelings. We work closely with families and teachers to help your child build confidence, develop emotional skills, and find their own way to shine.

Our primary school counselling team provides:

  • One-on-one sessions tailored to each child
  • Safe spaces to express feelings and concerns
  • Age-appropriate coping strategies
  • Close collaboration with teachers and families
  • Support for learning and social development

SECONDARY SCHOOL GUIDANCE

NAVIGATING TEEN YEARS AT SCHOOL

Secondary school brings a whole new world of challenges – from study stress to social media, self-discovery to future planning. It’s a time of incredible growth, but it can also feel overwhelming. Our counsellors get it. They’re here to listen without judgment, offer practical support, and help students navigate these important years with confidence. Whether it’s managing exam anxiety, dealing with relationship changes, or finding balance in a busy world, we’re here to help students thrive.



Our secondary counsellors offer:

  • Student-led confidential sessions
  • Support for mental health and wellbeing
  • Help with study stress and academic pressure
  • Guidance through social and family dynamics
  • Tools for managing anxiety and emotions

MEET OUR TEAM

Nurturing Minds, Supporting Hearts

Paul 

BA, GradDip Teaching (Primary), GradDip of Psychology, GradDip in Psychology, Psychologist PSY0002414014

Paul O’Reilly, serving as a Director of Counselling and Support Services at Immanuel, brings a wealth of experience and qualifications to support our school students and their families.

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Amy 

BLM (Primary), BSc (Psych), BPsychSc (Hons)

Amy is a warm and empathetic counsellor who uses evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), to equip students to utilise more helpful perspectives and behaviours, empowering students to take brave steps toward their goals.

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Ngaire 

M.Ed (Guidance and Counselling), PG Cert Sp Ed (Learning Difficulties), B.Ed, B.Teach (Early Childhood)

Ngaire joined Immanuel in February 2025 and brings a warm, student-centred approach to her work. She is passionate about student wellbeing, inclusion and connection, and supports young people to grow in confidence and develop a strong sense of themselves as learners.

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Real Voices, Real Experiences

Testimonials

One journey, Three Chapters

Your Immanuel Path

Early Learning

Early Learning

Primary


Primary


Secondary


Secondary


Paul O’Reilly

BA, GradDip Teaching (Primary), GradDip of Psychology, GradDip in Psychology, Psychologist PSY0002414014

Paul O’Reilly, serving as a College Counsellor at Immanuel, brings a wealth of experience and qualifications to support secondary school students and their families. His professional journey includes roles as a primary school teacher and extensive work as a school counsellor across various P-12 schools in New South Wales.

Paul holds full registration with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) as a teacher and is also registered with AHPRA as a psychologist (PSY0002414014). His approach to counselling is deeply student-centered, grounded in providing unconditional positive regard for each individual. His passion lies in helping young people manage and overcome social and emotional barriers that may impede their full engagement in schooling and hinder their potential for achievement.
In his practice, Paul employs a flexible blend of therapeutic approaches tailored to the specific needs of students. These include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Brief Solution-Focused Interventions. This multifaceted approach allows him to effectively address a wide spectrum of mental health challenges that students may face.

At Immanuel, secondary students have the option to self-refer to see Paul as their college counsellor. Additionally, Paul warmly welcomes parents and guardians to reach out to discuss any concerns they may have regarding their child’s well-being and academic journey. His collaborative and compassionate approach underscores his commitment to fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. He can be contacted on Monday to Friday, during school hours on [email protected] or call 5477 3444.

Amy Garbellotto

BLM (Primary), BSc (Psych), BPsychSc (Hons)

Amy is a warm and empathetic counsellor who is passionate about supporting children and adolescents. With a nurturing and gentle approach, Amy uses evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), to equip students to utilise more helpful perspectives and behaviours, empowering students to take brave steps toward their goals. Amy is highly dedicated and aims for every student to feel supported, heard, and comfortable to share. 

Amy has widespread experience in the Education sector, first as a registered teacher, and subsequently, as a College Counsellor. 

If you have concerns about your child, please contact Amy on [email protected] or call 5477 3430 (available every Friday) during school hours.

Ngair Wood

M.Ed (Guidance and Counselling), PG Cert Sp Ed (Learning Difficulties), B.Ed, B.Teach (Early Childhood)

Ngaire joined Immanuel in February 2025 and brings a warm, student-centred approach to her work. She is passionate about student wellbeing, inclusion and connection, and supports young people to grow in confidence and develop a strong sense of themselves as learners.

With a background in both education and therapeutic settings, Ngaire draws on a variety of evidence-based counselling practices. She favours strengths-based and solution-focused approaches, and tailors each session to meet the unique needs and interests of the student. This includes options such as walk and talk sessions, and expressive therapies like play, art and sand tray.

Ngaire’s experience spans across primary and secondary schools in roles including classroom teacher, learning support teacher and guidance officer. She has also worked in paediatric hospital settings as a play therapist.
She is a fully registered teacher with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT), and is a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Queensland Guidance and Counselling Association (QGCA).
Ngaire is available on Wednesdays (odd weeks), Thursdays and Fridays. She can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by calling 5477 3430.