Our Counselling Services
Individual
Individual
Individual
Individual Counselling
Counselling for individuals provides confidential, emotional support to individuals to promote wellbeing, resilience, and early intervention through professional, needs-based care.
Couples
Individual
Individual
Couples counselling provides confidential, short-term therapeutic support to partners seeking to strengthen communication, resolve conflict, and improve relational wellbeing through guided, professional intervention.
Children
Individual
Tele-Counselling
Child counselling offers confidential, age-appropriate support to children experiencing emotional, social, or behavioural challenges. It helps them develop coping skills, build resilience, and improve overall wellbeing through tailored, professional guidance.
Tele-Counselling
Site Allocation Counselling
Tele-Counselling
Tele-counselling is the provision of professional counselling services delivered remotely via secure digital platforms (such as video conferencing or telephone). It enables clients to access confidential, timely psychological support regardless of location, while maintaining ethical standards, privacy, and therapeutic effectiveness comparable to in-person services.
In Person Counselling
Site Allocation Counselling
Site Allocation Counselling
In-Person Counselling – Professional Summary
In-person counselling is the provision of professional, face-to-face therapeutic support in a private setting. It allows for direct engagement, observation of non-verbal communication, and the development of a strong therapeutic relationship, supporting effective assessment, intervention, and client wellbeing.
Site Allocation Counselling
Site Allocation Counselling
Site Allocation Counselling
If you have office space available, we have a counsellors available.
We have a diverse group of qualified counsellors located in NSW, QLD, WA, VIC, and ACT, who would love to provide free in-person counselling in your spare office.
Our counsellors are fully insured, trained, supervised, and ready to support your team.
If this opportunity interests you, please feel free to email me directly at maria@friendship-centre.com.
Our Services
Our Mission
Ways to help
Ways to help
Friendship Centre Counselling is dedicated to improving the lives of those in need. Our mission is to provide resources and support to all individuals that require it.
Ways to help
Ways to help
Ways to help
Refer anyone that needs support even if waiting for services we have enough counsellors to care for all.
Let those that you refer KNOW that you have done so.
Donations
Ways to help
Volunteer Opportunities
We are completely self funded and we don't have any government financial support so if you would like to help us by contributing any money for our rent which is our only overhead we would be so grateful.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Join our team of volunteers and make a difference in the lives of others. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available. See more information below
Intern Counsellors
Volunteer Opportunities
Intern Counsellors
If you are seeking an ideal place to complete your internship, look no further! We provide a welcoming and supportive environment for interns to grow and develop their skills. Our internship program offers two intake periods each year: January and July.
See more information below
Office Rental
Volunteer Opportunities
Intern Counsellors
If you have office space available, we have counsellors available.
We have a diverse group of qualified counsellors located in NSW, QLD, WA, VIC, and ACT, who would love to provide free in-person counselling in your spare office.
Our counsellors are fully insured, trained, supervised, and ready to support your team.
If this opportunity interests you, please feel free to email me directly at maria@friendship-centre.com.
ABOUT US
Our Counsellors
Our counsellors and trainee counsellors are of the highest level they are all Australian qualified and work as volunteers to further gain experience.
We have over 200 counsellors that are professional, multi-lingual and passionate about mental health.
The Friendship Centre provides supervision and training for each volunteer as well as full insurance coverage for all our counsellors. We also have intern counsellors who are in the final stages of their qualification and providing support to the community. Our interns are closely supervised by the team leaders and supervisors and are able to provide an amazing collaborative service to clients.
Our History
The Friendship Centre commenced operations in 2016 in the picturesque Hawkesbury region. Recognising the need for accessible counselling services, the Friendship Centre was established to ensure that everyone can receive the help they need, whenever they need it, for as long as they require it.
We are proud to celebrate 10 years of dedicated service to the community. From our beginnings with one counsellor in a single location, we have grown to include over 200 telephone counsellors serving individuals across Australia.
Intern Counsellors
Application Form
If you are seeking an ideal place to complete your internship, look no further! We provide a welcoming and supportive environment for interns to grow and develop their skills. Our internship program offers two intake periods each year: January and July.
This structure allows for a comprehensive experience where you can engage in meaningful work and gain valuable insights into your field. If you would like more details about our intern program, including application procedures and the types of projects you may work on, please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to helping you kickstart your professional journey!
Our University Partners
Volunteer with Friendship Centre
Why volunteer with the Friendship Centre?
Volunteering is an excellent option for counsellors looking to accumulate their necessary hours while simultaneously making a positive impact in the community. At Friendship Centre Counselling, we emphasise a world where everyone feels valued and connected. By volunteering, counsellors can:
- Gain Practical Experience: Volunteering provides counsellors with hands-on experience, allowing them to refine their skills, build confidence, and enhance their resumes.
- Contribute to the Community: They can directly uplift and support individuals in need, aligning with our vision of fostering a caring and supportive community.
- Network and Build Relationships: Volunteering enables counsellors to connect with peers, mentors, and clients, expanding their professional network and learning from diverse experiences.
- Fulfil Certification Requirements: Many counselling certification programs require documented hours, and volunteering helps meet those essential requirements.
- Emotional Fulfilment: Helping others can be deeply rewarding, providing counsellors with a sense of purpose and satisfaction in their work.
- Free Group Supervision and Emergency Individual Supervision for our Volunteers: as a way to say thank you for your services the Friendship Centre provides clinical supervision for counsellors who provide free counselling to more than 3 clients in the form of group supervision.
- Low cost individual supervision is available only to volunteer counsellors of $50 per session
By engaging in volunteer opportunities, qualified and registered counsellors can overcome challenges related to accumulating hours while contributing to a vital cause.
Embracing your culture and language as a counsellor
Culturally diverse counsellors enhance understanding, improve client comfort, and tailor their approaches to align with clients' values. They encourage help-seeking in varied cultures, reduce stigma, and offer relevant solutions. The Friendship Centre actively supports these counsellors, recognising their importance in delivering inclusive and effective mental health services.
How to volunteer
To apply, please use the button below to submit your resume, qualifications, Working with Children Check, and police check.
Industry Registrations and Legal Compliance
Maria Sarina
Founder/Head Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor
Professional Summary
Mrs Maria Sarina is a qualified counsellor with a strong academic and professional background in social psychology, counselling, and community services. She holds a Bachelor of Social Psychology/Social Research from Western Sydney University, as well as formal qualifications in Counselling, Community Services, and Biblical Studies. Mrs Sarina is an accredited member of the Australian Counselling Association, Colleges of Supervisors and Christian Counsellors, and is listed with the Australian Registry of Counsellors and Psychotherapists. Evidence-based psychological principles, ethical counselling frameworks, and a holistic, values-informed approach to care inform her professional practice.
Maria Sarina - Qualifications and Professional Accreditation
