Through the separation or bereavement from a partner we are often faced with having to revise and re-learn our sense of self, identity, and understanding of the world. There is no right or wrong way to grieve and the process can be challenging and takes time. It can be even harder if the circumstances of your separation or bereavement were unexpected or traumatic.
During these times it’s important to ask for support. Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to someone who is not a family member or friend. The counsellors at Lifeline WA are qualified mental health professionals who are here to offer you support and counselling through these difficult times.
How can we help?
This service is free and available across Western Australia. It can be accessed face to face at our Subiaco office, via Zoom or phone.
We provide individual support of up to 12 counselling sessions over a maximum of 12 months so you can:
- Learn how to communicate effectively with the other parent
- Explore your feelings and manage your emotions whilst experiencing separation or bereavement
- Process the effects of the loss of a loved one and how this alters your life
- Help manage setbacks in your life brought on by grieving
- Identify healthy coping mechanisms and support systems around you that address feelings of isolation and despair
- Develop strategies to achieve emotional wellbeing and the best possible outcomes for yourself and your children
- Access practical support and assistance
For queries, please call 9261 4498, email counselling@lifelinewa.org.au or complete our referral form by clicking on the referral link above.
Am I eligible for this service?
This service is for:
- Separated couples, with children, who are separated or separating
- Parents bereaved by the death of their partner or child
- Young people (dependants aged between 12 and 25 years of age), and primary school aged children, either of separated or bereaved parents, or bereaved by the death of a parent or sibling themselves
- Extended family members who perform a care role to the family unit and are impacted by the family separation or bereavement, including stepparents and grandparents
- The separation or bereavement should be within 24 months
- Separation or bereavement of a partner, child or parent of a young person or child must be the reason you are being referred and will be the key focus of your counselling and support.
This service is not for:
- Those in crisis (eg: housing, family violence, drug and alcohol, mental health, trauma or financial)
- Couples or bereaved parents without children
- Bereaved parents of non-dependant adult children
Is this service right for my child?
Separation
Parents separating can be difficult for families, particularly for children who are often confused about changes in their lives.
Children’s feedback helps parents and carers to develop child focussed strategies to support their children through separation.
Bereavement
Most children recover from grief without any long-term emotional struggles, but some children experience significant emotional distress that persists over time.
Our counsellors are experienced in supporting children after the loss of a sibling or parent and can help them process complex emotions, to talk about their experience in a safe environment and to assist in adapting to the loss of a loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no cost. This is a free service.
- Face to face at our central Perth office
- Telephone based sessions
- Video counselling via Zoom.
Therapists use a variety of frameworks and techniques which are tailored to the client and their needs. The counselling process is collaborative and the therapist is not there to give advice but rather support the client with processing their thoughts, feelings and assist in achieving their goals.
People who are seeking support can either self-refer by completing the referral form on our website or calling the counselling team on 9261 4498. People may also be referred by other external agencies or family members who can complete the referral form on their behalf.
After we receive a referral for counselling, we will contact you to either get some more information or book an assessment. After the assessment we will contact you to let you know if our service is appropriate for your needs. If it is, we will book a counselling appointment with you. You can access our service in person at our Subiaco office, via phone or Zoom. We are a short-term counselling service and sessions are free.
Yes, it is, and we will explain this more to you at assessment.
If you are in crisis or need assistance, please call:
Emergency 000
Lifeline 13 11 14
1800 Respect 1800 737 732
Alcohol Drug Information Service 1800 250 015
National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007
Kids Helpline 1800 55 18 00
Mensline Australia 1300 78 99 78
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue 1300 226 636