For the first time in years, Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) has no waitlist for its free generalist counselling services.
GLCH’s team of five generalist counsellors supports people aged 12 and up, helping them work through everyday challenges such as anxiety, grief, family and relationship issues, identity struggles, and coping with illness or diagnosis.
GLCH counsellor Preethi Sridhar joined the team in early 2024 after completing her Master of Counselling in Melbourne. Originally from Chennai in India, she had never lived in a rural area before moving to East Gippsland.
“Coming to a rural area was different, I’ve been exposed to cities all my life… it was definitely an experience. In the country it’s very quiet and very beautiful, you’re in touch with nature.”
“Sometimes the quiet helps and sometimes the silence is loud.”
Despite the challenges of relocating alone and finding accommodation, Preethi said the welcome she received made a lasting impression.
The strong sense of community, both in and outside the workplace, is what’s kept her connecting.
“How everybody knows everybody — it is a small town. People really have each other’s back, they don’t just say it, they show it. There’s a strong sense of community here that is loud, compared to what you can see in Melbourne.”
Now working with a wide age range of clients — from aged 18 to 83 — Preethi says no two days are ever the same.
“The work is awesome. There are good days and bad days. I absolutely love what I do. You don’t have the same day twice — it’s different, because something keeps happening in clients’ lives.”
“I love how clients allow themselves to be at their worst, show their vulnerable side to a stranger like me. They allow me to hold that space for them.”
GLCH’s generalist counselling team is not a crisis service, but helps people deal with the impact of crisis and the longer-term effects of life’s challenges.
“Generalist counselling — as the words say — you deal with everyday personal issues, everyday life issues that people experience, that generalist counsellors help with,” Preethi said.
“The reason why it’s called generalist — we are doing a little bit of everything because we provide holistic support.”
Bairnsdale maths teacher and horse stud operator Diana Beggs said the support available locally had made a real difference.
“What was interesting for me was how much I became committed to having counselling to improve my general life, to improve my capacity, my functionality – my ability to be my best self, rather than just coping with an extraordinary situation,” she said.
“I’ve realised counselling can be part of maintaining and developing one’s own self-awareness, and capacity to live and breathe and function to our very best.”
Diana said she has previously accessed counselling during periods of crisis. Now, she uses it as a tool for long-term wellbeing.
“From when I walk in the door I’m greeted beautifully by a professional team who are clearly there to help. My counsellor Preethi has been exceptional, has helped me so much, it’s a very safe place to be.”
“I wish more people would give it a go. It can be a positive experience working through difficulties — and living with difficulties — rather than letting the difficulties define our life.”
The team takes referrals from a wide range of sources, including within GLCH, GPs, The Orange Door, hospitals, GEGAC, and aged care providers. Self-referrals are also welcome.
