Women’s Health Queensland is a not-for-profit organisation whose purpose is to advance the health and wellbeing of all Queensland women. Our head office is in Brisbane and we maintain a statewide footprint through partnering with local organisations and through the leveraging of technology.
Women’s Health Queensland has four strategic approaches to improving outcomes for women.
Woman-centred. We support individual women, co-design programs with women, listen to women and respond to their needs, and support others to provide woman-centred approaches.
Influencing change in communities through primary prevention of violence and gender equity programs.
Build capability of organisations that support women through education and training, research, and partnerships.
Sustainability in all that we do. WHQ focusses on holistic and sustainable environmental, organisational and community practices.
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Services Offered
Our Counselling Services are provided for free to women living in Brisbane. Our specialist counsellors provide trauma-informed and healing centred counselling. It is tailored to your needs and you will work together with your counsellor to create a plan for how you would like to meet your needs.
Counselling sessions are approximately an hour long and can be in person at the WHQ centre in Stones Corner, on the phone or via video call (for example Zoom or FaceTime.).
Through counselling we will offer a place for you to tell your story, in your way and in your time.
We support a diversity of women, including people who: -identify as Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander; -are culturally and linguistically diverse; -are experiencing disadvantage; -are living with/ impacted by disability; -have diverse bodies, sexualities and genders; -are unable to speak openly about their health issues; -may otherwise not have access to support.
We require you to arrange appropriate care for your children before arriving for your counselling session so that you are free to concentrate on the counselling process. WHQ does not have child care facilities. If you require an exception please speak with your counsellor before your session.
Please note, there is usually a waitlist for our counselling service, however you can access our groups detailed below while on the waitlist.
Art Therapy 7-Week Program Art Therapy is a process of self-exploration, expressing thoughts and feelings. WHQ’s Group Art Therapy program is for women who have experienced Domestic, Family and Sexual violence. Art therapy uses creative mediums like drawing, painting, colouring, and collage. Art can offer an alternative way to process traumatic events. Art can provide an outlet when words fail. The group is focused on supporting women to use different forms of creative arts to aid in healing, identifying existing strengths and finding new strength while nurturing self and building on self-esteem. You do not need to be artistic to participate in this group.
Creating, Coping, Connecting (previously Mindfulness for Mental Health). WHQ Creating, Coping, Connecting group will explore the interaction between physical and mental health and discover how to maintain a manageable equilibrium through skills learned in our mindfulness practice. Creating, Coping, Connecting has been specifically developed for women who have experience Domestic, family and or sexual violence and engages a trauma-informed healing centred approach to developing a mindful practice. People often say “I’m not good at mindfulness”, “I can’t sit still”, “how can I find time to be mindful?”, this group is for anyone who has had those thoughts. We will be finding ways to make mindfulness work in your busy life and adapting these skills to be flexible and suited to you and your brain.
Say Yes to You Workshop Series. The Say Yes to You workshop series is a safe, supportive group where you have an opportunity to learn and grow alongside other women. Each workshop session is unique and filled with great information and resources. You may come to just one, or as many as you choose, it’s up to you! Across 5 weeks you will be learning about: -Creating healthy relationships -Identifying your boundaries -Understanding the impacts of domestic violence and trauma -Self-care for your brain and body -Exploring aspects of your identities – Tree of Life activity
Fees and Payment
Counselling and groups at Women’s Health Queensland are free.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.