Counselling
Engaging in counselling with The Deli is a courageous step towards reclaiming control, healing, and forging a safe future free from domestic and family violence.
Our therapeutic approach is innovative and embraces a trauma-informed care, offering a safe and empathetic space where individuals can find solace, connection with community, and guidance from dedicated specialists.
Whether you choose to engage in-person at The Deli or at one of our three outreach locations, or prefer the flexibility of phone or video calls, our focus remains on creating a secure environment where healing can flourish. Recognising the practical challenges that may arise, we provide the following services to support your healing:
- Free childminding during sessions and support groups
- Free food pantry stocked by Project Kindness
- Ready-to-eat meals donated by Two Good Co
- Christmas and birthday gifts for clients and their children donated by Clovelly Community Bank, Ray White Maroubra and Coogee and Lions Club Maroubra
- Emergency brokerage
Rooted in somatic principles, our interventions draw on a deep understanding of trauma and its effects. By addressing both the emotional and physical dimensions of trauma, we empower our clients to navigate their unique paths to recovery. Choosing counselling at The Deli is not just an individual journey; it’s an invitation to a connected, supportive community, where healing is nurtured, and futures are shaped with resilience and fulfilment.
FAQ
Where is The Deli located?
The Deli Women and Children’s Centre is located in Eastlakes close to bus stops. For the safety of our staff and clients we do not publicly list our address.
As part of the intake process, we will discuss our locations and you can decide which is most suitable for you. The location and address of appointment will be confirmed in SMS reminders sent 48 hours before your next appointment.
The following transport lines have routes that pass near the centre:
- Bus: 303, 306, 343, 358
- Train: T8
There is also plenty of free street parking out the front of the centre.
If you aren’t able to travel to Eastlakes, we operate at outreach locations in Maroubra and Randwick, and we can offer online or phone appointments as well.
Who can access The Deli’s services?
We offer free counselling, parenting support and case management for women and children in the Bayside and Randwick local government areas who have experienced domestic and family violence.
Bayside Council Local Government Area comprises of the following 29 suburbs: Arncliffe, Banksia, Bardwell Park, Bexley, Bexley North, Botany, Banksmeadows, Brighton Le-Sands, Kyeemagh, Carlton, Daceyville, Eastlakes, Hillsdale, Eastgardens, Kingsgrove, Kogarah, Mascot, Monterey, Pagewood, Ramsgate, Ramsgate Beach, Rockdale, Roseberry, Sandringham, Dolls Point, Sans Souci, Turrella, Bardwell Valley and Wolli Creek.
Randwick City includes the suburbs of Centennial Park (part), Chifley, Clovelly, Coogee, Kensington, Kingsford, La Perouse, Little Bay, Malabar, Maroubra, Matraville, Phillip Bay, Port Botany, Randwick, and South Coogee.
As part of our intake process we may assess that there are other services more suitable to support a client than The Deli and will facilitate referrals with those alternative service providers.
Is childminding available during my counselling or parenting support appointment?
Childminding is offered to current clients during their appointments.
We have outdoor and indoor activities available across all age groups. When bringing your child to an appointment please provide:
- A water bottle
- Something to eat if it is their normal meal time
- A jacket or jumper during cooler weather
- Nappies, pull-ups and wipes
You will be asked to complete a short form prior to childminding to ensure we have important information on hand such as any allergies or health concerns.
There is limited availability, so please advise the intake team or your counsellor if you require childminding.
I used to attend counselling or parenting support at The Deli. How do I re-engage?
If you have not attended an appointment or group for more than 3 months then you will need to complete the intake process again.
During intake we will discuss your immediate needs and ensure that we are still the best placed service to provide support.
At times supporting clients in accessing different services will ensure a better outcome for them, and in those circumstances our intake and case management staff will provide referrals and support clients with completing forms and applications.
Is counselling right for me?
We believe counselling is beneficial for anyone to engage with, at the right time.
Recovering and healing from domestic and family violence can be a long journey, and specialised domestic violence counselling can play an integral part in rebuilding your life. The benefits of counselling at The Deli include:
- Having a safe space to tell your story guided by qualified professionals
- Help you break a pattern or cycle of abuse
- Equip you with the skills to identify and regulate your emotions
- Build resilience and coping skills
At times we may recommend that a client returns to us in a few months when they have more capacity to engage and benefit from the counselling experience. We will always ensure there is a support system in place for the client before making this recommendation.
What should I expect during my intake appointment?
We encourage clients to visit us at Eastlakes for their intake appointment, though it can also be completed by phone or video call as well.
During this session you will meet with a member of our Client Experience team for a 60 minute appointment and we will:
- Chat about what has brought you to The Deli and what sort of support you are seeking
- Assess your safety
- Discuss any immediate needs and how we can assist; for example food, medication or toiletries
- Walk you through our services
- Suggest other services that may also be able to assist you and provide referrals as agreed
During this intake appointment we will also have to complete a few forms with which our Client Experience Officer will assist you.
What should I expect during my first counselling session?
Your first appointment with a counsellor will run for approximately 1 hour. During this time you will discuss as much or as little as you are comfortable to disclose. This is an opportunity for you to get to know your counsellor and raise any questions, concerns or needs. Many of our clients mention that they are nervous before their first appointment, but always feel much better at the end.
Feel free to come a little earlier than your appointment time and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a biscuit.
What should I expect during a parenting support appointment?
Parenting after domestic and family violence can be extremely challenging. Our parenting support appointments focus on strategies and techniques to maintain, create or deepen the connection with your children and manage your triggers, especially when they are dysregulated.
A parenting support appointment runs for approximately an hour and can be held in person at Eastlakes or by phone or video call.
