School Counsellors

Our counselling services aim to provide guidance and support to students and their families. With expert care and knowledge, we can assist students to overcome any challenge they may face. 

The College Counsellors work in a multi-disciplinary team. Together with Year Level Coordinators, the Careers team, the VET team, Nurses, the heads of Senior and Middle school and the College Chaplains, they work to provide students with counselling support and management for a variety of social, emotional and relational concerns.  We also work closely with families to provide support and referrals to external providers as necessary. 

Supporting students through...

    • Overcoming anxiety
    • Managing sleep
    • Managing stress
    • Building a positive body image
    • Overcoming depression
    • Surviving Year 12
    • Building resilience
    • Challenging family dynamics
    • Overcoming grief and loss

      ...and many more topics
Counselling Facilities

Grace Lutheran College's Counselling Centre is located in the main chapel precinct next to the Chaplaincy offices.  Access is via the Senior School Administration main entrance. 

When attending a personal meeting on the college premises, visitors must sign in / out at the reception desk.

Accessing Student Support

There are a number of ways that students can access the services of the College Counsellors:

  1. Students may be referred by their GEL teacher directly to the College Counsellor or by the Year Level Coordinator.
  2. Students may self-refer to see the College Counsellor through either the Middle School office or the Hub.
  3. Parents can contact the Counsellor directly via email or phone to discuss their child’s needs and request an appointment.
  4. All appointments are held in the strictest confidence with consensual agreement by the student and in consultation with the parent (where age criteria is not met).
  5. Students can also be referred for online telehealth counselling during our current COVID-19 pandemic.  Students and parents can contact the Counselling team via counsellor@glc.qld.edu.au.
  6. All student sessions with our counsellors are fully funded.  Cognitive and behavioural assessments may accrue a fee for services. 
External Support Services

Our counselling team may be able to refer students for additional support outside of the college. There are also many services readily available to students and their families to seek guidance and support.

Beyond Blue | Youth Beyond Blue | 1300 22 4636 | Online Chat (3:00PM - 112:00AM)

Headspace |1800 650 890 | Online and Email support

Kids Helpline | 1800 55 1800 | WebChat Counselling (12:00PM - 10:00PM)

Lifeline | 24hr Crisis Support: 13 11 14 | Online Chat (8:00PM-4:00AM)

Parentline | 1300 30 1300 | Web Counselling (Tues & Thurs 11:00AM - 2:00PM)

Events and Programs

R U OK Day

RUOK? Day a national day of action and a reminder to regularly check in with family, friends and workmates. The simple message is that we are stronger as a community when we intentionally connect with others and invite meaningful conversations around personal mental health and well-being.  The challenges of life can leave people feeling vulnerable, alone, and at genuine risk of harm. By providing early intervention through opening up communication without prejudice and fear, we can all help reduce the stigma attached to seeking help.  This small step alone can help promote positive change. 

At Grace, we participate in RUOK? Day through:

  • Specialist GEL Presentations for Middle and Senior School
  • Year 11 Ambassadors forums (with drinks and lollies)
  • RUOK? Day Pledge Wall
  • RUOK? Day merchandise, wrist bands and conversation cards
  • Splendour in the Artificial Grass concert

Students are also encouraged to participate in our ongoing social activities, connect with our Counselling team, and to carry the key messages of RUOK? day everyday at Grace.

Meet our team

Mr Dale Dearman
College Counsellor, Rothwell
07 3897 2120 | Dale_Dearman@glc.qld.edu.au


Dale has over twenty-five years’ experience working with youth and families across  schools in the North Brisbane region. Having recently completed studies in psychology, Dale is now a fully registered psychologist with AHPRA. He has experience working in both school based and clinical settings. Dale has also completed a Masters in Counselling and Bachelor of Music which combined with life experiences that have provide skills and tools to progress into a fulfilling life and marriage. Dale has diverse experience working with youth and adults across a number of areas.  Dale is enthusiastic about working with students, staff and parents of Grace Lutheran College, assisting them with their journey into mental and emotional health.

Dale has complete training and worked in several modalities including cognitive behavioural therapy, Living Wisdom Counselling, Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.  Dale is also able to assist with cognitive and behavioural assessments  in consultation with head of middle and senior school.  Dale seeks to build lasting therapeutic relationships with students through, trust, respect, empathy, acceptance and humor, providing a tailored individual approach. 

Dale lives in with his wife Gina and twin 12 year old daughters Lily and Mia. Dale loves anything musical, working on old cars, playing guitar, singing, writing and recording music, hanging at the beach and good strong coffee. 

Mrs Libby Farmer
College Counsellor, Rothwell
07 3897 2103 | Libby_Farmer@glc.qld.edu.au


Libby is passionate about helping young people reach their potential, both in and out of the classroom. My teaching experience ranges from Primary to Senior Secondary. She has also worked as a facilitator with LEQ (Lutheran Education Queensland), to deliver professional learning experiences to teachers in the subject of Christian Studies.

In her previous role as Director of Care & Wellbeing she was responsible for the pastoral care of the students and staff across the Senior Campus. Her passion for helping adolescents always remained and this encouraged her to return to study and complete a Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling which has now led to her current role of Student Counsellor at Grace Lutheran College.

Libby has three adult children and one fur child. She is part of a blended family that has been together for 18 years and have experienced the highs and lows of adolescence. Together with her husband Rod they enjoy travelling, going to the AFL, playing board games and reading.

Ms Jessica Smith
School Counsellor, Caboolture

07 5495 2444 | Jessica_Smith@glc.qld.edu.au

My role at Caboolture is to build connections with students, particularly students who might be having a hard time or need help making sense of their thoughts and feelings. My background is in pastoral care and ministry, and I have worked in state schools, churches, and private practise. I have qualifications in Counselling and Youth Work, and am currently completing my Masters in Counselling, so I understand the grind of student life!

Jess can support you with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, exam stress, disordered eating, friendship issues, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence, and support you through family issues and separations. It is a privilege for me to get to know you, and to help you make sense of whatever it is you’re going through.

Her office is located across from the tuckshop/behind the ministry office, and is a comfy and relaxed space for you to feel welcome in. During Week A, Jess is here Monday-Friday, and Week B Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.