Support for individuals and couples affected by unplanned pregnancy or any pregnancy loss
Open Doors Counselling provides non-directive counselling, which gives individuals and couples the support they need to consider their situation and options, without judgement.
Non-directive counselling does not make decisions for you and does not promote or encourage decisions towards any one option.
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Confidential, compassionate support for all
If you’re feeling alone, confused or overwhelmed, or in shock or crisis, our Open Doors Counsellors are here to support you.
Counselling provides a safe place to explore your thoughts in a non-judgemental environment, to work out what’s right for you.
Whatever decision you make, or whatever situation you are in, our counsellors are here to support you now and into the future.
Our Open Doors Counsellors can help with a range of areas including or related to:
Pregnancy Loss - for grief associated with:
- Abortion
- Foetal reduction/genetic abnormality
- Miscarriage
- IVF losses
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Stillbirth
- Infertility
- Relinquishment.
Unplanned Pregnancy
- Emotional support during decision making
- Non-directive assistance to explore all options.
Relationships
We can support individuals, couples and families with any relationship challenges.
General Loss & Grief
For when loss or change is affecting your life.
Pregnancy Support
- Emotional support during and after pregnancy
- Referrals for practical assistance.
Support Groups for:
- Post-abortion grief
- New parents support.
Our Counsellors can also provide referrals to other services and supports.
We will work with you to determine the best support for your needs, including counselling, psychotherapy, or other services.
How do I access this service?
Individuals, couples and families can access this service by calling our Open Doors Counselling team.
Community service organisations and health professionals can make referrals into the Open Doors Counselling program by calling us, or completing the referral form and emailing it to us at OpenDoorsDuty@catholiccarevic.org.au
Fees
Our counselling sessions are charged on a sliding scale – this means that the fee for each counselling session is dependent on your income.
If you have a Concession Card or a Health Care Card, or you are a student, counselling is $20 per session.
At CatholicCare Victoria we believe everyone should be able to access support for a better life. If you are experiencing financial hardship, we can discuss payment options for you.
More information
Download 2023 Brochure
Client Rights and Responsibilities
FAQ
Does CatholicCare Victoria provide all-options counselling for pregnancy decisions?
Yes.
We discuss all options with you to help you make an informed decision, which is best for you.
Decision-making pregnancy counselling from CatholicCare Victoria:
- is independent of political activity associated with abortion
- is independent of abortion provision services and referrals
- provides information about all aspects of each option available to you (including continuing with your pregnancy, abortion, or adoption),
Is counselling confidential?
Yes.
All counselling sessions are confidential, and your personal information will not be disclosed without your consent (except when counsellors are required to by law – for example, to protect you or someone you know from harm).
How many sessions will I need?
Usually more than one session is needed as it takes a bit of time and discussion to explore feelings and thoughts around problems, and in order to explore options to make an informed decision.
You counsellor will continue to support you throughout your journey, no matter what decision you make.
Can I bring my partner or someone with me to counselling?
Yes.
You are encouraged to bring your partner, a friend and/or your parents if that is what you would like.
This could be very helpful and beneficial to your counselling. But it is also important that your counsellor spends time just with you, too, to explore your thoughts and feelings without influence or judgment of others.
Is CatholicCare Victoria connected with right-to-life groups or abortion providers?
No.
We have no connection to abortion providers, and no connection to any political activity about abortion.
Our counselling is non-directive, which gives individuals and couples the support they need to consider their situation and options, without judgement.
Non-directive counselling does not make decisions for you and does not promote or encourage decisions towards any one option.
Contact us
Open Doors Counselling is offered at the following locations.
To make a booking or enquire about this service, please contact the Open Doors Counselling team:
T 1800 123 228
Ringwood
Other services
You might also be interested in some of the following services offered at CatholicCare Victoria: