I created Equilibrium in 2010 in response to what I perceived to be an overwhelming shortage of emotional support for people working in the educational profession. After working in education for almost 20 years and after completing my studies in counselling it became apparent to me that people who worked in schools were often under tremendous pressure at work. Of great concern to me is the fact that many school based staff have very little awareness about the psychological risks they are exposed to on a daily basis through the very nature of their employment, and so are unable to identify and manage their stress levels effectively.
MY VISION THROUGH THE CREATION OF EQUILIBRIUM IS TO RECTIFY THIS PROBLEM. I AIM TO DO THIS BY PROVIDING TEACHERS AND OTHER SCHOOL BASED STAFF WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED TO EFFECTIVELY MONITOR AND PRODUCTIVELY MANAGE THEIR OWN EMOTIONAL WELLBEING.
THE OUTCOMES? SCHOOL BASED STAFF ARMED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE TO KEEP THEMSELVES WELL AND IN A FLOURISHING STATE.
My professional experiences range from teaching in mainstream and special education primary school settings in the Northern Territory, United Kingdom and South Australia, working with students ranging in age from reception to year seven. In addition to being a classroom teacher, for the last six years I have worked in the School Counsellor role.
I completed my Masters in Social Sciences (Counselling Studies) in 2008 and my Masters in Education (Educational Psychology) in 2011. I am an associate member of the Counselling Association of South Australia (CASA), a member of the Australian Guidance and Counselling Association (AGCA) and sit on SAPSCAI’s executive committee.
As a result of the overwhelmingly positive responses I have received from professional development sessions and working with school based staff in recent years in 2012 I will be devoting my energy into further developing and extending Equilibrium’s potential so that I can work with as many teachers across South Australia and interstate as possible.
Additionally, I am excited to announce that I have secured tenancy in Glenelg for a private counselling practice where I am available to work with clients from both teaching and non-educational backgrounds (see Services).
Please be in touch should you require further information.
Stay well,
Louiza
Louiza Hebhardt 