USP Counselling Centre

USP Counselling Centre The University of the South Pacific's Counselling Centre provides free, voluntary and confidential talking therapies to USP students and members of staff.

he Counselling Centre enhances the work of the University of the South Pacific by providing an approachable and professional counselling service to students and staff (also referred to as clients). We maintain a strict Code of Practice on confidentiality and other ethical principles at all times. The primary focus of the Counselling Center is to provide short-term counselling to help students and staff members deal with personal and/or adjustment issues that may interfere with their ability to progress academically and/or professionally to their fullest potential. The Counselling Service provides support and information to the USP University community in a number of ways: Individual counselling, liaison, consultancy, referral and as a response team to critical incidents. The Counsellors will generally determine which of the services are appropriate. Individual counselling is provided for a wide range of issues including those that are academic and study-related and those of a personal or social nature. It is when students/staff meet with a Counsellor individually to discuss a variety of concerns. These may include personal feelings, relationship issues, coping with stress and anxiety, adjusting to university life, family conflict, academic problems and/or other personal issues. As a general rule, counselling services are intended to help students and staff whose problems can be dealt with in a limited number of sessions focusing on short term objectives. The primary mission of the Counselling Centre is to provide immediate help and support to facilitate students' and staff members’ success and adjustment.

Connect with us on the USP Campus Life page.
02/09/2026

Connect with us on the USP Campus Life page.

23/07/2026
13/07/2026

This is where your USP journey begins with new experiences, meaningful connections, and the confidence to thrive from day one.

From 13-17 July, our Semester 2 Orientation Programme is designed to help you settle into university life, connect with your academic community, and discover the support available throughout your studies.

Here’s what’s happening throughout the week:

13 July | SoLaSS & SPACE Meet and Greet
9.00am-11.00am
Meet your lecturers, connect with fellow students, and get to know your academic school.

14 July | SAFE, SBM & CSF Meet and Greet
9.00am-12.00pm
Learn more about your programme, meet academic staff, and begin building your university network.

15 July | STEMP & SAGEONS Meet and Greet
9.00am-12.00pm
Connect with your faculty, receive academic guidance, and prepare for a successful semester.

16 July | Support Services Expo
9.00am-12.00pm | Japan-Pacific ICT Lecture Theatre
Discover the wide range of student services available, including academic support, library services, IT assistance, disability support, and more.

17 July | Discover, Connect & Thrive Social
5.00pm-7.00pm
Wrap up Orientation Week with an evening of music, networking, and the opportunity to make lasting friendships.

Throughout the week, you’ll also have access to academic advising, campus and city tours, student clubs, and plenty of opportunities to explore life at USP.

We can’t wait to welcome you to campus. See you at Orientation!

30/06/2026
30/06/2026

the Invisible Wound: Pacific Approaches to Trauma Recovery

Join us for a Talanoa on trauma and healing, guided by Pacific wisdom and expert insights. This event brings together psychology, culture, and community to explore pathways of recovery and resilience.

🗓 Date: Monday 29 June 2026
⏰ Time: 10am – 1pm
📍 Venue: Molikilagi Bure, USP

Our Panelists
- Dr Ofakilomaloma Swann
Community Health Psychologist, President, Fiji Psychological Society

- Mr Meli Vakacabeqoli
Director, Court Counselling Services, Family Court Division

- Dr Katrina Igglesden
Director, Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies

Moderator: Galumalemana Ronna Lee
Interim Group Manager, Campus Life Services

Participate in person or online to engage in dialogue, share experiences, and discover creative approaches to healing.

🔗 Online Access: Join here
🔑 Passcode: uT #6%7rj #

📧 Contact: [email protected] | [email protected]
📞 Phone: 679 323 2613

Organized by the Counselling Centre – Campus Life Services, in collaboration with the Fiji Psychological Society and OCACPS.

17/06/2026
12/06/2026

🌏 A historic milestone for in the Pacific!

We are delighted to share the wonderful news that our colleague, Dr. Taralina Gae'e-Atefi has opened the first Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy Clinic in Samoa – the Ahmadhina Health Centre.

This is not only the first Ministry of Health accredited private clinic of its kind in Samoa, but also the first clinic dedicated to Positive Psychotherapy (PPT after Peseschkian, since 1977) in the entire Pacific and Oceania region.

In addition to its work as an independent clinic, Dr. Gae’e-Atefi and her team also provide pro-bono consultations at the psychiatric inpatient wards of the National Hospital of Samoa, contributing to greater access to mental health support in the country.

With Samoa facing su***de rates that have remained above the global average for more than two decades, particularly among young people aged 15–24, this initiative represents an important step forward. Taralina’s work focuses especially on supporting families, parents, children, and young people, with special interests in childhood trauma, addictions, forensic psychology, and personality disorders.

We warmly congratulate Dr. Gae’e-Atefi on this remarkable achievement and thank her for her dedication, courage, and commitment to bringing Positive and Transcultural Psychotherapy to new regions of the world.

We wish her, her team, and the Ahmadhina Health Centre every success in the years ahead and look forward to witnessing the continued growth and development of Positive Psychotherapy throughout Samoa, the Pacific, and Oceania. 💙💚

Congratulations, Dr. Gae’e-Atefi, on this inspiring new chapter!

02/06/2026

Feeling overwhelmed or stuck in a low mood?

The USP Campus Life Counselling Centre is here to support you. Access online resources and confidential counselling services designed to help you thrive every day.

To book an appointment via SOLS:
1. Sign in to your SOLS account with your username and password.
2. Go to My Personal Counselling.
3. Fill out your details and submit.
4. The Counselling Centre will contact you with your appointment date and time.

Explore helpful online guides like Coping and Thriving, Mind Over Mood, and Coping with Catastrophic & Traumatic Experiences.
Strengthen your coping skills and take care of your mental health when you need it most.

For more information, please email: [email protected]

Your well-being matters — reach out today and connect with us for support.

This week, we came together to celebrate Neurodiversity — with a special focus on Autism Awareness and Acceptance in our...
30/04/2026

This week, we came together to celebrate Neurodiversity — with a special focus on Autism Awareness and Acceptance in our Pacific community.

As beautifully shared in her speech, Galumalemana Ronna Lee, Group Manager USP Campus Life, reiterated that our ancestors knew better.
"They measured intelligence through the stars, the ocean, the rhythm of dance, and the wisdom of storytelling. We thrived in the arts, in navigation, in weaving and in song. These are not ‘special needs.’ They are special gifts. And as the Samoan proverb reminds us: "E fofo e le alamea le alamea”
The cure for the crown-of-thorns starfish is the starfish itself. This wisdom teaches us that within our own communities lie the solutions, the strengths, and the brilliance we need. Our diversity is not a challenge to be fixed—it is the very medicine that sustains us."

We celebrate Pacific neurodivergent minds not as something to merely tolerate, but as something powerful to be fully embraced.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their stories, their art and their light.

Connect with us: [email protected] / [email protected]

Address

University Of The South Pacific/Laucala Campus
Suva

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

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