ACA Ipswich Chapter - November 2026

The ACA Ipswich Chapter meet on the third Tuesday of each month

Agenda: What School Counselling Has Taught Me: Reflections, Realities and Learnings from Practice.
Presented by Abby Boukogiannis

Description: I aim to provide a reflective presentation that explores the personal and professional learnings I have gained through working as a school counsellor. It will consider the importance of building trust with students, looking beneath presenting behaviours, working collaboratively with families and school staff, maintaining ethical boundaries and responding appropriately to risk and complexity.

I will reflect on the realities of working within an educational system, including the challenge of supporting student mental health in an environment focused on learning, attendance, behaviour and academic outcomes. I will explore how counsellors can maintain the integrity of therapeutic practice while contributing meaningfully to the broader school community.

Abby Boukogiannis is an ACA Registered Counsellor and ACA Clinical Supervisor with a Master of Counselling from Queensland University of Technology. Through my private practice Eunoia Counselling, I support children, adolescents, adults and families to navigate life’s challenges, strengthen relationships and build emotional wellbeing.

I have experience across private practice, schools, parent support, domestic and family violence, and foster and kinship care. I always aim to bring a warm, collaborative and trauma-informed approach to my work. I draw primarily on Solution-Focused and Narrative Therapy, integrating ACT, Compassion-Focused Therapy, neuroscience and systemic approaches to provide thoughtful, client-centred support.

I also provide clinical supervision and mentoring for counsellors and mental health professionals, with a particular interest in case formulation, ethical decision-making, reflective practice and supporting practitioners who are developing confidence in their work. I am passionate about walking alongside people with empathy, respect and genuine care.