USP Counselling Centre

🌏 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!

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 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]

Thank you so much Labasa Campus for the amazing opportunity to connect and provide support to our students in the North.

For counselling support contact us at [email protected] and book an appointment with us today

USP Counselling, Careers Services and Disability Resource Centre – Savusavu & Labasa Campus

The USP Campus Life team from Counselling, Careers and the connecting Disability Resource Centre visited Savusavu this week.

Counselling Services - Confidential and complimentary support for student wellbeing. Assistance with stress, anxiety, relationships, and academic challenges. A safe and supportive environment for reflection and growth.

Careers Services - Career counselling and mentoring, CV writing and interview preparation workshops and access to career fairs and employer engagement opportunities

Disability Resource Centre - The Disability Resource Centre at the University of the South Pacific provides essential support to students with disabilities to ensure equal access to education. It offers academic accommodations, assistive technologies, and personalized support plans, while working with staff to promote inclusive learning and remove barriers across the university.

We are here to support all our students 🙌

For further information, please contact:
[email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected] | [email protected]

🌊✨ Weaving Neurodiversity through Art & Well-being in our Pacific Community

Across our beautiful Sea of Islands, art has always been a powerful way to express, heal and connect.

As we wrap up Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month, we warmly invite you to a special morning dedicated to celebrating the rich diversity of our Pacific minds and through creativity and well-being.

Join us for an inspiring event featuring contributions from:
- Oceania Arts Centre
- A Speech Pathologist
- Campus Life (Counselling and Disability Resource Centres)

Create. Connect. Thrive Together. 💫

📅 Date:Tuesday, 28 April 2026
⏰ Time:10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Venue: Molikilagi Bure

All are welcome!