Rate My Professor Shara Smith

Shara Smith is the Discipline Lead and Course Coordinator for Counselling and Mental Health Programs, as well as a Lecturer in Counselling and Mental Health, in the School of Health within the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of New England. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology (BA Psych. & Soc.), a Graduate Diploma in Counselling (GradDip Coun), and a Master of Counselling (M. Coun). These qualifications support her specialized teaching in psychological strategies, trauma, grief, relationship counselling, mental health promotion, culturally responsive counselling, and clinical placement supervision. Smith is a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and ARCAP, underscoring her professional standing in the field.

In her role, Shara Smith coordinates key units essential to the counselling curriculum, including Introduction to Counselling Theories (HSCS101), The Contemporary Counsellor (HSCS100), Culturally Responsive Counselling (HSCS200), Counselling in Practice I (HSCS103), Working Systemically in Therapy (HSCS536), Field Placement and Supervision (HSCS441), and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Wellbeing (HLTH428). These courses focus on developing practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and cultural competence for aspiring counsellors. Additionally, she serves as a co-share representative for the Faculty of Medicine and Health on the university's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee. Smith contributes to student engagement initiatives, such as promoting Trimester 3 study options for flexible progression, stating, "It's a flexible way to build skills, maintain momentum, and make steady progress toward graduation." Her work emphasizes accessible, high-quality education in mental health and counselling.