Guidance Counselling Department

 He aha te mea nui o tea ao? / What is the most important thing in the world?

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. / It is people, it is people, it is people.

 

Our Otahuhu College Counsellor, Claudia Pezza, is an overseas trained Psychologist with experience both in South America and in New Zealand.

Claudia has strong experience working with clients and their whanau, helping them build and rebuild their self-esteem and empowering them while increasing their self-confidence.

Through the counselling process students are supported in finding ways to deal and cope with a variety of issues that they might be experiencing at school, in the community or at home.

Students might seek counselling for a variety of reasons:

• Low self esteem
• Bullying
• Anxiety
• Lack of motivation, including to study
• Abuse
• Grief and loss
• Trauma
• Depression
• Anger management
• Stress management
• Aggressive behaviour
• Alcohol and drugs issues
• Gender diversity and identity issues
• Neurodiversity
• Self-harm/suicide ideation

All sessions are confidential. The right measures will be taken to ensure student’s wellbeing when safety risks are involved.

A safety plan will be discussed with the student and/or their family.

Claudia works with a multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary team to provide all the students with the best support they can have so that their needs are met.

Referrals are welcome from students (self-referral), parents and from staff.

Counselling sessions can be individual or in group.

Claudia can assist with mediation and Restorative Justice.

Parents can contact Claudia on 09 9634025 or via email on CPezza@otahuhucollege.school.nz

 

SUPPORT GROUPS AND PROGRAMMES:

These are the Travellers Programme, Village Collective Programme and Diversity Group

These groups help us to spread our message of supporting each other, stopping harassment/bullying, building respectful relationships, and celebrating diversity, regardless of race, religion, or gender.