Welcome to the Columba College pastoral counselling service.

There are times in life when things don't work out the way you would like them to. At these times, you may be worried, angry, upset, sad or depressed. It helps to talk to someone about what is going on for you. Talking with the counsellor is free, voluntary and confidential. For self -help websites see below.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m. and at other times by arrangement.

Life and growing up can get in the way of what you want to achieve and who and what you want to be. There is no shame in talking with someone who is able to coach you through the many challenges, stresses and pressures that you face as a teenager. Your parents also get stressed with the challenges of parenting as they support your education and development. Sometimes parents have their own issues and are not able to give you the supportive relationship that you need, and this creates a more stressful life for you. Anxieties about life can crowd in and take over, often leading to feelings of unhappiness and dissatisfaction with your life. This can be an opportunity for you to rethink what you want out of life. Talking to a counsellor can help you do that.

That doesn't mean your counsellor will wave a magic wand and the problem will go away. But it does mean they will help you cope with it. Coping is an important word to know. Sometimes, kids and grown-ups have difficult problems. Coping means that you are trying to handle these problems and make things better. Coming to talk to a counsellor for the first time can take a bit of courage but read on and this information will give you an idea of what you can expect. Many students enjoy coming to see me as it is time just for them, with someone who is interested in who they are and what they are doing. Remember learning takes many forms. “What you learn at school goes far deeper than reading, writing and arithmetic. It cuts right to the core of who you are. Character traits that you develop at school will remain long after the last school bell rings. Give your schooling days everything you’ve got, so you don’t look back with regret of opportunities lost.”( Glen Gerreyn blog). See ‘what happens in counselling’ below for further information. If you have ever played a sport you will know how important it is to have a coach who helps you reflect on your game and improve your performance to reach your potential.

It is often difficult parenting teenagers, especially when you have to manage your own life issues that are at times all-consuming. Modelling your respect for them with supportive guidance, and firm boundaries is not easy and can be stressful and at times discouraging. Encouraging their self-discipline, academic and cultural achievement and negotiating with them as they develop independence and build their self-worth can be exhausting and constant. Teenage years can be a fragile time as they experience increasing expectations, encounter friendship and academic issues as well as peer pressure in the midst of discovering who they are as people. A third person to bounce some ideas off and bring some objectivity into an often very emotional situation can be helpful. You may also be experiencing issues that are impacting on your parenting and your child’s wellbeing which you would like to discuss in a confidential manner. See ‘what happens in counselling’ below for further information.

As teachers you are often confided in by the students with issues that you may not have the time or expertise to handle. You may also observe students whose academic work is suffering but you are not sure why. Suggesting to a student that they might take the opportunity to talk with me is often the beginning of a resolution. Your referrals are followed up with an appointment for the student. You may also be experiencing issues that are impacting on your teaching and interaction with the students, discussing them in a confidential setting may be useful. See ‘what happens in counselling’ below for further information.

Whatever we talk about is confidential. This means not telling your parents, your student Dean, teachers or friends without your permission or knowledge.

I may need to talk through with you how best to support you. At times this could include involving someone else, with your knowledge and permission. I do have a duty to prevent harm and I would talk this through with you before taking action.

The school counsellor is available to students, parents, caregivers, and staff and can be contacted directly by cell phone 0278184495 or Columba College 467-5188 ext 830, email ahannah@columbacollege.school.nz or a note left under the office door upstairs in the Hall block. Sometimes a member of staff or someone from outside the school may refer you to see the counsellor. You will be then sent an appointment and after the first meeting it is up to you whether or not to take full advantage of this opportunity. Students who choose to see me will have appointments scheduled during different lessons so as to minimise the impact on their learning. I am available on Tuesdays and Thursdays regularly, 9.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m.

In counselling you can talk about issues and concerns in a safe place with someone who will support you.

As a counsellor it is my job to:

Counselling can help you to:

Counselling can also help you if you

Annette Hannah PhD, LTh, MNZPS – Psychologist.

Dr Hannah taught for many years in the medical and dental schools at the University and undertook private practice work including conducting professional development training for other organisations. Her interests are playing golf, camping, tramping, snow skiing, running and she enjoys her family and friends as well as enjoying movies, reading and talking with people. She enjoys the challenge of encouraging others to be the best they can be and also tries to achieve that for herself.

Her husband died early in life and while studying at University, she raised three children. She understands the challenges that teenagers and parents face and the challenges students face in their schooling and personal lives. She knows how to encourage students to be successful personally and academically, as well as having a feel for the challenges that teachers face in providing a good learning environment. She also understands the special nature of a Presbyterian school.

Need to know more, then...
Please feel free to contact Dr Hannah by text or phone, 027 818 4495 or Columba College 467 5188 ext 830 or email: ahannah@columbacollege.school.nz

General teenage issues
www.thelowdown.co.nz interactive self-help website
www.whatsup.co.nz 0800 942 8787
www.kidsline.org.nz or phone 0800 54 37 54
http://lovegoodbadugly.com/not-treated-right/

Dating and love
http://kidshealth.org/kid/feel_better/people/school_counselors.html
www.rainbowyouth.org.nz
www.beinggirl.com.au
www.youthlaw.co.nz

Experiencing Bullying
www.survivingbullies.org
www.teensagainstbullying.org

Immediate help
www.youthline.co.nz or phone 0800 37 66 33

Helpline 0800 111 757
www.rapecrisisdunedin.org.nz/ or phone 474 1592

Depression
www.depression.org.nz
www.attitude.org.nz

Eating disorders
www.ed.org.nz

Behavioural and attention issues
http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm behavioral and attention issues