Ngā kaiwhakamahereora/Guidance Counsellor
Te Waka Kura o Mohua / Golden Bay High School

Abbey Gilligan

Tēnā koutou e te whānau
Ko Piki ki runga te Maunga e rū nei taku ngākau  
Ko Tākaka te Awa e mahea nei aku māharahara    
Ko Abbey Gilligan tōku ingoa
Ke te Tāhuna i whānau mai ahau
Kei Otautahi i tupu ake ahau
Kei te noho mātou ki Mōhua i Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka-a-Māui
Ko tenei taku mihi ki ngā tāngata whenua o te rohe nei
Ka mihi hoki au ki ngā tohu o te rohe nei
E ki ana te whakatauki
Waiho i te toipoto, kāua i te toiroa
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa
​
In this world, there are many different experiences that can be difficult for people to cope with. Most of the time, we get on with life. Sometimes we are stopped in our tracks by an event or situation that we may not, at that moment have the resources to manage. I believe that counselling is a useful option that enables people to tell their stories in ways that make them stronger and is an opportunity for people to:
​Gain insight, awareness  & self-acceptance
  • Discover & extend their skills, knowledge  & strengths
  • Explore difficulties & concerns & extend their ability to discover solutions & resilience
  • Become better able to develop & maintain meaningful & satisfying relationships       
  • Move in the direction of their potential, hopes & dreams.

​​In counselling, you can talk about any problems or concerns in a safe place with somebody who will support you. Counselling is free, voluntary and confidential. You can decide what works for you, how frequently you attend appointments and for
how many sessions. You can also bring a support person or friend if you wish. In counselling, you are supported to explore your difficulties and concerns, and to develop more satisfying and resourceful ways of living.
​​
A Counsellor can help you to...
  • explore your emotions, thoughts, and behaviour
  • become more aware of yourself, your values and what motivates you
  • plan and set goals
  • improve your relationships
  • reduce your stress
  • develop your sense of well being
  • do things differently

A Counsellor may...
  • see you on your own or with support people
  • give you information
  • discuss with you who you could talk to about your difficulties
  • act on your behalf with your consent
  • refer you to someone more appropriate
  • promote healthy communication between families, peers and staff
  • provide Student advocacy, mediation or restorative practices
  • access support from a variety of external agencies and social services

​How can I make an Appointment?
You can:
  • Ask your form teacher, dean or another member of staff you trust to help you
  • Email me on [email protected]
  • Text with your name and form class to 027 352 0232
  • Come down to Te Whare Manaaki during interval or lunchtime
Brajan McAllan - trainee counsellor

Kia Ora students & staff of Te Waka Kura O Mohua,

My name is Brajan, but you can also call me Bee for short. This year I am lucky to be learning from Abbey in Hoe Tere offering my support as an MIT Year 2 student counsellor. I am really grateful to have the opportunity to whakawhanaungatanga the wonderful rangatahi of the kura whānau here and offer awhi and manaakitanga in times of difficulty and need. Connecting with someone who feels safe to tell my feelings to is something that has helped me a lot in this life and I want to offer that to you. Whether things feel big or small, having someone on your team can feel encouraging and uplifting.

I grew up in Nelson but now I live in Collingwood with my partner, two beautiful kids, 8 chickens, 1 horse and 3 cats. I love listening to music, fishing, aerial silks, gardening, animals and bush walks. Before I started learning Counselling, I was a roofer with my partner which was a lot of fun and I still sometimes jump on the roof to help. Roofing in the bay has allowed me to meet lots of different people in our community. I really care about our people here and recently have led a charity that is building Collingwood’s first ever kindergarten so that our tamariki can have an awesome place to learn and play. 
If you see me around school, feel free to say hello, I love to have a wee chat. If you feel curious about counselling, you can ask Abbey to make a time for us. 

Mā te rongo, ka mōhio; 
Mā te mōhio, ka mārama; 
Mā te mārama, ka mātau; 
Mā te mātau, ka ora.

From listening comes knowledge, 
from knowledge comes understanding,
From understanding comes wisdom, 
from wisdom comes well-being

I look forward to meeting you.

​Bee
​