GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING (Hauora)
Our school value of whanaungatanga underpins our commitment to creating strong relationships that foster a unique sense of belonging and support for all our students. Part of our commitment to whanaungatanga is the support given by our school guidance counsellors who are trained professionals providing mental health and wellbeing services to our students, their parents and families, and our staff.
How we can help
We can help you understand your thoughts, feelings and behaviors and how to change them if desired.
We can help you improve how you feel about yourself.
We can help you improve your relationships.
We can help you think about things in new ways, so you can get the best out of situations.
We can help you reduce your stress and provide you with new strategies to make things easier for you.
We can help you set and achieve your goals.
We can help you work out strategies to solve problems.
How counselling works
School counsellors work as part of a team alongside school staff, parents and the community to help create a caring, supportive atmosphere in which students can thrive. We provide services to students, parents, school staff and the community, including
- individual or group counselling for students
- consultation with parents and/or teachers and other educators
- referrals to other school support services or community resources.
Discussions are confidential
We are trained professionals who are bound by a code of ethics. This means we will not talk to anyone about what we discuss unless you ask us to or if there are concerns for your, or others’, safety.
Our counsellors
Michael Multhaup
Head of Department
BA, PGDip Tchg (Sec) Master of Counselling (First Class Honours), NZAC (Full member)
Michael works with Solution Focused Therapy (SF), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practice, and person-centred approaches. He has worked in alcohol and drug counselling, career counselling, and as a guidance counsellor. Before counselling he worked as a tradesperson, a business director and completed military service. He is also a husband and a father of five grown children and a grandfather. He loves hiking, sailing, gardening, biking, reading, and travelling.
Victoria Stewart
Guidance Counsellor
BA, GradDip Psych, MA Eng, MA Psychotherapy NZAP, PBANZ (full member)
Victoria works with CBT, DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy and CFT (compassion focused therapy). She has had a private practice in Auckland working in anxiety, depression, eating disorders and those at risk, also working at a youth trust supporting the mentors and youth workers at schools. Victoria is a wife and mother of two young girls, and loves designing and sewing clothes, skiing and reading.
Holly McDiarmid
Guidance Counsellor
BPhEd, PGDip Outdoor Education, PGDip Teaching and Learning (secondary), PGDip Education (counselling and guidance)
Holly works with client-centred practice, CBT, motivational interviewing and solution-focused therapy. Holly has ten years experience working as a guidance counsellor in Central Otago and is currently studying addictions counselling. Her interests include music, sport, and anything outdoors.
How to contact our counsellors
We are available Mondays to Fridays during school hours in term time.
Email: dept-guidance@mtaspiring.school.nz
Tel: 020 404 94623 or 03 443 0496
Where to find us
How referrals work
In urgent cases just come and see us, we will make time to see you immediately. For referrals from outside agencies, school staff, parents we will contact students via email or text and offer a date and time. Counselling is optional and students have the right to decline support after a referral (except for a disciplinary referral by the school principals, police or the courts).
Help after hours
If it is an emergency and you, or someone you know, is at immediate risk call 111. Select police or if physical injury has occurred, select ambulance
Crisis mental health care: Freephone 0800 920 092, (24 hours, 7 days a week)
Child, Adolescent & Family (CAF) Mental Health Service Freephone: 0800 467 846/press 2 for Otago regions
Primary Mental Health Brief Intervention Service (BIS) All enquiries: 0800 477 1155 Offices in Wanaka, Alexandra, Cromwell, Queenstown
Lifeline: 0800 543 354
Asian Helpline: 0800 862 342
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 or free text 234
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
Samaritans: 0800 726 666
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 support from trained counsellor
What’s Up: 0800 942 8787 (5–18 year olds). Phone counselling Monday to Friday, midday–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm
Kidsline: 0800 54 37 54 for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.
thelowdown.co.nz or email: team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
Anxiety New Zealand: 0800 269 4389
Resources
Netsafe online contact form 0508 638 723, or text “Netsafe” to 4282.
Stop Non Consensual Intimate Image Abuse Report abuse here.
Rape Prevention Education click here for local sexual assault support services.
Safe to talk: a 24/7 confidential helpline 0800 842 846, text 4334, webchat safetotalk.nz or email support@safetotalk.nz.
The Harbour Online support and information for people affected by sexual abuse.
Male Survivors Aotearoa Helplines across NZ, click to find out more (males only).
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.
