Getting Help & Counselling

‍Guidance Counsellors

The Guidance Counsellors at Wellington College are Geoff Charles, Lyndon Coppin and Jane Gray.

They are based in the Guidance Centre - P2 (formerly Office 150, next to the Whare at the top of the drive).

Please email Lyndon at l.coppin@wc.school.nz (but please aware Lyndon is out of school on sabbatical for Term 1, 2023), or Jane at j.gray@wc.school.nz or Geoff at g.charles@wc.school.nz for an appointment or support. Alternatively you could phone or text Lyndon on 022 015 0877 or Jane on 022 016 1774 or Geoff on 021 0916 0194 during school hours - or leave a message. (If it is an urgent mental health issue or crisis then it is best to call Te Haika (CCDHB) on 0800 745 477).

Counselling is:

• a special way of talking over the difficulties we face,
• a relationship in which we can explore these difficult ties, work out how you want to change your life and put the changes in place.
• confidential and free.
• aimed to help you reach solutions to some problems or difficulties that you might be going through.

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Types of Counselling/Services:

Personal Counselling - e.g stress, anxiety, depression, bullying, family issues, relationship issues, friendships, grief.

Addictions - External services are often used for issues like smoking, drugs and alcohol and other addictions.

Sexual Health and Related Issues - A counsellor may be a good starting point.

What happens in Counselling?

In counselling you are helped to explore your difficulties and concerns, and to develop more satisfying and resourceful ways of living. Counselling may at times make you feel temporarily uncomfortable, miserable or angry. However, overall it should feel safe and caring. You should also have a sense of progress over time.

‍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

A Counsellor is expected to...

• be trustworthy
• respect your confidentiality
• listen to you carefully and sensitively
• help you sort out how you would like things to be different

Further information on many mental health issues can be found by visiting this excellent site. Mental Health Foundation

School Nurse

04 8022520 ext 865, r.peterson@wc.school.nz

The School Chaplain

Liz is part of the non-teaching staff in the school. She supports the students and staff, and adds to the resources available in the school by:

• caring for the students and staff - taking an interest in what they do and being prepared to walk the journey with them
• presenting an opportunity where staff can be themselves in a non-judgmental environment.

Anonymous Online Reporting

We also have a new online reporting tool WC Bullying Free Helpline for you to use if there is anything happening that is potentially harmful to anyone in our community - both online and offline.

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