Counsellors

Our counsellors are Mr. Singh and Mrs. McKenzie and our social worker is Emma Talbot. We come and go a bit so see below for our available times.

You’re welcome to come and see a counsellor for up to one period each week, you are welcome to bring a friend for the first time if you need to.  

If you’d like to book an appointment, ask a question or make contact for whatever reason, feel free to do so. (See below for how you can do this).

Who can come?

Anybody – People come for all kinds or reasons. Mostly because they, or someone else has noticed something is not quite working the way they want it in their life, and they need some help. Being a teenager (in fact being a human) can be kind of hard at times. 

Some people have huge stuff they want to work through, some just want to develop a few skills to cope with things: at home, school stuff, friendship stuff, the way they feel about themselves or others. Maybe they just want an adult other than their parents to talk through a few things.  

No problem is too big or small to come and have a chat, and there’s no wrong or right – it’s all about what’s helpful for you and what’s useful to help you feel ‘less stuck’. 

How do I make an appointment?

You can make an appointment by emailing us or stopping past our offices (in E/F Block) at breaks or between classes (don’t come during class unless it’s an emergency as most likely we’ll be busy with students).

You can also ask your teacher to email us or ask at the student services office.

Things get busy around here so it’s unlikely you can just drop in and be seen, so expect to have to wait a few days, sometimes it can be longer. Obviously, if there’s a huge crisis or something urgent we’ll do everything we can. 

How private will it be?

Counselling is confidential unless there is serious concern for your safety. We will mark you in KAMAR as an internal appointment so you are not marked absent but will not discuss details of your visit with anyone (including your parents) without your permission. 

Places to go for help

Need to talk? – Call or text 1737 any time to talk to a trained counsellor.

Depression helpline – Call 0800 111 757 To talk to a trained counsellor 24/7.

Healthline – Call 0800 611 116 to get help from a registered nurse 24/7.

Youthline – Call 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz

What’s Up – Call 0800 942 8787.

Our Counsellors

We come and go a bit so see below for our available times.

Mr. Singh

Monday – Friday

I became a counsellor by working with students at risk. The most rewarding part of being a counsellor is knowing that you had a part in affecting the life of another human being. Giving hope when people feel hopeless. Inspiring others to be all that they are capable of being. I value friendship, honesty, genuineness, and acts of kindness. Our counselling service is confidential. No problem is too big or too small. We will help you learn strategies to cope, support you and advocate for you. If you are ready to talk we are ready to listen. We are here for you.  

Mrs. McKenzie

Monday –  Wednesday P1-4

One of the things I like about being a counsellor is the privilege of hearing people’s stories, my office is a safe place for students to talk in confidence and feel heard without judgment. In my spare time, I like to go walking and I play table tennis to stay active. At home, I live with my husband, 2 cats, and a dog.   

Emma Talbot

Monday –  Wednesday P1-4

Kia ora koutou! I’m Emma (she/her), a social worker at Riccarton High and I’m very much looking forward to meeting you!

I am a social worker because I love spending time with young people and hearing their stories. Life can be really tough – especially when you are a teenager – and so I am particularly passionate about helping young people learn skills to navigate life’s big challenges and those tricky emotions that can make things seem all too much. I hope that you will find the couch in my office a space where you can be yourself without expectations or judgment.

When I’m not at school, I’ll be curled up in the sun with a novel, attempting to balance in a yoga class, watching an international film on Netflix, or trying my hand at writing poetry.

I work Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and you can find me in E block.