Iona College

Counselling

Our pastoral care programme has a strong collaborative approach. A key element to ensuring the students at Iona are supported is through offering access to counselling services from a health professional. Iona College has a full-time Psychologist, offering counselling to any student from Years 7-13. This is a confidential service that students can access themselves, or via referrals from parents or teachers.

All sessions with our School Psychologist are confidential, with the understanding that any information that deems a student is at risk to themselves or others must be passed on to the parents or school.

Tessa grew up in Hawke's Bay, but has spent most of her adult life living and working in Sydney. She has 10 years experience working as a school psychologist, as well as in private practice.

Tessa’s practice is grounded in whanaungatanga, the commitment to establishing a connection and rapport with the young person.

Her therapeutic style ranges from CBT to ACT, Solution Focused and Neuropsychotherapy. In addition to individual counselling, Tessa is a firm believer in preventative work. She works alongside our deans and pastoral team to guide what mental health and wellbeing education would be most beneficial for each year group. She also works with the Health and PE team, delivering lessons across year groups on particular mental health difficulties, such as Anxiety and Depression. When she is not doing that, you will find her as a Year 11 tutor teacher, or out on the turf coaching our 2nd XI hockey team. Accessibility and reducing stigma are key focus points for Tessa, with the goal of ‘talking to someone’ becoming more normalised and part of a healthy culture at Iona College.

You can contact Tessa by emailing tessa.prior@iona.school.nz

Or phoning (06) 877 8149 ext. 213

Help After Hours

Emergency: 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: Crisis mental health care: Freephone 0800 920 092, (24 hours, 7 days a week)

Nga Harakeke Mai Rongokako- Child, Adolescent and Family Service (CAFS):

Napier details: (06) 834 1815 ext 4220

Hastings: (06) 878 8109 ext 5848

If your daughter requires support from CAFS, Tessa may do a referral; however, families are also able to self-refer. You can access that referral form here: Ngā Harakeke Mai Rongokako CAFS Referral Form

Lifeline: 0800 543 354 Kidsline: 0800 54 37 54 for young people up to 18 years, open 24/7.

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865

Phone Counselling (5-18 year olds) whats up: 0800 9428787. Phone counselling Monday to Friday, midday - 11pm and weekends, 3pm-11pm.