Nau mai, haere mai ki tēnei wānanga!
We are pleased to announce the release of the programme for the upcoming Kia tū maia, kia tū mātārā, kia kaha tū tōnu; 2024 School Guidance Counsellor Conference on the 2nd of September.
Develop your knowledge and understanding of topics that will benefit your practice; network with other members, speakers and NZAC staff and contribute to powerful conversations about the future of School Guidance Counsellors in Aotearoa.
Topics include:
Te Whare Mauri Ora: a holistic approach to wellbeing and counselling
Wiremu Gray | Māori specialist counsellor
This framework has woven together indigenous fields of Mātauranga and wisdom with positive psychology. Being drawn from indigenous spirituality and science and evidence based approaches to wellbeing, Wiremu will discuss tools that can enhance your mahi with counselling Māori and whānau.
Complex Developmental Trauma
Lynda Knight-de Blois | Prinicpal of Glenview School, Porirua East and NATINA trainer
Join this session which will discuss ‘Complex developmental trauma’ and understanding and responding to this in an educational context. Lynda will provide some practical strategies for supporting students’ with an understanding of their brain functioning, self-awareness of their emotional states, nervous system regulation, and creating relational safety within their educational settings.
Supporting Aotearoa's Trans and Intersex Students
Tabby Besley | Managing Director at InsideOUT
Join Tabby from InsideOUT for this session about supporting trans and intersex students in your role as a School Guidance Counsellor.
You will learn about the experiences of trans and intersex students, including key barriers that they face to positive hauora, safety and equitable learning outcomes in their learning environments. You will also learn about affirmative and practical approaches to supporting trans and intersex students in your mahi.
Porn and young people in Aotearoa: Porn 101 tools and strategies to equip youth professionals
Nikki Denholm | Director at The Light Project
This session will explore aspects of the contemporary online sexual/porn landscape, with a focus on addressing issues pertinent to young people in Aotearoa. Topics will include discussions on the impact of porn, key protective factors, and strategies for fostering shame-free, ethical, and youth-centered conversations. You will gain valuable insights into tools for navigating these discussions and learn effective strategies for building resilience in young individuals while responding to issues and concerns related to pornography.
Ethics and working with tamariki and rangatahi
Sue Webb | NZAC Ethics Committee convenor and counsellor
In this session, participants will delve into a comprehensive exploration of various aspects related to counselling with tamariki and rangatahi. We'll also examine how the core values embedded in the NZAC Code of Ethics play a pivotal role in guiding counseling practice, emphasising their relevance in working with tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau.
Te Whare Mauri Ora: Applying this holistic approach
Wiremu Gray | Māori specialist counsellor and Carla King | School Guidance Counsellor
In this follow-up session we will further explore the ongoing impact of colonisation and trauma faced by Māori. With a focus on the holistic and positive approach of Te Whare Mauri Ora, Wiremu and Carla will provide tangible strategies for integrating this framework into your School Guidance Counselling practice. This session offers a unique opportunity to bridge theory and practice, equipping you with actionable insights and strategies to enhance the well-being and resilience of Māori learners within your School Guidance Counselling care.
Self-care: nervous system support for self and learners
Adam Roberston | Neurosomatic Facilitator, Public speaker and coach
This workshop will center around self-care & nervous system support, offering foundational tools for personal and professional healing. Explore practices such as Breathwork, self-soothing techniques, meditation, and movement to acquire practical skills that can foster profound changes in your role as a School Guidance Counsellor and positively impact the learners you work with.
World Café
The World Café methodology, guided by seven design principles, offers a straightforward approach for large group dialogue. This session will start the day in a café-like setting, facilitating small-group rounds with changing participants. This will facilitate insightful discussion around a number of purposeful questions and School Guidance Counsellor insights.
Art Therapy Session
You are invited to unwind from the demands of School Guidance Counselling through this playful and creative drop-in session. Spend time diving into a world of colors, textures, and self-expression, fostering relaxation and stress relief. This session serves as a haven for counsellors to recharge, promoting mental well-being and resilience. Take a moment to play, breathe, and find solace in creative play.
Included in your booking:
- A chance to join two workshops of your choice from six thought-provoking topics.
- Time to network with other counsellors, School Guidance Counsellor Advisory Group members, National Executive, and NZAC staff.
- Complimentary canapés during the event's kai & korero hour.
- Lunch and refreshments throughout the day.
Key information
Venue: Shed 6, Queens Wharf, Pōneke/Wellington
Date and time: 2nd September 2024 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm
Registration: from 8:00 am for a 9:00 am start
Optional morning drop-in art therapy session
Conference finish: 4:00 pm
Canapes and drinks: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
If you have any questions regarding the event, please contact Jo McNab via email at info@nzac.org.nz
Following this conference, NZAC will host a two-day conference at the same venue to celebrate our 50th anniversary on the 3rd and 4th of September. More details to follow! Tickets and pricing for both events will be released in the new year.
Click here to view the full programme
Click here to book your tickets!