I tae mai ōku tūpuna ki Te Whanganui-ā-Tara i te tau 1840 mā runga i te kaipuke o Bengal Merchant
He uri tēnei nō Kōtirangi, nō Ingarangi, nō Wēra, otinō, he tangata Tiriti tēnei e mihi atu ana
Ko Ōtautahi te whenua i whāngai i a au, ka mutu, ka mihi au ki a Ngāi Tahu, ki ngā kāwai hekenga o tāku hoa tāne rātou ko āku tamariki
I ēnei rā, kei Ōkiwi au e noho ana
Me mihi ka tika ki te mana whenua ko Taranaki Whānau ki Te Upoko o Te Ika
Ka mihi hoki ki ēnei maunga whakamarumaru i a au, ki ngā wai tuku kiri e whakaora nei i taku wairua
Ko Virginia Saunderson tōku ingoa

Virginia is a qualified addictions practitioner and counsellor. She is a member of both DAPAANZ and NZAC. Virginia is a supportive, non-judgemental counsellor who aims to empower tangata whaiora (clients) and their whānau to reach their potential by making positive and sustainable changes in lifestyle. Virginia’s mahi is guided by values of manaaki (respect and dignity), aroha (empathy & care), tika (doing the right thing for each person), and pono (honesty and integrity) and she integrates various approaches to tailor her practice to each person. Virginia’s counselling style is person-centred, strength-based, and holistic.

Skills:
Brief and Comprehensive Assessments
Harm Reduction
Abstinence
Goal Setting and Planning
Relapse Prevention
Psychoeducation

Qualification:
Bachelor of Counselling and Addictions Practice (Te Pukenga)
Qualified Addictions Practitioner & Member of DAPAANZ