Pasifika counsellor Sarah Sala McRobie

(Nee Va’afusuaga of Faleaseela, Tuana’i, Taunugamanono, Lematu'a Vava'u)

Talofa Lava, Malo e Lelei, Fakaalofa Lahi Atu, Kia Orana, Ni Sa Bula Vinaka and a warm Pasifika welcome to you…

"Gaining my Bachelor of Social Practice Degree in Counselling was an adventure with its challenges of balancing family life as a wife, mother, caregiver daughter for elderly parents, sister, aunty, cousin, niece, friend and holding roles within extended family and church settings. It wasn’t an easy journey and reaching out and asking for help was a humbling but rewarding experience. This experience has enabled me to have awareness and empathy for our Pasifika students who are facing challenging issues that can impact their academic study.

"In our University of Auckland community, some Pasifika students may not be aware that there is support and help available to them. Common presenting issues are stress, anxiety, meeting academic deadlines, compassionate consideration applications, managing family, grief, relationships, church, cultural, community and caregiving commitments and expectations.

"There comes a time when you need someone to talk to… someone whom you can tell your story to when you get stuck. Therefore, 'Talanoa', in our various Pasifika Island languages means to have conversation and to talk story in the context of Spirituality, Faith and Family, values that are held in our Pasifika cultures. My job is to simply support you to develop strategies and ways to navigate a way through stormy waters.

"If you are a Pasifika student who needs support, I am here to offer you professional, confidential and cultural counselling. To offer counselling as well as information about compassionate considerations, extension requests, aegrotats, withdrawal and deletions.

"As a New Zealand born who speaks Samoan, NZCCA member (NZ Christian Counsellors Association) and ACC Accredited (Sensitive Claims), it’s been my privilege to be part of an experienced counselling team here at The University of Auckland."

Student feedback
Some Pasifika students’ feedback:

• “I didn’t know about the University counselling support and Pasifika counsellor until I heard from my department staff. It’s good to talk to someone about cultural issues.”
• “It’s so good to talk to someone outside my family, friends and church people.”
• “I thought counselling was only for crazy and mental people, but it’s not. It’s pretty cool”

Contact details
University Health Services
Level 3
Kate Edgar Information Commons
2 Alfred Street
City Campus
Auckland
Days: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 87681