Libby
Counsellor

How do you identify yourself?
Libby, she/her pronouns.

What is a fun fact about you?
I cycled around Europe with my husband living in a tent for eight months.

If you had to introduce yourself in one paragraph, what would you say?
Kia ora! I’m Libby. I grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau then moved to Te Awa Kairangi 25 years ago with my husband. I live near the sea and the bush, which are my happy places.  We have three lovely grown-up children and a cute dog who’s 14 but still very lively! I’ve always worked alongside people supporting their health and wellbeing – in hospitals as a doctor, at Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa, and in schools as a counsellor. I trained in narrative therapy counselling at Waikato Uni and I love my mahi as a counsellor working alongside taiohi. I’m grateful for the opportunity to listen to the stories of the taiohi I work with and support them to identify their strengths, what’s important to them and what their hopes are. Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with whānau and friends, getting out into nature, yoga, being creative in the kitchen, and being part of a singing group. 

What is your star sign?
Scorpio

What is your favorite food?
I’d never say no to sushi or a Tip Top choc trumpet.

Who is your celebrity crush?
Chris Martin

If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be?
Maybe a yoga teacher or a volunteer on a community project in India.

What were you like at school?
I’m remembered as kind and friendly to everyone, good at Maths, quiet, and someone who signed up for all the extracurriculars.

What’s your karaoke song?
A Million Dreams by P!nk

What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn?
Ceroc dance – any excuse for a dance. And the saxophone. And to speak French – I’m 50% towards achieving that goal.

What’s something that really annoys you?
Finding stuff unexpectedly ‘borrowed’ when I need to use it.

Do you have a treasured possession?
My comfy dressing gown and slippers.