SANDY O’BRIEN works as a counsellor at the Refugees As Survivors Centre, counselling newly-arrived refugees on a one-to-one basis and also delivering psycho-educational programmes to groups on resiliency, positive parenting and managing change. This is done with the use of interpreters, which adds an interesting dimension to her work. Sandy also works one day a week as an intern counsellor at the AUT Health and Wellbeing Centre.
After a rewarding career as a teacher, Sandy decided that her skills could be broadened further by enrolling in a postgraduate diploma that specialised in counselling. Sandy realised she had already been engaging in informal counselling of her students and wanted to increase her knowledge and competence. "I found the programme very enriching and decided to continue with the Masters, part-time, while I was practising counselling in a work setting" says Sandy.
"I enjoy the challenge of academic study, after so many years of being in the classroom as the teacher. I find the professional reading and research stimulating, and I value the opportunities for discussion with other students. We come from a variety of professional backgrounds and cultures and there is a huge amount of expertise to draw on."
Sandy is developing her professional knowledge, skills and identity and after completing her master’s degree, Sandy aims to continue to develop her cross-cultural competence through her work with refugees and migrants. Sandy says "I also plan to study further, possibly some postgraduate studies in social work. I have found my teaching experience and knowledge of the New Zealand education system invaluable in my work so far."
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