Koko is a safe bicultural counselling service.

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Kirsten is an incredibly committed and professional counsellor who consistently delivered an effective and confidential service to a broad range of young people. As a parent, a teacher and a counsellor, Kirsten brings a broad range of skills, experiences and perspectives into her work. She is approachable, innovative and leading the way in implementing cutting edge approaches to counselling practices. Her recent research in the area of bicultural counselling models has been recognised both locally and internationally.
Kirsten’s work with young people and their whānau is underpinned by respect, empathy and a sense of humour. Her sensitive, yet pragmatic approach has made her a popular choice for both students and their parents. Kirsten’s clear and calm communication style is well suited to her profession. I highly recommend Kirsten as an effective and empathetic health practitioner who has made a positive difference in the lives of those she has worked alongside.

Sue PorterAssistant Principal Otago Girls' High School

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Kirsten is such a beautiful human to work alongside. I spent two years training with her as my mentor while becoming a counsellor. Kirsten was culturally connected and responsive. Her counselling practice embeds indigenous philosophy and indigenous ways of healing and encourage me to do the same. Working alongside Kirsten was life changing for me as a student counsellor because it allowed me to bring my most authentic self into the counselling space. Having worked alongside her for two years in a high school setting, I was able to witness just how much love and compassion and empathy that she poured into not only her work and students, but also into the school space creating spaces for students to be able to come and self-regulate, co-regulate together and find new ways of managing distress. I cannot recommend working alongside Kirsten enough, you won’t regret it! I also saw her embed te ao Māori into her research, using it as an opportunity to bring Māori healers into the school to work alongside her students and families. She is a force to be reckoned with.

Ashley RajuMaharani Movement (MNZAC)

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Tēnā Koutou, I am a traditional practitioner and educator of Rongoā Māori; Mirimiri and Romiromi. I had the pleasure of working with Kirsten Taylor Rennie in August of this year. I was part of a team of practitioners (Manawa Ora) who facilitated the Otago Girls School Whaiora project. Kirsten was nothing but responsive to the girl’s needs, culturally sensitive and culturally appropriate at all times. If she needed further clarity or confirmation she consulted with me/our team. She went above and beyond to ensure the ‘safety’ of these young women, physically, culturally, emotionally or otherwise.
I rarely see anyone going out of their way for the wellbeing of rangatahi as much as she has. She took the initiative; applied for and secured a prestigious fellowship - so of course when she approached us to facilitate a cultural wellness program I agreed. All of our team were highly impressed with her energy, her aroha, her dedication, the way she interacted with everyone involved and how well organised and smoothly everything went. She needs to be commended for her efforts and I would not hesitate to work with her again in the future.

Jolie DavisManawa Ora Mirimiri and Workshops

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Kirsten's wisdom, generosity and nurturing spirit made all the difference when completing my third year counselling placement under her supervision. During this time I witnessed her adaptable, intuitive approach and became inspired to expand my own kete of counselling skills. Above all, Kirsten also believed in me and saw my potential long before I did and helped me to foster my own skills and find the confidence I now have as a counsellor working in the field.

Rosie BrayGuidance Counsellor, Otago Girls' High School

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I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Kirsten on several occasions. I have found her knowledgeable and skilful with a clear focus on meeting the needs of the client in the most appropriate and safest way possible. Kirsten is compassionate, has clear boundaries and is able to communicate effectively. She is a valued colleague and I have no hesitation in recommending her as a therapist.

Emma McKinlayTherapist & Registered Social Worker, ACC Sensitive Claims Counsellor