Counsellors

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Couples counselling
• Life change
• Pregnancy and fertility counselling
• Relationships
• Stress management 
• Supervision
• Trauma, grief and loss

Since 1997, Alex has developed expertise in assisting individuals, groups and organisations with change. This expertise covers any kind of individual life change, and disruptive, happened, reactive, operational, directional, strategic, cultural, incremental, planned, anticipatory, fundamental and total organisational change. Recently her expertise in change has been used in contexts such as COVID-19, natural disasters, technological change, legislative change, cultural change and environmental change.

Dr. Alex also specialises in resilience, pain, fatigue and trauma (acute and cumulative). She has knowledge and practical expertise in several approaches to trauma and cultivating individual and organisational resilience.

Areas of specialty

• Abuse (physical, sexual and psychological)
• Alcohol abuse and other addictions
• Anxiety and depression
• Eating disorders
• Grief and loss
• Relationships
• Sexuality and sexual identity
• Supervision

Qualified in the UK, Alexandra has experience working with a highly-diverse client base spanning national health service, education, and the private and corporate sector. She is experienced in both long and short-term counselling and psychotherapy.

Areas of specialty

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Grief and loss
• Relationship difficulties - separation and divorce
• Resilience, anxiety and depression
• Spirituality
• Stress and emotional regulation

Alison talks you through any issues that are causing difficulties and stress including grief, anxiety and depression. Sometimes this includes supporting through mental health issues and addiction. She offers general counselling services to support individuals, their families and employers.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Couples counselling 
• Grief and loss
• Psychotherapy
• Relationships
• Stress management

Anat offers short-term focused therapy to individuals, couples and families from diverse backgrounds who are experiencing difficulties with the above issues. She is a registered psychotherapist with extensive clinical experience.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Eating disorders and weight control
• Relationship issues
• Self-esteem and confidence building
• Sexual abuse
• Spiritual issues
• Stress and anger management
• Supervision

Anita's vast training experience spans over 30 years. Anita believes it is essential to initially address the emotional pain of past traumas before you will be able to fully focus on using the cognitive skills to take control of your life.

Areas of specialty

• Narrative therapy
• Supervision

Averill places a high value on respect, compassion and social justice; these values underlie all her work. Averill's training is in narrative therapy, a respectful non-blaming approach to counselling that places the client as the source of knowledge on their life. Central to narrative therapy is the belief that clients have the skill, commitment and ability to change their relationship with problems they might be faced with.

Areas of specialty

• Couples counselling
• Depression and anxiety
• Individual counselling
• Life stages
• Parenting
• Supervision

Areas of specialty

• Counselling tutor
• Grief & loss

• SUDI / Baby loss (worked for NZ Coroner’s office)

Barbara began her career as an Oncology Radiographer in the UK, delivering radiation therapy to cancer patients.  After starting a family and moving to New Zealand, she trained as a counsellor, specialising in grief and loss.  Work experience includes counselling at two Auckland Hospices, working at the Coroner’s Office supporting parents after sudden infant death, working as a tutor teaching counselling students and lately contracting to the Grief Centre.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Distress tolerance
• Interpersonal effectiveness
• Stress management
• Supervision

Bev has over 18 years' experience working in a private practice and with people, both one-on-one and in groups. She also has experience in mental health, working as a cognitive behavioural therapist and registered psychologist.

Areas of specialty

• Abuse and PTSD
• Addictions
• Allergies
• Anxiety and depression
• Neuro-linguistic programming
• Relationships
• Supervision

Brett is able to offer a listening ear with understanding and emotional balance for adults and adolescents of all ethnic groups. Brett meets the needs of the client, matching their comfort and style with the right technique. Brett trained in different modalities, and before he became a counsellor he ran the family farm for 25 years.

Areas of specialty

• Addictions - drug and alcohol
• Anger management
• Anxiety & depression
• Burnout
• Family & violence
• Grief & loss
• Loneliness and self-confidence
• Relationships -including couples-
• Self-esteem
• Spiritual issues
• Trauma and PTSD
• Workplace relationships
• Work with teens (13 years +)

Tēnā koe, Ko Bridget Te Auparo Harris tona ingoa, Ko Nga Puhi, Ko Te Rarawa, Ko Te Aupouri nga iwi.
Greetings to you, Bridget Te Auparo Harris is her name, Nga Puhi, Te Rarawa and Te Aupouri are her tribes.

Bridget started studying narrative therapy and solution focused in 2009, she enjoys hearing people's stories and discovering similarities and differences. Bridget uses the model Te Whare Tapa Wha to look at the holistic wellbeing of tangata whaiora/clients by exploring their whanau (family), tinana (physical), hinengaro (mind) and wairua (spirit). Bridget is able to work with Māori and can converse in Te Reo when needed. Bridget has special skills in Purakau/ ancient Māori stories. She can work with teenagers and adults and is able to work with anyone that is wanting a cultural experience, but she is also able to work with all cultures.

Areas of specialty

• Anger and stress management
• Anxiety and depression
• Couples counselling
• Development disorders
• Grief and loss
• LGBTQI
• Men's issues
• Medical problems including chronic pain
• Supervision
• Registered ACC counsellor

As an experienced counsellor, Cabrini provides support with the above issues and works across any ethnic group gender utilising cognitive behavioural therapy, Gestalt and psychodynamic therapy methods. Cabrini speaks Tongan, Fijian, with an understanding of Fiji Hindi.

Areas of specialty

• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Depression and anxiety
• Family issues and parenting
• Grief and bereavement
• Immigration and relationships
• Interactive drawing therapy
• Narrative therapy
• Supervision
• Transactional analysis
• Trauma and abuse

In addition to her counselling work, Candy also offers supervision and has significant experience with the Chinese community and church groups, offering parenting training and anti-violence workshops. Candy speaks Cantonese, Mandarin and English.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression

• Grief and loss

• Post natal depression

• Relationship issues

• Stress and burnout - chronic illness, workplace change and life transitions

• Trauma

Christine works with individual clients (16 years+) in-person and online. Christine has training in cognitive behaviour therapy, solution focussed therapy, person centred, focussed ACT and mindfulness techniques. Whilst she uses an integrative model, Christine firmly believes that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is key. She provides a supportive environment for honest exploration of thoughts, feelings, behaviours and experiences and she believes that when a person feels heard and understood, without judgement, they are empowered to find their own solutions. Christine is also a big believer in arming clients with skills to face their challenges and make the changes they desire.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Feeling stuck and low sense of self-worth
• Finding meaning and spirituality
• Intimacy
• Loss and grief
• Managing life transitions
• Stress management

Born and raised in Switzerland, Christine has lived in Aotearoa for over 25 years. After working as a retail book seller for many years, she was ready to embrace a career change. Since 2006 Christine has offered counselling in various settings such as hospices, high schools as well as in private practice. Intermittently, she has also worked as volunteers’ coordinator and trainer, operations manager and spiritual care coordinator. Christine now works exclusively in private practice.

As your counsellor, Christine will gently explore with you the issues which have prompted you to get in touch with her. You may be feeling disconnected in your relationships or struggling to make sense in a rapidly changing world. Whatever it may be, it is her job to listen to you closely, and to hear what you are really saying. She will walk beside you as you begin to navigate your way through the unchartered territory of your inner world. As you go along, Christine will support you to gain insight and clarity of what is going on for you, empowering you to discover your own solutions, resources and strengths.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Burnout
• Cognitive behavioural therapy 
• Couples counselling
• Crisis and trauma
• Dealing with chronic or terminal illness
• Families and parenting
• Mindfulness
• Narrative therapy
• Solution focused therapy
• Transition points in life
• Workshop facilitation

Chris has extensive experience in facilitating groups and presenting psychoeducational workshops on the topics of workplace wellbeing, enhancing resilience and managing stress and burnout.

Prior to working as a counsellor - in the late 80s to mid 90s - Chris worked for several blue chip multinational companies in sales and business-development roles. His work experience includes 12 years as a lecturer for tertiary organisations, teaching positive psychology and counselling skills and human development. He is specifically trained in a range of modalities that centre on solution-focused and brief therapy interventions.

Chris is qualified and experienced in working with adolescents, individuals and couples. 

Areas of specialty

• Alcohol and drugs
• Anger and stress management
• Anxiety and depression
• Chronic diseases
• Family Court counselling
• Grief and loss
• Problem gambling
• Sexuality and sexual identity
• Transgender and binary identity
• Workplace bullying

Claire's approach is easy, friendly and honest – getting straight to the root of problems to find workable solutions to empower clients. She believes helping improve people’s lives through counselling and supervision is a rewarding privilege. Claire uses cognitive behavioural therapy to support her clients in leading more successful lives and have more fulfilling relationships.

Areas of specialty

• Addictions
• Families and young people
• Sexuality and gender identity issues

Creating and holding a safe space for a person to express their feelings and thoughts is an honour for Coralie; she understands the journey is different for all people. Coralie takes a person-centered and strengths-focused approach and shows an interest in learning about a person’s values, beliefs and culture as she supports them. It comes as a privilege for Coralie to journey with people through their loss and grief. The significance of support at this time of new meaning toward themselves, their life and their loved ones can be precious. Coralie holds a post-grad diploma in narrative counselling and brings with her over 25 years experience working in the health care profession as a nurse and a midwife.

Areas of specialty

• Addictions (including sex/pornography and gaming)
• Couples counselling
• Depression and anxiety
• Exercise (weight management and mindful eating)
• Men's issues
• Religious issues (specifically Christian issues)
• Separation and co-parenting

Daniel has a history working in mental health and the addiction field. Daniel offers psychotherapy in different models such as psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural therapy and dialectical behavioural therapy, to help people create positive change and work through emotional difficulties.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety & depression
• Grief & loss
• Relationships & social identity

Born in Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland, Dave’s whakapapa is Muaūpoko iwi and he loves embracing his two cultures. Growing up, he split his time between England and New Zealand and is super excited about helping people through counselling. People say he’s really easy to talk to. In his free time, Dave loves hanging out with family, going camping, and playing and writing music while creating artwork. His wife of 13years Winnie, is also a counsellor.

Life has its ups and downs, twists and turns, but it's good to know that we don’t have to go through it alone. Dave is cool with working with everyone, no matter their background or identity as he wants to create a safe space for people to open up about their problems and feel safe exploring whatever's on their minds. Dave thinks people are the experts when it comes to their problems, and together we can find the answers they're looking for.

Areas of specialty

• Addiction (sex, drugs, alcohol, pornography)
• Couples counselling
• Depression, anxiety and stress
• Eating disorders
• Families
• LGBTQI and related concerns
• Personality disorders

Dean believes in utilising the strengths of clients in order to address those parts of their lives that they find challenging, difficult or unmanageable. He has been practicing therapy for the past 16 years and has worked in a variety of contexts that have included hospitals, schools, prisons, companies, clinics and private practice.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Changes and transitions
• Couples and relationships
• Family circumstances
• Grief and loss
• Pregnancy, pregnancy loss and abortion
• Low self-esteem
• Study challenges
• Work-related issues

Denise works from a strongly client-centred base and brings over 13 years' counselling experience with her. She enjoys counselling people of all ages, ensuring that clients are supported to reach their goals for counselling. From this she is able to integrate elements from a number of other counselling approaches.

Denise is able to relate well to people of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. She is married to an Asian and has lived in a number of Asian countries. Denise is warm and sensitive in her approach while seeking to maintain a high standard of integrity and confidentiality in her counselling.

Areas of specialty

• Anger management
• Depression
• PTSD resulting from abuse
• Working with Māori

Diane has worked as a counsellor at her current practice since 1989, primarily with survivors of sexual abuse and in the past 10 years with other personal and workplace issues. Diane comes from an eclectic background of counselling training, gaining this through university and polytechnic courses.

Areas of specialty

• Adoption
• Grief & loss
• Suicide
• Trauma
• Work stress
• Youth mental health

Elaine has over 10 years’ counselling experience and works with a diverse range of clients, from all walks of life including adults, teens, and children. She has experience working with culturally diverse clients including Pacifica, Māori and Asian and welcomes all cultures, genders, orientations, and backgrounds. Her person-centred approach is walking alongside her clients on their journey. Her special interest areas are adoption, grief and loss, suicide, and youth mental health. She has been a victim support bereavement by suicide worker as well as a Seasons for Grief and Loss facilitator.

Elaine’s counselling style is to offer a warm, safe, and relaxed space for clients to be in.  Her person-centred approach sits with narrative therapy, art and sand tray and she adjusts her approach to the needs of the client. 

Areas of specialty

• Abuse
• Anxiety & depression
• Domestic violence
• Eating disorders
• Family and couples

Estelle is a general counselling, as above and including anger management, critical incident & crisis debriefing, grief & loss, parent separation, phobias, pornography, post-traumatic stress, self-esteem, self-harm, sexuality, stress management/burnout prevention, relationship issues/challenges, workplace stress.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Building self worth
• Grief, loss and support through change
• Relationship issues
• Trauma, abuse and family violence
• Registered ACC sexual abuse counsellor

Gina works in a respectful and empathic way to support you to grow, change and develop. Gina provides a safe, warm and non-judgemental environment that allows you to explore the issues that are distressing you.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Family issues
• Grief and loss
• Life changes
• Relationship issues
• Sexuality
• Trauma and abuse
• Registered ACC counsellor

Greg is passionate and committed to supporting people and welcomes clients from all walks of life. He focuses on developing a supportive and respectful relationship with his clients. His style of counselling allows his clients to feel comfortable to explore and process their concerns. He has trained in many different counselling styles and uses his experience and insights to establish the most suitable and effective approach for each person. Greg has been counselling since 2005 and has worked for more than 10 years as a tertiary counsellor, including most recently as team leader. He currently works in private practice.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Domestic violence
• Relationship counselling

Helen has 30 years of counselling experience, working closely with the Family Court for much of this time to provide relationship counselling and counselling towards successful separation. Helen works with a women's refuge and with women who have been subjected to violence. She takes referrals related to anxiety and depression and uses mindfulness-based techniques to assist the client.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and overwhelm
• Burnout
• Chronic illness
• Grief and loss
• Stress
• Trauma

Helena has been working as a social practitioner and counsellor for over 30 years. 

She works from a 'whole perspective', a mind body approach. She sees her work creating greater self-awareness and options for clients through the use of life long therapeutic tools that will assist in developing and strengthening resilience, regulating overwhelming emotion and physical imbalance.

Helena has worked in an array of different social practitioner and counselling roles within the social services. She has had various NGO/government roles and projects, SOEs and government departments, such as: social/clinical practitioner for mental health services, social practitioner/supervisor/regional practise analyst/reviewer for Child Youth and Family Services, social practitioner/therapist and in rehabilitation services for all Auckland prisons. Helena has been a contractual social practitioner/counsellor since 2007 and in private practice since 2012.

Areas of specialty

• Abuse
• Addictions
• Anxiety & depression
• Domestic violence
• Family and couples

Ian is an experienced general counselling, as above and including anger management, critical incident & crisis debriefing, eating disorders, grief & loss, parent separation, phobias, pornography, post-traumatic stress, self-esteem, self-harm, sexuality, stress management/burnout prevention, relationship issues/challenges, workplace stress. 

Areas of specialty

• Family systems
• Grief and loss
• Life coaching
• Mediation and conflict coaching
• Relationship counselling
• Trauma

Isabel has over 8 years' counselling experience with a special interest in mediation and conflict coaching. She is very skilled at brief solution focused therapy and provides coaching services for her current clients.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Relationships
• Sexuality
• Stress management

Ivor's specialty is working with adults who may find themselves in a difficult personal situation or who might feel under emotional stress. His consultations are tailored to the individual's needs and their presenting problem.

Ivor is also very experienced with issues specifically facing new immigrants, and speaks Croatian.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Grief and loss
• Life changes
• Postnatal distress
• Relationship issues
• Stress and work-related difficulties
• Suicide and self-harm

Jacqui’s counselling approach is integrative, flexible, and diverse and each person is treated as the unique individual that they are. Her practice is underpinned by an empathic and non-judgemental approach as she works alongside individuals in a gentle and caring manner. Working in a non-judgmental way, Jacqui is dedicated to helping people in achieving their goals, making sense of their life experiences and rewriting their life stories into something that has meaning and value. Jacqui works with a diverse range of clients, from all walks of life, including adults (any age), adolescents, new parents (postnatal distress) and immigrants. She has extensive experience in online counselling, digital mental health, working with young people, suicide, and bereavement and loss counselling.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Couples counselling 
• Social anxiety and OCD
• Career issues
• Workplace stress and burnout
• Supervision
• Registered ACC sexual abuse counsellor

Jan enjoys working with individuals, couples and family groups on both a short-term and long-term basis. Jan works in a person-centred way drawing from a range of counselling modalities: cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, narrative, emotionally focused therapy for couples and individuals.

Areas of specialty

• Anger and stress management
• Anxiety and depression
• Domestic violence and abuse
• Eating disorders
• Grief and loss
• Personal growth
• Relationship issues
• Substance abuse
• Registered ACC sexual abuse counsellor

Jan’s practice is founded on several years with Victim Support, providing her with a background of experience in all areas of trauma and abuse.  She is dedicated to supporting people to create a fulfilling life that is free from abuse and violence. Jan has provided counselling in both agencies and private practice for over 20 years, using a range of therapies tailored to meet a client’s needs, covering a wide range of issues, and has experience supporting people from many different cultures. Jan is also an approved therapist of the Australian Centre for Eating Disorders (ACFED). 

Areas of specialty

• Abuse
• Anxiety and depression
• Grief and loss
• Stress management
• Supervisor
• Trauma

Jan has been a counsellor with employee assistance programmes since 1995, helping people from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds with regard to both their work and personal life. She also supervises counsellors and mental health workers.

Areas of specialty

• Career lifestyle
• Counselling psychology
• Family counselling
• Gerontology
• Grief and loss
• Relationship issues

Janet immigrated to New Zealand from the United States in 2011. Her counselling experience consists of over 20 years. She has worked alongside people of various ages or stages as they undergo significant changes in their relationships, jobs, health, or sense of worth. Janet finds joy in helping others to identify their goals, set the steps to achieve them, and recognise and celebrate their accomplishments.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Couples counselling
• Critical incident and trauma counselling
• Domestic violence and sexual abuse
• Immigration issues
• Life changes
• Mindfulness
• Spirituality counselling
• Supervisor
• Work stress

Janine works respectfully with all cultures, sexual orientations, and spiritual beliefs. She takes a positive, open approach, valuing transparency in the counselling process. Janine is passionate about helping individuals navigate their way to happiness by enriching their relationships with others. Janine brings humour and compassion to her work with couples, providing insight into why relationships go wrong and practical, proven tools to start creating the relationship you always hoped for. Janine works with individuals (adults, teens and children), couples and families. She specialises in relationship counseling and is trained in Gottman and Imago couples therapy.

Areas of specialty

• Anger and stress
• Anxiety and depression
• Bullying
• Grief and loss
• Life and work changes
• Relationships
• Supervisor

Jenny works with adults using cognitive behavioural therapy, family systems theory, brief solution-focused and strengths-based methods. We’ll identify what you want to work on, your strengths and add skills/tools to manage emotions and cope with challenges.

Areas of specialty

• Family Court counselling
• Anger and stress management
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Depression
• Grief and loss
• Māori models of working
• Relationships
• Sex therapy
• Sexual abuse and trauma
• Supervisor
• Registered ACC counsellor

Jenny has been working as a counsellor/therapist for over 16 years in Waikato and now Auckland. She has experience in working within social services, relationship services, school counselling, co-ordinating programmes and over 7 years as a supervisor, both external and cultural.

Areas of specialty

• Cultural supervision support for staff dealing with culturally diverse groups
• Drug and alcohol
• Family violence

Jessica is approachable, compassionate and empathetic. She has a combination of flawless professionalism and personal humanity. She is committed to supporting families, couples and individuals from all walks of life. Jessica is collaborative in her approach and believes that respectful and constructive communication gives permission to resolve disputes and remove constraints within relationships. Her work is child-inclusive and focuses on the best interest of children. Jessica has considerable experience in providing clinical management, HR management, clinical and professional supervision support, training and development to registered health professionals.

Jessica's spoken languages include Indian National, Punjabi Urdu, Fiji Hindi and she understands Fijian National.

Areas of specialty

• Works with children
• Anger and stress management
• Anxiety and depression
• Couples counselling
• EMDR training
• Grief and loss
• LGBTQI+
• Trauma, PTSD and OCD

Julia has extensive experience in management of trauma, family separation, loss, workplace conflict management and mediation, and supervision. Julia has excellent risk management expertise and is proficient in managing crisis and critical incident intervention. Julia provided clinical support to the Christchurch Mosque attack victims. As well, she has worked with Shakti, the Fatima Foundation, the Salvation Army, and NZ Police ethnic liaison officers to ensure a place of safety for women and children from refugee backgrounds in at risk situations.

She draws on a range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and art and play therapy. 

Julia is also an experienced trainer, facilitator, and educator with skills in bicultural and intercultural competencies. She is working with organizations to build organisational cultural competency and capacity to respond to the refugee groups they serve. Julia strives to make each session a safe and empowering experience.

Fluent in Bangla, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Couples counselling/relationship issues
• Grief and loss
• Life stages/transitions
• Offending behaviours
• Supporting those with injury
• Trauma 
• Work related stressors
• Work with adults and youth

Julie is a registered psychologist with extensive experience in correctional/forensic psychology, psychological assessment, group and individual therapy. She began working as a psychologist in 2011. She likes to work alongside clients (and their workplace, families, and agencies as needed) to build on a client’s strengths and values. Julie currently works with individuals (teens and adults) and couples at her private practice. She works with clients in the following areas: managing/improving relationship distress, working towards life goals, readjusting to change, teaching communication and self care strategies, improving mood management and helping clients to develop emotional regulation strategies. Julie also works with clients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, other severe physical/psychological injury (loss/grief) and trauma.                                                                                                                                                 

Areas of specialty

• Abuse and trauma
• Bullying and self-harm
• Domestic violence
• Family and health issues
• Grief and loss
• Relationship issues
• Sexual abuse survivors
• Workplace and safety issues
• Registered ACC sensitive claims counsellor

Since becoming a full member of NZAC in June 2015, Karen has provided counselling in both private practice and for the community - e.g., schools, mental health services, Mangere community house and friendship house - facilitating both face-to-face and group work. Karen is also a St John Youth Manukau District Youth Leader, helping run the St John programme with the Mangere East division. Karen also facilitates and tutors women's groups for Te Waipuna Puawai/Ellerslie.

Areas of specialty

• Depression and anxiety
• Grief and loss
• Managing personal and work stress
• Mental health rehabilitation
• Parenting
• Personal development and life transitions 
• PTSD
• Supervision
• Survivors of abuse and violence

Kathryn has a down-to-earth and collaborative approach to her counselling practice. She is genuine in her appreciation of people and is full of hope counting it a privilege to offer some of hers when others might be running low. Kathryn draws from a range of therapeutic approaches that best fit the unique needs of the people she works with, including solution-focused therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, couples/family systems therapy and developmental psychology/life transitions. Kathryn has a wide range of counselling experience in mental health, parenting and education, non-profit and corrections/rehabilitation.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety & depression
• Loss & grief
• Understanding relationships & communication
• Solution-focussed counselling
• Workplace issues

Kathy worked as a community mental health nurse in both the United States and New Zealand. She has also worked in oncology, palliative care and paediatrics and is currently completing a masters degree focused on narrative therapy. Kathy currently works in private practice as a counsellor and also as a community mental health nurse at the Taylor Centre in Auckland

Kathy spent 21 years in the United States military reserves and active duty that included 5 years as an Army medic and 16 years as a Navy nurse.  Her guiding philosophies are 'relationship is key' and healthcare as a holistic experience including the four cornerstones of health (Te Whare Tapa Wha)-spiritual, psychological, physical and social.  As a wife, mother, grandmother, dog lover, student, teacher, nurse, counsellor and friend Kathy can offer many years of life experience.

Areas of specialty

• Adults recovering from childhood trauma
• Advocate for trauma processing, both in direct client work and supporting clients on their journey to readiness
• Alcohol and drugs
• Focus on cognitive understanding to address clients' challenges
• Providing trauma-informed care
• Strong interest in comprehensive assessments to formulate therapeutic plans

As a counsellor Lima has been able to blend her passion for seeing people thrive and excel in life with her natural capacity to show compassion and to nurture people’s wellbeing.

She sees it as a great privilege to work alongside people and watch others grow into the best versions of themselves.

Lima takes this privilege seriously and relies on evidence-based therapeutic approaches that both ensure your wellbeing and a highly professional standard of care. By providing a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space Lima hopes to facilitate an environment that helps you better understand yourself and explore ways to live a fuller life.

Lima believes it's crucial for clients to understand their counselor's preferred approaches. Her career began in the drug and alcohol sector, where she gained most of her experience. As a result, her counselling approach naturally carries some structure - she follows a strength-based method and integrates modalities like acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), family systems, and trauma-informed care. Typically, her sessions are goal-oriented, where we collaborate to achieve whatever outcome the client desires.

Areas of specialty

• Anger and stress management
• Anxiety and depression
• Behavioural issues
• Grief and loss
• Parenting issues
• Relationships
• Terminal illness
• Trauma and abuse
• Youth

Each individual is unique, so Linda will adapt her approach to suit. Modalities that she draws from in her practice are cognitive behavioural therapy, brief solution-focussed therapy, person-centred, narrative therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, Gestalt therapy, relaxation techniques and behavioural therapy.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and grief
• Bipolar and personality disorders
• Career and relationship counselling
• Crisis intervention
• Post traumatic stress disorder
• Supervisor

Lizette does relationship counselling and family therapy, but she prefers to do individual counselling with adults, adolescents and children. 

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Burnout
• Mental health concerns

Lorrain works with clients to support them in the mode that’s a comfortable and easy fit for them. She draws on a range of approaches including person-centred therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy and trauma-informed practise. When clients might find it helpful, Lorraine can support them with creative expressive approaches and sand tray therapy.

Areas of specialty

• Cultural and spiritual responsive therapy
• Domestic violence therapy
• Drug and alcohol
• Grief and loss
• Parenting coaching
• Relationship counselling
• Supervisor
• Trauma therapy

Losalia can work with all issues and mental health presentations with a brief solution-focused therapy, and can provide short-term interventions to help facilitate movement for her clients. She is an experienced and culturally-responsive therapist who can work well with all groups of people, especially young people. Losalia insists on conducting her practice within her values of professional and personal integrity. Losalia has worked in health and social services for over 20 years. 

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety & depression
• Couples counselling
• Family
• Individual challenges
• Parenting
• Relationship issues
• Workplace issues

Lynette specialises in relationship challenges, family concerns, individual struggles, and workplace issues. Her approach is warm and caring and she provides a safe space for you to tell your story. You would both work together on whatever is relevant to you and your hopes and thoughts would be heard, respected and valued. Lynette has extensive experience in supporting people from all walks of lives and cultures.

“When we experience difficulties, we can feel stuck, and it can be really hard to see or remember one's strengths and positive attributes. Together we will rediscover these. Regardless of your situation and what you wish to achieve, we would focus on making meaningful changes in order for you to realise your objectives.”

Lynettte draws upon evidence-based practices in her work, including narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapies, mindfulness and the couples developmental model.

Lynette is also an NZAC supervisor.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Psychotherapist
• Relationships
• Trauma

Lynn closely holds the key values of integrity, respect, hope and empowerment, fairness and equity firstly as a person and secondly as a professional. Lynn is familiar working in her psychotherapy practice with people from a wide range of backgrounds and socio-economic groups all with their own histories.

Areas of specialty

• Adjustment issues
• Anxiety and depression
• Grief and loss
• Relationship issues
• Stress management

Lynn works from a client-centred approach with evidence-based interventions to adapt to each client's individual needs. She believes that her ability to live within both her Chinese culture and her adopted culture of New Zealand supports her ability to work with clients who have different areas of comfort and need. Lynn has worked with clients of varying sexual orientations, religious beliefs, social backgrounds and ethnicities. 

Areas of specialty

• Bulimia troubles
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Gender and sexuality identity
• Grief and loss
• Harassment and disempowerment
• Narrative therapy and transactional analysis
• Occupational transitions and workplace stress

Marguerite helps her clients learn to cultivate choices in habitual ways of thinking and responding, making it possible to maintain emotional equilibrium and resilience even under intense stress. Marguerite is currently working towards her master's degree in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Marguerite also provides counselling for people who are facing concerns with gender and sexual identification. This may include identifying as LGBTQI and may also include any concerns related to sex and sexuality.

Areas of specialty

• Anger and stress management
• Depression and anxiety
• Domestic violence
• Grief
• Loneliness
• Relationship issues
• Understanding self

Maria will support you to gain awareness and insight into the issues that are causing difficulties, a deeper understanding of what holds you back from working these issues through to a positive solution and clarity around what's important about the changes you desire to make.  At all times, Maria provides a safe and therapeutic space where you will be heard, respected and accepted.  Exploring perceptions, emotions and behaviours can be challenging, however Maria will facilitate your process of personal change with care and work with you at your pace.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Business and life coaching
• Grief and loss
• Job performance and change
• Low self-esteem
• Panic attacks
• Pressure and stress management
• Relationships and marriage

Marie is a licensed counsellor and coach with a combined experience of over 6 years in a number of agencies as well as private practice. As a qualified counsellor, Marie works in an environment that is comfortable, non-judgemental, and empathetic. Working with young people and adults Marie helps her clients grow and become more self-aware by providing an ethical and focused approach to finding hope, joy, and peace, with the ultimate purpose of thriving in life. She extracts from her toolbox modalities such as cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative and creative therapy and client-centred, motivational and solution-based approaches to help her clients achieve their goals.

As a coach, Marie draws her knowledge from her tertiary business education and experiences as a finance manager, business analyst, and mentor in the banking and finance industry in New Zealand and overseas.

Marie’s passion for people, mental health wellbeing, and positive transformation of life galvanized her to pursue a career in counselling and coaching. She also values the thought that 'we can become who we want to be' with the help around us and professional support.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Families
• Family Court counselling
• Relationships
• Supervisor
• Trauma
• Registered ACC counsellor

Marta speaks Spanish and provides fast, effective counselling for individuals and families. 

Areas of specialty

• Addiction
• Mental health
• Personal and/or professional stress
• Supervision 
• Trauma

Michele is a compassionate and person-centred therapist and supervisor with a master's in health science. She is currently completing her PhD and is also a registered nurse. With 30 year’s experience, Michele works from a strengths-based, trauma-informed lens. She has experience in a range of therapeutic modalities to support people experiencing personal and/or workplace stress. Michele’s aim is to help people rediscover their own strengths and resources, to bring about balance, meaning, and joy in people’s personal and professional lives.

Areas of specialty

• Sexual violence 
• Trauma

Born in Sri Lanka Mirani has lived most of her life in New Zealand and has enjoyed working with diverse cultures and lifestyles.

She has been counselling for approximately 10-years and brings her life experiences to her practice having raised three children and undertaken a range of previous roles relating to the health industry.

Mirani has worked with a variety of presenting issues: anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, infertility, parenting difficulties, loneliness, overwhelming emotions or disconnection from emotions, loss of identity, work-life balance, reduce stress and burn out, loss of confidence and low self-esteem, difficulties supporting family members in mental distress, migratory grief and loss, navigating life transitions.

Mirani provides an open, confidential, and respectful space where you can talk and be listened to without judgement and where together we can create an environment where it feels safe and comfortable to explore your concerns, and work together to find ways to make the changes needed, to move towards the life you value and hope for.

Areas of specialty

• Addictions
• Anger management
• Anxiety and depression
• Relationships
• Trauma

Mo offers caring, holistic, embodied, and transformative therapy. He provides an environment of safety and trust for increased awareness and growth. Your brain has the ability to rewire itself and with Mo’s support you will be guided to exchange responses that aren’t working – or even harmful – for workable strategies to living a vital life, aligned with your goals and values.

He has experience in supporting clients through the challenges of trauma, psychological distress, PTSD, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties and sexual dysfunction.

Mo is also fluent in French and Hebrew.

Areas of specialty

• Alcohol, drugs and other addictions
• Anxiety and stress management
• Cognitive restructuring
• Family violence
• Grief and loss
• Life coaching
• Relationships
• Supervisor
• Trauma

Mohini has years of life and work experience and maintains a high standard of practice. She uses a strengths-based approach, supporting the individual or family with empathy, respect, and integrity, providing value and empowerment in creating and developing self-efficacy. Mohini believes every problem has a solution! Mohini is friendly and approachable and working with people is one of her passions. Mohini is also a keen writer, cook, reader, dancer, and is fluent in the Hindi language.

Areas of specialty

• Abuse
• Addictions
• Mentoring
• Relationships
• Trauma

Muneet is a skilled professional, with over 12 years' management and leadership experience within the public, non-government and private addiction sectors locally and internationally.

She is trained in motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and is also an experienced group therapy facilitator.

Areas of specialty

• Addiction
• Adults and adolescents
• Brief work
• Trauma

Neriza is a goal-orientated individual with expertise in the field of psychology with specific reference to trauma and addiction. Her clinical experience started in 2015 and varies from drug rehabilitation centre work, as well as Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital and headway (traumatic brain injuries) in South Africa. Her counselling experience still continues in private practice and ranges from various settings here in New Zealand. She has extensive experience in working with a wide range of cultures, children, adolescents, and adults and enjoys acting in the first line of defence in mental health care. Neriza works from an eclectic approach and is trained in various approaches. Community work is dear to her and she volunteered at various NGO's and recently worked at Youthline. She is fluent in both Afrikaans and English. 

Areas of specialty

• Addictions
• Adjusting to workplace change
• Couples counselling
• Depression
• Eating difficulties
• Family communication
• Life transitions
• Positive leadership
• Same sex relationships
• Stress management and work/life balance
• Supervision
• Trauma counselling, critical incident debriefing

Niccy is an experienced counsellor, supervisor, coach and counsellor educator. Her main approach is strengths-based, creative solution-focused. She is a warm, encouraging, relatable counsellor and thrives on developing partnerships to help supervisees reach their hopes, wishes, preferences or goals.

Areas of specialty

• Blending families
• Family and relationship issues
• Grief and loss
• Mindfulness
• Stress management and emotional regulation
• Work-life balance

Nicola’s practice supports narrative therapy, solution-focused, cognitive behavioural therapy, interactive drawing therapy and mindfulness. Nicola believes counselling offers people powerful ways to find their inner strength, learn new skills, connect with their values and passions, and generate change. Nicola is compassionate, non-judgemental and uses a collaborative strengths-based approach in her practice.

Nicola is currently working remotely only.

Areas of specialty

• Abuse and violence
• Addictions
• Grief and loss
• Masculinity
• Relationships
• Parenting
• Pornography
• Sexuality and gender
• Supervision

Nigel was a teacher, youth worker and is now a counsellor and supervisor, seeking to make a difference in people’s lives. He holds a master's degree in counselling and over 15 years' experience with a variety of people and issues.

Nigel's clinical work features narrative therapy and also draws on cognitive behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing, art therapy, psychodrama and NVC (among others). His specialist interests are young men/boys, masculinity, sexuality, parenting, eating issues and using post-structuralist understandings to overcome problems. 

Nigel has advanced training and experience from England, Australia and USA with an ongoing commitment to his professional development, participating in several advanced training events annually.

See narrativepathways.com for more details.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety, depression and burnout
• Career issues
• Grief and loss
• Legal issues except labour law
• Lifestyle balance and selfcare
• Low self-esteem
• Relationship breakups
• Sex addiction, sugar addiction, relationship addiction
• Workplace toxic dynamics

In her native country of the Netherlands, Noëlle worked as a barrister, family and criminal law for over a decade before living all over the world in Belgium, Switzerland, Dubai, and Thailand. After settling in New Zealand 11 years ago, Noëlle became a Lifeline volunteer counsellor in 2014, which nurtured a real love of counselling and led her to re-educate and become qualified as a counsellor in 2016.

Noëlle is educated in mindfulness-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). She believes in the mind, body and soul connection, therefore her sessions could be described as a mix between life coaching, health and wellness coaching, and counselling.

To her, the ‘ingredients’ of successful counselling are: building your knowledge, understanding of yourself and resilience; feeling heard and seen; feeling safe and supported; experiencing a sense of belonging; and building a relationship of trust.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Child abuse
• Couples counselling
• Grief and loss
• Stress management
• Suicide
• Trauma

Nola demonstrates an outstanding capacity to connect to a variety of people from a wide range of ethnicities and diverse socio-economic backgrounds. She has a warm, empathetic, caring and respectful approach towards her clients to engage effectively with their needs. Nola has considerable social services and counselling experience and expertise. She has counselled individual clients, couples and families/whānau and has facilitated therapy groups, support groups and training and education.

Nola also has a belief system and values which support the Treaty of Waitangi, ANZATSA and NZAC codes of ethics, human rights and Equal Employment Opportunities policies.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety, depression and stress management
• A christian perspective
• Adoption issues
• Grief and loss
• Men's sexual issues
• Relationship counselling
• Personality problems
• Sexual orientation
• Sexual abuse and identity issues

Padraig began counselling in 1982 and previously trained as a psychiatric nurse in Ireland, Scotland and New Zealand. He works with a variety of people of any race, believing in the equality of all people. Padraig believes the counselling experience is focused on the person's needs and works in collaboration without judgment. To this end, he focuses his work techniques and practice in an eclectic approach.

Areas of specialty

• Family relationships
• Immigration 
• Parenting
• Rogerian therapy and brief therapy
• Supervision

Patrick has worked many years in the mental health sector. In his counselling practice, Patrick enjoys working with couples and families and also has a special interest in working with young Asian people. Patrick is a Ministry of Justice and Department of Corrections-approved stopping violence provider and a qualified Family Court counsellor. Patrick speaks Mandarin and Cantonese.

Patrick is active in providing workshops for the mainstream mental health providers. He also provides training workshops for tertiary training institutes such as universities and government agencies.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Self-esteem and confidence issues
• Stress and anger management
• Working with teens

Paul is an experienced counsellor successfully working with people from many different cultural backgrounds and a wide range of issues. Paul believes that the key to successful counselling is quickly building a positive relationship where the client feels supported and listened to. He primarily works using a person-centered approach but also uses a range strategies including solution-focused brief therapy, cognitive behaviour, narrative therapy, interactive drawing therapy, strength based strategies, mindfulness and active release therapy.

Areas of specialty

• Depression, anxiety and stress - personal and work-related
• Drug, alcohol and gambling addictions
• Grief and loss
• Family violence
• Life changes
• Relationship issues
• Sexual identity, gender identity and sexuality
• Trauma and abuse

Philippa works in partnership with clients, creating a safe and supportive relationship to assist them in achieving the outcomes they seek. She is integrative in the use of counselling modalities, matching proven theoretical approaches with the client's unique needs.

Areas of specialty

• Abuse issues – sexual and family violence
• Assertive training self esteem issues and managing bullying 
• Change related issues
• Depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, grief and loss
• Difficult workplace issues - skilled in group dynamics and systems theory
• Interpersonal and relationship issues and couples work
• Managing anger and challenging behaviours
• Performance management issues and conflict
• Supervision, coaching and consultation to all levels of the workplace
• Trauma specialist

Philippa is a holistic health counsellor and coach with over 20 years of working in a wide variety of workplace settings including private, non-government organisations and the public sector. She works within a wide variety of different ethnic groups, ages and backgrounds from trades to professional groups and at all levels of an organisation.

An interested and careful listener, Philippa ensures you feel met and understood, and works from a strengths-based approach. Philosophy - looks for the gold in others so that they can use it for themselves. 

Areas of specialty

• Depression and anxiety
• Mentoring for employees and managers
• Relationship issues
• Stress management

Prue is backed by 25 years' experience and offers every client her understanding nature and professionalism. Prue is experienced in working with clients from a range of backgrounds, situations and cultures. New clients are welcomed into a quiet, confidential space and are at instantly put at ease by Prue’s warm, understanding nature. Prue also offers counselling for different types of physical and emotional illnesses, leadership and professional development, maternal health and dealing with major life changes. Prue has specialised in this area over many years and brings to the work her understanding of the pressures and conditions under which people perform.

Areas of specialty

• Addictions
• Anxiety and depression
• Identity
• Life transitions
• Mindfulness
• Self-regulation
• Trauma and grief

Raewyn values the creation of a respectful and safe space to reflect and explore what might be impacting someone's life, to be curious about what might have contributed to this, what might limit or support the creation of positive change.

Raewyn has worked 30 years in the helping professions as an occupational therapist, drug and alcohol counsellor, and latterly as a psychotherapist. Her work has been predominantly in the areas of mental health and addictions, gambling, etc. Raewyn respects and is always humbled and inspired by the privilege of walking alongside others' transformational journeys - supporting people who are engaging in the personal change.

Areas of specialty

• Anger and stress management
• Addictions
• Depression and anxiety
• Relationships
• Self-esteem
• Supervision

A qualified professional counsellor with over 25 years' experience, Ray has worked in many different areas of the profession and works from a private, quiet location. Ray also provides supervision to other counsellors.

Areas of specialty

• Abuse
• Anger and stress management - personal and work
• Anxiety and depression
• Conflict resolution
• Relationship issues
• Grief and loss
• Trauma

Rhonda is a general counsellor who has successfully engaged with children, youth, adults and families presenting with a range of issues as indicated. She uses a holistic strengths-based approach, integrating mindfulness, person centred and narrative therapies. Rhonda is a natural problem-solver, committed to working collaboratively with clients to support their wellbeing.

Rhonda also has experience in crisis support, facilitation, dispute resolution, employment mediation, coaching and mentoring. She has a particular interest in supporting Māori and Pacific people and providing onsite support in the workplace.  

Areas of specialty

• Grief and loss
• Life transitions
• Stress and anxiety
• Work-life balance

Robin’s experience includes working in a residential therapeutic community for young adults with psychiatric diagnoses, 10 years as a counsellor at community women’s centre, 20 years supervising mental health workers and counsellors as well as 10 years teaching at AUT.

Areas of specialty

• Anger management
• Anxiety and depression
• Grief and loss
• Immigration and cultural issues
• Life stage changes
• Relationship struggles (couples, friend, work colleagues)
• Sexuality

Roger is an experienced counsellor who has expertise in working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and addressing a wide range of presenting issue.

Often one might fear about feeling alone in the process, as well as about going into unknown. Through guided, support and an encouraging relationship, Roger can help you to understand your potential, and from there, step away from the old patterns that are no longer working for you.

Areas of specialty

• General stressors impeding on sense of wellbeing
• Interpersonal relationships, work and personal
• Personal development; life events/ change/ adjustment
• Significant life/trauma events impacting on functioning and happiness
• Work related issues: stress. performance, teamwork, professional development, and goal setting

Sabrina’s counselling work has focused on Millennial and GenZ client experiences. The range of issues explored: interpersonal conflict with family members, romantic partner, co-workers, flatmates, friends, grief and loss, motivation issues, low mood, performance issues, anxiety and traumatic events to name a few. Her practice is inclusive of cultural differences and diverse voices.

Areas of specialty

• Abuse & trauma
• Addictions
• Anxiety & depression
• Domestic violence
• Family and couples

Sam is experienced in general counselling, as above and including anger management, critical incident & crisis debriefing, eating disorders, grief & loss, parent separation, phobias, pornography, post-traumatic stress, self-esteem, self-harm, sexuality, stress management/burnout prevention, relationship issues/challenges, work place stress.  ACC registered

Areas of specialty

• Abuse (physical, spiritual, psychological, sexual)
• Addictions
• Anxiety & depression
• Childhood and adult trauma
• Grief and loss
• Parenting
• Relationships and interpersonal communication
• Stress and burnout prevention and recovery

Sarah is an experienced counsellor who works with adolescents and adults to help them overcome struggles and lead more fulfilling lives. As a counsellor, she enjoys supporting her clients to gain an increased understanding of themselves, tools and strategies for healing and change, mental and emotional wellbeing, and to feel empowered and re-connected to themselves and others. Having experienced the benefits of counselling herself, she believes that clients have the ability to discover and determine what is best for them. She has worked within educational, forensic and drug and alcohol treatment settings in New Zealand. 

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Grief and loss
• Personal stress

Seno Tu’inukuafe is a Tongan mother living on the North Shore. Born in Tonga, Seno migrated to NZ in 1986 and has been a counsellor since 2011. Seno holds a postgraduate diploma in counselling from the University of Auckland and recently completed a master of psychotherapy degree from Auckland University of Technology.

Seno values diversity and works with any ethnic community or group on a variety of issues but does not work with children.

Her hobbies include gardening, reading, crafting, travelling, music, culture and anything relating to spirituality and soul care.

Areas of specialty

• Abuse
• Anxiety & depression
• Domestic violence
• Eating disorders
• Family and couples

Sharon is experienced in general counselling, as above and including anger management, critical incident & crisis debriefing, grief & loss, parent separation, phobias, pornography, post-traumatic stress, self-esteem, self-harm, sexuality, stress management/burnout prevention, relationship issues/challenges, workplace stress. 

Areas of specialty

• Gender identity/sexuality
• Non-suicidal self-injury
• Separation & life transitions

Sheena is a professional counsellor based on Auckland’s North Shore, with a strong belief in the power of compassion and understanding.

She recognises that life can sometimes seem overwhelming and problems can get in our way. Her role is to engage with adolescents, adults and couples, supporting them to identify their strengths, values and motivations in order to move towards their preferred way of being.

Sometimes our lives can become submerged by problems.  Sheena works collaboratively alongside her clients to create space between the person and the “problem”. Within this space we can illuminate how experiences and beliefs from your past may be shaping your present, identify how you would prefer your life to be and discover the action that you might take to get there.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Domestic violence
• Gender and sexual identity
• Life changes, burnout
• Relationship issues
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Sexual abuse
• Stress and anger management

Shona has been in the health sector for 15 years; her counselling style includes the mind, body and soul. She has diplomas in nutritional health, natural medicine, yoga therapy and counselling, and has spent 8 years specialising in domestic abuse and trauma. Shona is a very devoted and passionate therapist and all of her clients receive a specific healing plan for their wellbeing needs.

Shona uses a range of approaches, including response-based therapy, gestalt therapy, attachment theory, trauma therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, art therapy, visualisation, strengths-based therapy, Māori models of care, person-centred therapy, emotionally focused therapy, mindfulness, family systems, existential, narrative therapy and solution-focused therapy.                                            

Areas of specialty

• Grief and loss
• Trauma

Simran is client centred in her practice and practices the skills of empathy, congruence and being non-judgemental with her clients. Simran aims to work collaboratively with the clients and ensures her best to provide a safe space for the client, maintaining confidentiality. Having lived in various countries, Simran’s passion lies in working with people from different backgrounds and being culturally inclusive in her practice. Simran uses pluralistic approach in her counselling and believes every individual is unique, and hence, what may work for one person may not necessarily work for another.

Areas of specialty

• Addictions
• Anxiety and depression
• Family violence
• Grief and loss
• Trauma

Offering general counselling to support individuals, families and employers, Sione has worked in the social services field for over 20 years. His range of skill and experience extends to work in addiction services, couples counselling, family and sexual violence along with group facilitation work.

Sione is also an accredited family violence and standard restorative justice facilitator with the Ministry of Justice.

Areas of specialty

• Anger management
• Culture adjustment
• Depression and anxiety
• Grief and loss
• Mid-life transition
• Migration

Stephen has more than 7 years of counselling experience in a wide range of issues. He takes a gentle and caring approach, listening to clients' life challenges and supporting them to discover their strengths and inner resources to cope. Stephen practices eclectic counselling, drawing from transactional analysis, cognitive behavioural therapy, family of origin, interpersonal process and interactive drawing therapy. Stephen has worked with clients aged sixteen and above from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including NZ European/Pakeha, Māori, Pacific Islanders and Asians.

Originally from Hong Kong, Stephen has lived in New Zealand for over 15 years. 

Areas of specialty

• Cross-culture relationships
• Integrative nutrition and health coaching
• Relationship
• Self-confidence, personal and professional and business development
• Stress, anxiety and depression
• Trauma and sexual abuse

No one likes to experience ill health in life - so holistic health is Sunday's service core value. When you explore the change in your daily life and transform on a deeper level, you will surprise yourself. Learning to gain a comprehensive understanding of oneself, both mentally and physically is attainable. Sunday uses solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, transactional analysis, and imago relationship and person-centered counselling.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety
• Grief and loss
• Palliative care
• Physical disability
• Sex and intimacy
• Sexual abuse
• Supervision
• Trauma

Throughout her professional career, Susan has endeavoured to have a wide scope of practice which has included direct client work, project work group facilitation and coaching in the area of efficiency and effectiveness. This broad skill level is very useful with group supervision where she can draw on many concepts and ideas to bring into the group for reflection and consideration.

Areas of specialty

• Adult clients (16 years upwards)
• Communication upskilling
• Conflict management         
• Grief and loss support for all
• Relationships & life issues (including ethical non-monogamy)
• Working with couples (of any gender or gender combination)

Suzi Wallis is here to support you with tools and strategies, to achieve the changes you want. She will work with you towards the best possible outcomes for you and your situation. If you wish to explore the past, she will do that at a pace that's comfortable for you. The counselling she offers is about making change, and making change stick. Clients regularly leave sessions with several things to work on between appointments. She has been working with clients since 2002, and offers a variety of modalities to assist you. She offers in-person sessions in Ellerslie North, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa.

Please check her website (www.lifejourney.co.nz) - clients tell her it provides an accurate impression of her. You'll find that a few sessions with the right counsellor will be more effective than many sessions with someone who isn't the right fit for you. You deserve to feel safe and respected, and those values are very important to Suzi.

Areas of specialty

• Abuse and trauma
• Addictions
• Anxiety and depression
• Relationships
• Mental health
• Grief and loss

Theresa has over 20 years' experience working in community mental health and addiction services. She has held a private practice for 12 years and worked at health and counselling centres at two Auckland universities.

Theresa also provides personal development, assertiveness training, transition and is both a qualified anger management facilitator and a certified teacher of koru mindfulness.

Areas of specialty

• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Depression and anxiety
• Domestic violence
• Grief and loss
• Person centred counselling
• Relationships
• Transactional analysis

Tokilupe's therapeutic relationship with her clients is very important to her. She empowers individuals of all ages, couples and families to overcome personal challenges and barriers to improve their life, relationships and holistic wellbeing. Tokilupe uses holistic approaches to help clients find themselves and build the confidence within themselves to achieve what they want in life. She is committed and passionate about helping people and provides a safe, confidential and warm environment for them.

Areas of specialty

• Addictions (gambling, alcohol and drugs)
• Depression, anxiety and anger
• Lifestyle balance and motivation
• Perpetrators of sexual abuse
• Relationship
• Sexual identity

Tony works with adults, couples, youth and people who bring a wide variety of issues and concerns to the counselling room. Tony holds a strong belief that insight and self-knowledge empowers us towards gaining some purpose, and understanding that we have choices in life. He practices from a range of therapies including narrative, cognitive, strengths-based, solution-focused and acceptance commitment therapy.

Areas of specialty

• Alcohol and other drugs
• Clinical and cultural supervision
• Grief and loss counselling
• Mental health
• Supervision

What Topou has learnt to value in therapy/supervision/teaching is connection and having the skill through this connection to allow people to grow. What he can provide for you in this journey is his lived experience in mental health/addiction/loss, his tikanga journey, the teachings of the people that have helped him grow and his skills from formal studies and training.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety & depression
• Chronic pain management, training for independence rehab, stay at work, return to work
• Stress & resilience management, sleep management, energy management
• Trauma

Tracey is a psychologist (NZ Reg) and has specialised in mind-body medicine since 2001. She has a special interest working with first responders (e.g. fire, ambulance, emergency medical staff) and animal care professionals (e.g. vets, vet nurses, animal carers). She is invested in your wellbeing. Her mind-body health approach offers you comprehensive support tailored to your individual needs. Using evidence-based therapies, you will work together towards developing knowledge and strategies for you to be confident in your self-care management. You'll gain clarity on what to do, when, and why, with the added advantage of understanding how these strategies can be applied across various experiences in your life.

For more information see https://www.healthworkz.co.nz/

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety and depression
• Grief and loss
• Life development and change
• Maternal mental health
• Relationship issues 
• Trauma
• Work and life stresses

Trish is an experienced and qualified counsellor, life coach and mentor. She is a full member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors, having worked in various areas of practice for over 10 years. Trish is truly passionate about the work she does and the journeys she gets to embark on with her clients. Her clients are invited to reimagine and realise a different future for themselves – one that is filled with potential, possibilities and a life lived to the full. She uses a number of therapeutic approaches to help achieve the changes they desire.

As a trained professional, Trish adhere to the NZAC Code of Ethics, which includes confidentiality within the parameters of safety and ethical practice. She provides a safe space where people are free to discuss their challenges in a non-judgemental, respectful and compassionate environment. Trish provides counselling for individuals, families and adolescents.  She works with people who are recovering from trauma, having relationship issues, are dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, anger, work and life stresses, maternal mental health, rejection, not feeling good enough, childhood emotional neglect, boundary issues or looking for life development or change.

Areas of specialty

• Couples counselling
• Individuals and families
• Grief and loss

Trisha uses person-centred counselling that is holistic and includes conversations relating to physical, emotional, social and spiritual areas. During her life, Trisha has lived in many countries and worked with a wide variety of nationalities and ages which enables her to establish rapport with people from all walks of life.

Trisha's commitment is to provide ethical, confidential counselling with integrity, respect and compassion.

Areas of specialty

• Abuse
• Anger & stress management
• Anxiety & depression
• Domestic violence
• Eating disorders
• Family relationships
• Grief & loss

Using a client-centred approach Ursula consistently prioritises the needs and well-being of her clients, ensuring that they feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their counselling journey. Ability to build rapport and establish trust with clients greatly contributes to the effectiveness of her counselling sessions.

Areas of specialty

• Grief and loss
• Trauma

Valerie's previous work has been as a journalist living and working in different parts of the world - this brings valuable life experience, knowledge and multicultural perspectives to her work as a counsellor. In addition to the work at the Grief Centre, Valerie also does in-person counselling for Youthline. Her clients vary in age, gender and nationality. Valerie's empathy for others, counselling skills and personal qualities of genuineness, gentleness and compassion enable her to establish empathetic relationships and work effectively.

Areas of specialty

• Alcohol or other drug issues
• Bullying and harassment
• Challenging relationships in the workplace
• Clinical supervision support for registered health professionals working with vulnerable clients
• Dealing with change
• Managing stress and burnout

Vanesa has been counselling, supervising and training for over 15 years. She is committed to supporting each person she works with to gain new insight, confidence, skill and direction.

Vanesa's background includes extensive experience in leadership for team leaders, the alcohol and drug field, supervision for the Nursing Council and working alongside supervisees wanting a DAPAANZ-accredited clinical supervisor.

Areas of specialty

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Grief

Zainab is a registered psychologist with ten years' experience in mental health and addictions treatment services. She has worked primarily with adults who have experienced a range of difficulties and mental health challenges.  Zainab has an empathetic and collaborative therapeutic style and holds the relationship between herself and her clients as paramount. She modifies her approach according to best practice and her client's needs and preferences.

Zainab works with individuals from a range of cultural backgrounds and endeavours to understand each person within their unique contexts. She utilises evidence-based assessment, procedures and interventions including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and draws from mindfulness-based approaches such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).  Zainab works alongside her clients to help them overcome challenges, enhance wellbeing and achieve positive change.