It is my aim that when we work together, you experience feeling deeply seen and heard and that you feel safe to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences. I prioritise creating a space that feels safe for you to come as you are, and to be met with genuine empathy, respect and a lack of judgement.
We will work collaboratively to gain insight and address the challenges you may be facing, and to support healing and growth, along with gaining skills and tools to support yourself going forward. I honour each individual's journey regardless of background, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or spiritual identity.
I currently work with a variety of ages: children from 10 years old upwards, adolescents, young adults and adults. I work with individuals, families, whānau and with couples.
I work with a range of issues such as: anxiety, depression, anger, stress, overwhelm, low self-esteem, relationship challenges, communication difficulties, parenting, identity, grief and loss, faith and spirituality and neurodiversity.
Counselling Approach
I take a person-centred, strengths-based approach and draw on my training in CBT and Narrative Therapy. I am adaptable to work with whichever skills are best for meeting the aims and goals you have for yourself. I work in a Trauma-informed way and value the insight that Attachment Theory brings.
How does counselling work?
Appointments are usually 50-60 minutes duration. Some people I work with feel they need just a few sessions, while others choose to attend for a longer period. In our first session we will discuss your hopes for counselling, and we will regularly review how things are going for you.
I offer face to face counselling, along with online sessions via Zoom. Face to face sessions are in Wellington (currently available on Wednesday) or in Upper Hutt (currently available on Thursday).
I am only available for appointments during scheduled work hours. My phone and email are not regularly monitored outside work hours. When we initially meet, I will provide you with a list of national services that you can contact if you are experiencing distress and need urgent help.
Background and Experience
I was born in New Zealand and currently live in the Wellington area. I am fortunate to have also travelled to or lived in many parts of the world, including Singapore, England, France, Poland, Ireland, Portugal, Italy, Thailand and Australia. This has given me an appreciation for and curiosity about different cultures, languages and food.
Prior to training as a counsellor, I worked in various roles in administration and as an executive assistant. My experience of working in government, corporate, education and not-for-profit sectors have given me a broad understanding of the different types of dynamics and pressures that exist in different workplaces.
Together with my husband, we are parents of three daughters, who are currently either young adults or teenagers. I'm sure I feel the same as many parents when I say that parenting is both hugely challenging and hugely rewarding! I have previously been involved with delivering Toolbox parenting courses and children's programmes as part of a church community.
