As well as coming to my office, you have the option of online counselling. 

I provide online services via Microsoft Teams for those clients who are unable to attend face-to-face sessions. You will need a secure internet connection and a smart phone or computer/ laptop. We will work this out together.

How I work

I will work holistically with you from a strengths-based perspective, at a pace that feels right for you and together we will find solutions that are right for you. I am committed to developing a therapeutic relationship that is based on trust, honesty and sensitivity to your needs. I bring 30 years of counselling experience and supporting people to change and move from surviving to thriving.

I offer the following therapies which will be tailored to your goals and needs:

Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)

This therapy aims to help you to live a more meaningful life by learning to accept what you cannot control, while committing to take the actions that will improve your life and moods. Mindfulness is an important tool for ACT.

Brainspotting

A brain-based therapy that uses spots in a person's visual field to help them process trauma. It accesses trauma trapped in the area of the brain that is responsible for motion, consciousness, emotions and learning. 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

This therapy focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful automatic negative thought patterns that contribute to and exacerbate emotional difficulties, depression, and anxiety. A wide range of strategies are used to overcome these thoughts. Trauma-Focused CBT is used for treating PTSD.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

In DBT we focus on teaching skills to manage intense emotions, reduce harmful behaviours and improve relationships through mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. 

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a very structured therapy that encourages you to briefly focus on the trauma memory while at the same time engaging in bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), with the purpose of reducing the intensity of emotion associated with the trauma. It is used for treating PTSD.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) also called "Parts Work"

This model views the mind as a system of "parts" that work like a family, led by the core "Self". In this model all parts are welcome  as they have all developed to help us survive and / or thrive. The aim is to heal wounded parts and to have a calm and compassionate Self lead the internal family system. 

Mindfulness

The focus is on paying attention to thoughts, feelings and sensations in the present moment. Awareness itself reduces the grip of persistent and unhelpful automatic thought patterns and storylines.

Neurodiverse (ND) Affirming Therapy

This approach views neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD as natural variations rather than disorders to be "fixed". It focuses on acceptance of neurodivergence through a strengths based approach that honours the client's existing strengths and skills. ND communication styles, differences in pacing and sensory needs are respected and accepted. The goal is to collaborate and find ways to support the client with their challenges including issues such as managing sensory overload, executive functioning and stress within the ND way of being. 

Polyvagal Therapy

Is based on the science of safety and is an important part of any trauma therapy. It focuses on regulating the nervous system and shaping it for safety.

Spirituality

If spirituality is important to you, I will support you to bring this aspect into your healing journey. Everyone’s experience of God or spirituality is unique, and this can be an amazing resource in therapy. I will never impose my beliefs on you and will only work with spirituality if that is what you want.

ACC Counselling Services

Free, confidential counselling services for historical or recent sexual abuse in New Zealand. Counselling can either be short term or long term, depending on your needs. I will work at your pace, to support you with achieving the recovery goals that you want to achieve for your own healing. Support can also be provided to your family and whanau, if you wish, so that they can support you with your healing. I am registered under ACC to provide assessment and treatment services. My Supplier for ACC services is Fostering Futures. 

Typical treatment for PTSD involves the following: Establishing Safety, Psychoeducation, Emotional Regulation, Processing the Trauma using a combination of EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS (see above for more information), Grieving what was lost, Maintaining Well-Being.

Supervision

I provide supervision for counsellors and others in the helping profession, to reflect on practice, ethical issues, professional development, and your own well-being. I am a trained supervisor: I have a Certificate in Supervision (Human Services) from Wellington Institute of Technology and more recently I updated my supervision  training by attending Dr Fiona Howard's course "Enhancing Competence in Supervision: Essential Elements of Effective Practice"

I have my own supervision- One of my supervisors is specialised in the treatment of trauma; the other in EMDR and Neurodiversity.

Other Counselling Services

Clients can self-refer for other counselling. My specialities are recovery from trauma and PTSD, treatment of anxiety, neurodiversity including neurodiverse coaching. 

My Qualifications

Certificate in Counselling- 3 year qualification attained in 1993

Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology

30+ years experience working as a counsellor in various mental health contexts

Where I Work From

HUTT VALLEY: Level 2, 105 High Street, Lower Hutt. There is plenty of parking at the riverbank carpark nearby.

KAPITI: Kapiti EMDR and Therapy Centre, 29 Kapiti Rd, Paraparaumu

My Hours

Kapiti- Monday- 10am to 4pm

Hutt Valley- Tuesday-10am to 2pm; Friday- 10am to 4.30pm

Online- Thursday 10am to 5pm

Cancellation Policy

If you cannot attend your appointment for any reason, I require 24 hrs notice of cancellation. A $50 fee will be charged for late cancellation. For clients who are receiving ACC funded counselling, ACC pay for the first 5 missed sessions in a year, so you will not be charged for these. However, if you continue to cancel at the last minute or miss sessions after this you will be charged a $50 fee for late cancellation.

Please cancel by texting me on 027-677-8783 or emailing me at mindful_life@outlook.co.nz  

Fees

ACC counselling (50 mins generally) free

Supervision (60 mins) $150  Payment on invoice

Other Counselling (60 mins) $150  Payment on the day by cash or prior to your appointment by internet banking