I work with individual adults and adolescents from the age of 16 years.

My approach is rooted in collaborative therapies and includes Narrative Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I also draw from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Trauma-focused CBT, Schema Therapy and other modalities as appropriate. I often draw from several evidence-based modalities in a session and share my thinking behind my enquires – there is nothing secret or magical about this work – it is about finding suitable methods for your particular issue, personality, history, ability and wish.

I will listen to your story without judgment, and you will choose your own goals for therapy. Don’t worry if you don’t know what those goals are, we will make it clear as we go along. We will identify the origin of the problem(s) as well as patterns of thoughts and behaviours that may be tripping you up or having you stuck. Some people want to spend time understanding the impact of their upbringing on current day presentation, others are more interested in developing skills and tools that will help them in the here and now. Oftentimes we do both. I do not use a ‘check list’ approach but will tailor the session to your circumstances. We will focus on future possibilities and solutions, identifying your strengths, skills and abilities that can help you to improve your life. I am interested in the stories you bring.

You may feel anxious before the first meeting, but there is often sense of relief to finally share the problem with someone who is qualified to respond to the struggles of life, who listens without judgment, and whose goal is to take part in changing your life for the better.

As your counsellor you can expect me to:

• Work in partnership with you.

• Consult with you about your goals and progress towards these.

• Combine your knowledge and expertise with my experience and skills.

• Offer suggestions of what may work and what others have found helpful.

• Be authentic and transparent with my thoughts and welcome you to disagree.

• Develop practical tools, techniques and resources, including as worksheets and ‘psychoeducation’ handouts.

• Promote self-reliance and the use of your own resources in meeting challenges.

• Be upfront with the limits to my practice.

• Make all case notes available to you on request.

I ask that you look at the Specialities Page as this will show you if I work with the type of concern you would like counselling for. If you have any questions about the scope of my work, and the fit for you, please contact me. We can then have a chat or communicate via email before you decide if you would like to go ahead and book.

My practice is guided by the New Zealand Association of Counsellor's (NZAC) Code of Ethics, and I hold a current practicing certificate as a full member.