My Approach

When clients come to see me they are hoping for change, and the stories that they carry with them may have never been witnessed or told. The work I do as a counsellor is a privilege. People trust me to hold space for the stories of their lives; their vulnerabilities, pain, trauma, losses, hopes, dreams and challenges.

Sometimes their lives may have become submerged by a problem. I work collaboratively alongside my 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.

Therapy Framework

My practice is grounded in Narrative Therapy approaches. Narrative Therapy takes the stance that people are competent and knowledgeable, that problems are separate from people and that change is possible. Alongside Narrative Therapy, I draw on Compassionate Communication (NVC), Internal Family Systems, Solutions Focused Brief Therapy, Polyvagal Therapy and Mindfulness techniques, to ensure that our work together meets your specific needs.

Experience

Having previously worked at a co-educational Grammar School and a not for profit community counselling practice, I see individuals and couples for a range of presenting problems. A significant amount of my work involves anxiety, depression, grief/loss and relationship issues.

Particular areas of interest include: anxiety, depression and non-suicidal self-injury. I feel passionate about providing affirming counselling support to Rainbow clients. This work has involved relationship counselling with same sex couples and working with adults and young people questioning sexuality and journeys of gender identity and transition.

After a 20 year career in the performing arts, a significant portion of my work is also focused on maintaining wellbeing and sustainable careers in the Arts community.

Personal Journey

Meaningful change happened in my personal counselling journey when my counsellor believed that I knew intuitively what I needed, and had the ability to make that change. They believed that I was the expert in my own life and used skilled listening and curiosity to bring my hidden knowings into being. They held hope for me until I was able to hold it myself. That is the commitment I make to you, as my client.

Living as a tauiwi now, in the rich, complex political and social context of Āotearoa, I believe in the principles of protection, participation and partnership with Tāngata Whenua, honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi .