Sue Beresford

There are many reasons why someone seeks counselling and as a counsellor and psychotherapist I offer confidential and professional services which are geared for the specific needs of each person I see. I greatly value the resilience of people particularly when they are facing life’s challenges.

I provide adults (16+) with Counselling, Supervision and ACC Supported Assessments only (no individual ACC counselling).

Areas of Special Interest

• trauma recovery
• dissociative disorders
• depression
• anxiety
• grief and loss
• sexual emotional and physical abuse
• life changes
• relationships
• workplace challenges

Therapy Services

Everyone’s worldview is influenced by the people and events that have occurred in their life. When I initially see you it is important for me to know what has been happening in your life that has brought you to see me. Some people have a clear understanding of what they want to change while others just generally feel miserable, or stuck, or wanting something different.

People who see me say that I help them understand what is going on in their lives, what they can change at the same time as focusing on strengths. I often see myself as a facilitator of the knowledge you have within you.

Therapy Approach

Over the past 22 years I have trained in several different methods of therapy as well as ongoing training and research. The primary methods I use include:

• Trauma therapy
• DBT – Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
• CBT – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Psychodynamic
• Mindfulness
• Strengths based therapy
• Client centred therapy

I believe it is important to know what you are doing well in your life at the same time as looking at the obstacles that are preventing you from making the choices and decisions that will work for you. I have considerable experience with mental health issues leading to good outcomes for people. I work holistically and believe in the importance of a person’s mind, body, spiritual and social connections.

Background and Experience

During my 22 years working as a psychotherapist, I have worked both in Private Practice and within the DHB Mental Health Services including community mental health, sub-acute services and management roles within the NGO sector. For many year I was on the Board of a Community organisation, all of which has given me a holistic understand of what is available within community and mental health services. As well as individual client work, I have facilitated many groups including depression, anxiety, body image, DBT skills, mindfulness and personal growth.

Supervision Services

I have provided supervision to Psychotherapists, Psychologists, Counsellors and Support Workers in Mental health services for over 10 years. My areas of speciality include extensive education and training in dissociation, trauma and neglect both in NZ and overseas. My expertise and effectiveness in Axis and Axis II disorders has come from working in both ADHB and WDHB with acute and community clients.

As well as supporting supervisees in specific techniques and interventions with clients, also focus on ensuring that transferential dynamics and self care are able to be discussed in a supportive relationship.