Islay Rackham Counselling

Kia ora and welcome!

Sometimes, life can be a bit crappy. Sometimes it can be a lot crappy. Sometimes it’s great, but it still feels crappy. As impossible as it might seem right now, it doesn’t have to be that way, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

My name is Islay (pronounced eye-la) and I am a registered counsellor based in Tauranga. I provide a safe space for you regardless of your background, gender, sexuality, faith, culture, or ethnicity.

What is counselling like?

Counselling is what you make of it.

If you want a space to talk that is free of judgment and where your secrets are kept safe, we can do that. Or maybe you want a place to discover yourself, invest in your growth, and find purpose and direction. Perhaps it’s about gaining deeper insight into your relationships and behaviour patterns. Or learning new tools and techniques to help you build the kind of life you want. If you aren’t quite sure what you want but you know it isn’t the life you are living right now. We can work that out together too.

Counselling is your time to work on your goals in the way that feels right for you.

What issues could you talk to me about?

I’ve worked with many clients who feel low, anxious, depressed, lost, directionless, unhappy in their relationships, angry, isolated, lonely, stressed or burnt out, or who are experiencing grief and loss, conflict, or low self-worth. You might want to talk about climate grief and the state of the world, your journey in or out of faith, hardships, friendships, or identity.

Everybody is unique so if you don’t see yourself reflected in this list, don’t be alarmed. Get in touch and see if this feels like we might be able to work together.

About me

Originally from the South Island, I spent much of my youth in Ōtautahi. Since then, I have lived in Scotland, Tāmaki Makaurau, and now Tauranga.

I love making things, eating good food, spending time with friends and family, and getting out in nature.

I trained as a pluralistic person-centred practitioner. This means I listen to what you need and beg, borrow, and steal from lots of different therapeutic approaches to suit you. I love working creatively from a strengths-based lens but more than anything I try to create a space that feels warm, safe, and supportive. I’ve recently completed my Master of Counselling with a focus on the therapeutic potential of our relationship with the natural world.

LGBTIQA+ friendly