Kia ora, I’m Amanda, a counsellor specialising in supporting young people and their families on the Hibiscus Coast. Originally from England, I’ve made Aotearoa my home for many years. I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling with Distinction from the University of Auckland.
My passion lies in working with young people, both through my part-time role as a guidance counsellor at a local college and my private practice in Red Beach. I offer counselling services to children, adolescents, and their parents, helping them navigate life’s challenges, from anger and anxiety to depression.
I believe every life situation can benefit from counselling, no matter your age or beliefs. Therapy can be a pivotal step towards positive change and personal growth.
My approach is person-centred, focusing on building respectful and compassionate relationships with my clients. To give you a sense of how we might work together, I offer a free 15-minute initial phone consultation.
In my practice, I use a variety of methods tailored to each individual’s needs. As a client-centred and pluralistic practitioner, I incorporate techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, Gestalt therapy, and art therapy, along with mindfulness practices I’ve studied both in New Zealand and internationally.
With over twenty years of experience, including roles as a tertiary teacher and leader, I stay current with the latest research and techniques to offer effective support to teenagers and young adults.