Carolyn Baxter

Short and long-term counselling for individual adults and couples.

Areas of Special Interest

• relationships
• grief/loss
• major life decisions
• anxiety
• self-esteem and confidence

Counselling Services

Maybe you feel stuck in an unhappy or unhealthy relationship, you’re struggling with grief or anxiety, or are confronted with potentially life-changing decisions. A qualified counsellor can help you work through issues which may seem relatively simple, or overwhelmingly complicated.

The definition of counselling which initially drew me to this profession was a simple one – helping people with problems with living. Life really can throw the odd curve ball! Most of the time we manage to navigate these changes, and clear these hurdles, on our own. But sometimes we get stuck and need some help.

It can be useful to explore and understand our feelings and why we respond the way we do in certain situations. Sometimes talking about our past can help, and sometimes we just want to clarify our goals, consider our options, and find a way forward. Often it’s a bit of both. This is where working with an experienced, professional counsellor can be helpful.

Counselling Approach

First and foremost, I will provide you with a safe space to talk and to be heard.

My therapeutic approach is person-centred – confidential, non-judgemental, and empathetic. I utilise a range of tools drawn from a variety of counselling approaches including:

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFT/SFBT)
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Gestalt Therapy
• Problem Solving Therapy
• Mindfulness

About Me

My ‘first’ career was in marketing/communications and project management, and many of the skills from this work support my pragmatic approach to counselling. Seeking a change of direction several years ago, I completed my counselling studies with Massey University while working with young people at a local High School, and with adults, couples and families with an NGO which supports families and friends of people experiencing mental illness and addiction.

A proud Wellingtonian, I’ve also lived in the UK, USA, Australia and Germany. Travel remains a passion.

En route to my career change I enjoyed volunteer work Home Tutoring for Language Partners (previously ESOL) in Wellington, and on the Crisis Line with Crisis Connections in Seattle.