Dr Bahrie Veliu

I believe that a healthy mind is a natural state of being that everyone is capable of achieving. I bring an in depth knowledge of how to create the conditions and remove the barriers to achieving a state of a “Healthy Mind” both inside the nervous system and in relationships.

Areas of Special Interest

• Post-traumatic stress reactions
• Grief
• Anxiety
• Depression/bipolar
• ADD/ADHD
• Chronic Pain
• obsessive compulsive disorder
• eating disorders
• relationships
• drug and alcohol
• death anxiety
• personal growth
• managing stress
• holistic well being

Counselling/Therapy Services

I am informed by a number of evidence based approached.

I use EMDR model (Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing) to help people process past events that have left long lasting effects that interfere with their ability to live a life they value. EMDR is a highly effective treatment that currently is recommended as the first line of treatment for PTSD, complicated grief, anxiety and difficulties in relationships that steam from early life events. I use mindfulness based therapies DBT (Dialectic Behavior Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to help people learn develop skills to regulate emotions and distress, effectively manage interpersonal relationships and focus on clarifying and living according to their values and goals. I use CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) to help people understand thoughts and behavioral patterns that maintain the distress in their life and make changes to break negative cycles. Through my doctorate research I specialized in the neuropsychological/neurobiological aspects of psycho logical stress and trauma. My approach to therapy is informed by the latest evidence in neuroscience and in depth knowledge of brain functioning and the principles of neuroplasticity.

Counselling/Therapy Approach

I believe that before coming to therapy, most people have tried their very best to address their difficulties. The reason they come to therapy is because the strategies they have been using are no longer working, or they are coming at a high cost for their life. I help people to mindfully explore thoughts/beliefs and behavioral patterns that are maintaining their difficulties, explore their relationship with themselves and others, understand how their attachment histories and previous life events influence their way of being, process difficult experiences that are intruding their present moment,explore and allow new ways of relating to their internal experience and relationships, clarify values and engage with life purposefully.

Background and Experience

I have 8 years post doctorate experience in adult community mental health teams private practice. Prior to emigrating in New Zealand, I worked for 5 years as trauma therapist in UN agencies and International Humanitarian Organisations in Kosovo and Indonesia where alongside international experts I provided psycho-social support to people and communities affected by war trauma and human trafficking.

Supervision Services

I have completed a postgraduate diploma in in systemic group supervision At Basel University of Switzerland and I am interested in facilitating group supervision.