Gabriela Wittmann

For more than 25 years I have been working with people who are struggling with matters in their lives which have lead to anxiety, depression and plain unhappiness. Usually there are underlying issues, which once understood can be worked through so we can find a way for you to have a more fulfilling, less stressful life.

Areas of Special Interest

• relationships
• grief
• loss
• trauma
• abuse
• lack of meaning & passion in life
• separation
• depression
• anxiety
• family dynamics
• parenting
• attachment difficulties
• school refusal
• behavioural problems
• immigration adjustments
• terminal illness

Individual or Couple Therapy with Adults

One way to achieve the resolution of deeper seated and underlying issues is to develop a reflective ability to understand your own thoughts and feelings. In our time together you can talk about whatever is on your mind, and with my guidance gain insight about yourself that will help to make sense of your life. This allows you to become more connected with yourself and others, and become a healthier and happier person.

Child Psychotherapy

This is a specialist way of working with children, and their parents or caregivers, to enable better understanding of how to deal with emotional difficulties. Children cannot easily express their thoughts and feelings in words; instead play is used for the child to communicate and work through what is troubling them, within a trusting relationship with the therapist. Parents or caregivers are included in this process.

Facilitated Reflective Groups

These are themed to your interest e.g. Parenting, Immigration, Gender. The purpose is to build each participant’s Reflective Capacity, while in a safe group. They are also available for Health Practitioners and Therapists.

Assessments

I also offer Agency requested; ‘ Assessment Only’ type sessions.

Counselling/Therapy Approach

Foremost in my work is developing a trusting therapeutic relationship with you so that you can discover your best way to work matters through.

Short-term Psychodynamic Counselling is useful when there is a current crisis, either in your work or personal life.

Longer-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy explores more deep seated, ongoing issues which you have not been able to resolve, such as behaviour patterns which you have recognised but, have not been able to change. This insight-oriented therapy focuses on developing self awareness and understanding of unconscious processes as they are manifested in your present, and enables you to become more fulfilled and true to yourself in life.

Specialised Child Psychotherapy is also a psychodynamic approach.

Background and Experience

Clinician for DHB Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services in Wellington; Consultant for ICAFS, Hutt Valley Health; Clinical Advisor for ACC; Student Counsellor at CIT; Lecturer for University of Otago; I have had Hospice Training, Auckland; and been in Private Practice for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Supervision Services

I offer supervision for psychotherapists, child psychotherapists, counsellors in training and in practice, community workers and early childhood teachers who would like to reflect on their work and understand some of the struggles they might experience in their work and relationship with their clients on a subconscious level. My role as a supervisor will be to facilitate this process, for my supervisee to reach their potential as the therapist they choose to be and to assure that they are working in the best interest of their clients to a high ethical standard.

I am available as a facilitator of a Reflective Supervision Group. It is essential for any practising therapist to be aware of their own inner processes and I will assist the supervisee developing to understand these and if indicated, support to address unresolved unfolding personal matters with a personal therapist.