Helen Frances

Psychotherapist

I have trained in the psychoanalytically based Conversational Model of psychotherapy through the Australia New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy (ANZAP) .

I am also a graduate of the Hakomi Institute of New Zealand in mindfulness, body-based psychotherapy.

I have a long-term interest in dreams and Jungian approaches to understanding the human psyche and have completed an “Introduction to Dream Work” course with Margaret Bowater, “Working With Dreams” seminar through the Australian and New Zealand Society of Jungian Analysts; Psychological Understanding of Fairy Tales study group and an ongoing Embodied Imagination dream work group.

Psychotherapy

People growing up need to be listened to and understood in a supportive relationship so that they can learn it is okay to be themselves; to feel valued and to develop a sense of well-being. Some miss out on these early experiences, or there may be other life events that affect our ability to cope.

I offer a warm, welcoming, respectful  space where you can talk about confusing thoughts and feelings. Together we will explore whatever is troubling you to help you understand yourself better and to have a wider range of choices.  The therapeutic relationship is important in helping you to make these changes.

Some of those difficulties might be:

• anxiety, depression, grief, shame
• relationship problems in your personal and working life
• attachment trauma, and other trauma
• low self-esteem
• feelings of dissatisfaction in life, and difficulties moving through important life transitions.

Career Counselling

A career counsellor with over 15 years experience, I enjoy working with a wide range of people that includes high school students, women returning to work, trades people, government employees, beneficiaries and ACC clients, as well as people from different cultures and backgrounds.

My approach is client-centred, which means I will listen carefully, working with you to determine what you need and want in your work/life. For example this may involve thinking about your interests, and values, what energises and possibly de-motivates you; your skills and your dreams for the future, as well as finding out more about the world of work.

I also offer assistance with CV writing, interview skills, job search skills and job application processes.

I am a creative lateral thinker who believes in clients being empowered to make decisions that are right for them and to take charge of their own work/lives.

I offer an ethical and confidential service.