Rachael Mason

Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa

Let us keep close together, not far apart

I offer a space to explore whatever you want to bring – with curiosity, aroha and a strong focus on fostering self-compassion and acceptance. Central to my practice is the belief that the therapeutic relationship is the most healing part of the process.

Areas of Special Interest

• Anxiety
• Drug and alcohol issues/addiction
• Exploring the past to make sense of the now
• Grief and loss
• Life changes
• Mindfulness
• Relationships
• Self-compassion and esteem
• Trauma

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.
– Carl Rogers

 

Therapeutic Approach

Due to my initial counsellor training I am humanistic and person centred at heart. The tenets of this approach are unconditional positive regard and empathy. As a result of my own life experiences and time in therapy I believe that often what keeps us ‘stuck’ is lack of self belief and compassion. Once we can embrace ourselves at a more meaningful level then change is possible. I provide a non judgmental space to support my clients to talk and explore whatever issues bring them into counselling. But don’t worry I won’t just sit there and nod my head. I believe a counsellor needs to be an active participant in the therapeutic relationship by asking purposeful questions and helping to make connections and meaning. When it is wanted, I am happy to suggest strategies to practice eg. mindfulness. Everyone’s journey is different, and I attempt to meet each individual where they are and respond to each person’s needs from long term psychodynamic based therapy to short term solution-focussed.

Background and experience

I was born in New Zealand but was brought up in the UK. As an adult I enjoyed moving between both countries due to having strong connections with both. Prior to training as a counsellor, I primarily worked in university administration and management. I commenced my training as a counsellor in the UK and qualified in 2010. I spent a number of years working for the National Health Service before moving back (and settling) to Aotearoa. Upon my return in 2014 I completed training in addition studies, and I also further counselling training. I have predominantly been working in the addictions field with a focus on supporting my clients to see that their ‘drug of choice’ is a symptom of the underlying issues rather than the focus. My training and experience include the following methods and models:

• Person-centred
• Psychodynamic
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
• Mindfulness
• Humanistic
• Integrated
• Transactional Analysis
• Gestalt