Explore The Possibilities
I will help empower you to make positive life changes.
Everyone deserves to reach their full potential.
There is no problem or experience too big or too small to bring to counselling. My counselling room provides a safe confidential space to talk with someone who will not judge you and will treat you respectfully.
We will begin by building a trustworthy relationship where you will feel safe to explore the issues causing you anguish and then identify goals. I can’t take problems away from you, but it’s my hope that working in this space together we can find new ways to approach problems. Having worked for many years with people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities, I recognise the inherent dignity of each person. You will be met with Kindness, Respect, Empathy and Compassion.
I have a fundamental belief that we have an ability to overcome adversity, create change and build resilience and wellness at any point in our lives. My training, life and work experiences enable me to work alongside you as you identify and let go of limiting thoughts and beliefs, overcome challenges, set goals and move forward in becoming the person that you want to be.
I am skilled at working from a brief solution focused therapy and most of my clients recognise significant shifts within the first three sessions.
My counselling style is transparent and practical. I use an integrative approach to best suit your personal and unique qualities. My foundation training is person-centered and solution focussed. Person centered therapy is based on the attitudes of empathy, genuineness and unconditional positive regard.
Added to this foundation, I individually tailor the modalities of cognititve-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and existential therapies to each client. Due to my background working with addictions I use motivational interviewing.
As well as talking therapies, I may engage sand tray therapy and promote skills development, e.g. mindfulness or assertiveness training.
Additional to my theoretical background, I have worked passionately as a counsellor for 20+ years, in a variety of settings.
I have provided supervision to training and registered counsellors, as well as colleagues. I provide a space for reflection, professional development and personal growth. My supervision style is curious, non-judgemental, challenging and stimulating.
- Member of the NZ Association of Counsellors (MNZAC)
- Practitioner Member of the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association of Aotearoa-New Zealand (DAPAANZ)
- Masters of Counselling (1st Class Honors)
- Post Graduate Diploma Health Science (Dual Diagnosis)
- Post Graduate Certificate Supervision
- Advanced Certificate in Alcohol & Drug Studies
- Koru Mindfulness (MIEA) teacher
-"I saw Theresa when I was going through an incredibly painful experience and felt totally alone. Her non-judgmental, calm and accepting approach immediately allowed me to feel incredibly safe. I felt like it was ok to disclose my deepest fears and not be judged about my reactions and ways of coping. She helped me to heal, to learn and to grow. Under her guidance I was able to accept my experiences and find helpful ways to deal with the difficult emotions I was struggling with. Our work together has continued to help me move forward after our sessions and will continue to be helpful through my life. The time we spent together was effective and I noticed a huge reduction in my symptoms of distress. Theresa was able to sense what I needed and allowed me to be myself. Above all she was genuine and human in her approach, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for anyone seeking guidance and help." Alison, client, 2019
- "I could tell her what I cannot accept. Also, I could get understanding, caring and support from her. Unconsciously, I accepted her way of thinking and adopted it into my life. Then, unexpected changes began. I became brave. I became confident. I understand the responsibility as well as understand that everyone should be responsible for their own. I learned that I should treat myself and others equally. I also knew that I should slowly open my heart. Now, although difficulties and fears occasionally come back to knock on my door, I'm not afraid anymore. I have decided to face it with new thinking, attitudes and treatments. Besides, I will accept any possible results and take those experiences as learning. I really cannot describe how grateful I am to her." Catherine, client, 2019
- "Theresa is a warm, supportive and pragmatic supervisor. Her vast experience and highly considered judgement are invaluable. I learnt from Theresa in every session, because she valued my time and energy as much as her own - so I always left with what I needed. She challenged me and gave me a robust structure when working with risk, so that I felt I'd attended to my work completely, leaving me confident and reassured. I'd recommend Theresa to anyone looking for a supervisor they can truly learn from - your work will be all the more rich and encompassing for it." - Emma Mackie-Watts, supervisee, 2019
- Available Thursdays only for private clients. Fully booked until January 2025
- To make an appointment please contact me directly by phone or email.
- I will respond within 24 hours.
- Any information you share will be treated confidentially.
- Individuals $140 per hour
- Couples $160 per hour
- I am registered to provide counselling funded by Vitae, Victim Support, Benestar/Stratos and WINZ.
- Cash or internet banking on the day or before.
- Appointments cancelled less than 24 hours notice will be charged at the full rate.