Toni Finlayson Counsellor & Coach

Tired of your drinking, drug use, gambling or other problematic behaviours? Not open to group therapy or going to something as extreme as AA? Looking for a sober coach or just wanting to make changes to your use or behaviours? I would be happy to support you to make those changes. Reach out. I’d love to hear from you. 

My specialty areas are:

• drug, alcohol and other addictions
• couples therapy
• life coaching
• anxiety
• depression
• relationship concerns
• men’s issues
• grief and loss
• workplace issues
• work/life balance

Counselling Services

Addictions: I will work with you on your goals for use, in your timeframe. My stance is non-judgmental and understanding.  We can discuss what changes you want to make and look at what’s behind your using, and in particular consider the effects of stress and trauma in your early years. I also work with Partners and families affected by a loved one with addictions.

Couple’s Counselling: Has your life become so busy and overwhelming that your relationship has slipped down the priority list and you are now living more like flatmates than a couple? Are you looking to improve or rescue your relationship or trying to recover from an affair? Or do you just need some tips on how to communicate better? I will create the space and ask the questions that enable change to take place. 

Life Coaching: I have recently trained as a life coach and will use these skills to help you find meaning and direction in your life.  

Counselling Approach

I don’t believe in a one-size fits all approach. I use a strengths-based, holistic approach incorporating aspects of narrative therapy, motivational interviewing and solution-focussed therapy to help people bring about change in their lives and maintain that change. I am also trained in Emotional Freedom Techniques (Tapping) and BrainWorking Recursive Therapy® (BWRT®), a new approach grounded in science that uses psychological processes to recondition neural pathways in the brain that lead to unwanted behaviours. I will work at your pace, in a confidential and non-judgemental manner, supporting you to achieve your goals for counselling.

I welcome people of all ethnicities, cultures and gender identities.

About Me

I am a Pakeha New Zealander, Mother and Widow and since 2005 have been working in the mental health, addictions and counselling fields, following a career in the business world. I started as a voluntary counsellor at Lifeline and moved onto work as a Gambling Counsellor, Smoking Cessation Practitioner, Mental Health Support Worker, Private Counsellor and Drug and Alcohol Practitioner. I have my own experience of alcohol addiction, anxiety and depression, which gives me an understanding of the pain and suffering these experiences bring and knowledge of what is involved in the journey to wellness.