ABOUT ME
I emigrated from South Africa with my husband and children. I have experience within my extended family with mental health, disability and parenting challenges, cancer, neurodiversity, stress burnout and ME/CFS.
I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology and a Bachelor of Counselling. I’m a registered ACC Sensitive Claims Provider.
I’ve also completed studies in neurodiversity and trauma. Being a mature woman, I bring not only academic training, but also many years of life experience and my own journey of learning to my counselling practice.
Clients tell me I am compassionate, warm, calm, approachable, friendly, empathetic and trustworthy.
MY APPROACH
My counselling approach is pluralistic which means I am able to use one of the counselling modalities to tailor my approach to suit your specific needs. You as the client, are always in the driver’s seat. I use Person-Centred Therapy (PCC), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Solution Focussed Brief Therapy (SFBT), Narrative Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
I uphold myself to the New Zealand Christian Counsellors Association Code of Ethics of which I am a provisional member.
CLIENTS
I work with clients 18 years and over. I have experience working with all kinds of adults, including English 2nd language speakers, migrants, refugee backgrounds, tertiary students, retirees, ACC Sensitive Claims’ clients and the neurodiverse.
ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY
You have the choice of including my ‘canine assistant’ in sessions. She is a gentle and loving 9-year-old female Labradoodle. The presence of a loving dog can have a stabilising and calming effect, especially if you’re stressed. Animals can help you relax, minimise distress, and offer a sense of safety that puts you at ease.
