I am a counsellor and mental health coach in private practice, with a special interest in trauma resolution.

​My training in the Human Givens approach (humangivens.com) is aimed at delivering effective brief therapy for clients. It is based on empowering insights into the place of emotional wellbeing in healthy minds. It includes the rewind process, using deep relaxation and guided imagery, for resolving trauma.

The rewind process is the therapy of choice for trauma support organisations like PTSD Resolution in the UK (ptsdresolution.org). The process is non-intrusive – there is no need for the client to recount their trauma. They simply need to be able to access its emotional effect. The process essentially reprograms the disturbing triggering and turns traumatic memory into a normal, if bad, one.

The rewind is part of the Human Givens’ holistic approach. This works with how the client is meeting their emotional needs and dealing with the challenges of their current situation. The approach is aimed at empowering the client to use their inborn resources and the strengths of their life skills to achieve their goals for emotional wellbeing and clear thinking.

Hi, I am an experienced trauma therapist and have a long history working with male survivors of trauma, having been one of the founding trustees of New Zealand’s first peer support service for male survivors of sexual abuse in the early 1990s.

I strongly believe that supporting men to work through the challenges that often accompany abuse benefits their relationships and the community as well.

I am experienced in working with people of all ages, genders and sexual orientations. I like working with young people, couples and families.

My clients include Pakeha, Maori, Pacifica, African, Asian and other ethnic groups. People from the Disabled, Rainbow, Kink and Refugee communities

My skill set includes:

Therapeutic
– Somatic experiencing Therapy
– Emotional Regulation: anger management, dissociation
– Therapeutic peer support groups
– Trauma and Sexual abuse recovery
– Relationships, Family violence, Narcissistic abuse
– Racism, Homophobia, Transphobia and other issues of bigotry and discrimination

Supervision
– Supervision for Counsellors and Therapists
– Mentoring Students

Training
– Writing and delivering Trauma Education courses
– Writing and delivering Trauma in the Workplace workshops

I have worked in a number of settings, including:
Corrections
Student counselling
Suicidality
Community development
Police advocacy and court support

Kia ora, I am a NZ Registered Music Therapist with experience working in corrections, addictions recovery, and inpatient, outpatient and community mental health settings. I have a background in culinary arts, woodworking, permaculture, making musical instruments, live music performances, and community music events. I love nature, gardening, live music, and any creative expression.

As a therapist, my clinical work centers on supporting people who experience psychological, mental/emotional, behavioral, physiological, or neurological challenges. In my work I strive to provide culturally sensitive care to assist people in our communities in a way that is inclusive to all. I bring a non-judgmental, curious and compassionate presence to support the therapeutic needs and well-being of the participants and their whānau. My approach is collaborative, strength-based, values-driven, experiential, empathetic, and playful in the true sense of ‘playing with music’. I believe that highlighting the participants’ strengths while considering their cultural and personal values can strengthen the therapeutic alliance and support achieving therapeutic goals. I follow a humanistic approach to therapy, which emphasizes warmth, authenticity, humor, and appreciation for the uniqueness of every individual.

I am trained in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) with MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) and IPI (Integrative Psychiatry Institute) in Boulder, Colorado. I have also trained in the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, serving as a foundational framework for the use of music as a tool for the exploration of consciousness and healing. I have a particular interest in the intersection of music, music technology, and exploring ways to enhance the power of music as a psychotherapeutic adjuvant in PAT.
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I feel fortunate to be able to use music as a tool to support people in our communities. I am passionate about exploring creative ways of using music to facilitate therapeutic processes and foster well-being.

Institutionalised twice as a teenager, I have since had decades of experience supporting people from varied backgrounds to address challenges with substance abuse and accompanying mental health issues. I have a deep passion for talk therapy, the experience of relationship it can provide, and the potential that such a relationship can have to alter our sense of ourselves and others. I believe that regardless of our personal history, we each have great potential for change, and that a large part of this change can come about through the process of learning to become curious about ourselves.

My journey into counselling and addiction support is deeply rooted in my own life experiences and the transformative impact therapy has had on me and those close to me. Having grown up witnessing the effects of depression within my family, I developed a strong interest in understanding mental health, human behaviour, and the tools that support recovery.

Counselling gave me the space to heal, reflect, and grow. It offered a safe, non-judgmental environment where I could process challenges, reframe negative beliefs, and build emotional resilience. This personal journey inspired a strong desire to support others navigating similar struggles.

Alongside academic study and extensive self-education, I’ve gained valuable frontline experience working in rehabilitation settings with individuals facing addiction and mental health challenges. These roles deepened my understanding of the human condition and strengthened my belief in the importance of empathy, cultural awareness, and treating each person as an individual.
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Now, I’m committed to using my lived experience, professional insight, and passion for mental wellness to help others find clarity, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose in their lives.

Kia ora,
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I am Kazu Toyoshima, originally from Japan, I’ve been living in Aotearoa New Zealand for 20 years, a place I now proudly call home.

My journey into counselling has been shaped by both personal experience and professional dedication. After working in the disability sector for more than 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting people with a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and needs. That work taught me the value of meeting people where they are and holding space for their stories with care and respect. My own experiences of trauma and grief have played a significant role in shaping who I am and the path I’ve chosen. They became the foundation for my commitment to a career focused on supporting people in need.  My work is grounded in empathy, respect and strong belief in the value of every person’s story.

Hello, my name is Holly Barnes and I am a counselling student at Whitireia.

​I have spent my whole working life in the social services as a youth worker, community support worker and a teacher aide. Through my own mental health struggles I realized how important it is to have good access to appropriate support and services. I have a passion for working with people with ASD, and other people who are neuro-diverse. I also spent time living in Karachi city and Istanbul as a young person and enjoy working with people from all walks of life and all different backgrounds. When I’m not studying or working I enjoy spending time with my whanau and friends. I’m an avid NBA fan and I love a good quiz night.

Life is often hard, and for many years I’ve found it enormously helpful to talk my problems through with a counsellor.

I have personal lived experience of depression, suicidal thoughts, significant mental illness, divorce, job loss, and more. I have also discovered the joy of facing my issues, taking responsibility for myself, and moving on to live a positive and fulfilling life. I would love to work with you using my experience and training to help you figure out how to get through your stuff.

Along with the primary issues we work with at Men and Trauma, I specialise in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other common mental/emotional challenges. As well as relationship problems, grief, life goals, meaning of life, stress, work conflicts, and more. I am fond of CBT and broadly Rogerian approaches, however I favour choosing the techniques that will best fit your needs, in consultation with you.

I’m now in my 50s and jobs I’ve worked in include builder’s labourer, steel factory shift worker, web developer, business analyst, university tutor. I have a Masters degree in sociology, and my unpublished PhD thesis was the basis for learning to overcome my bipolar disorder.  Peer support is a foundation of my approach. In this regard, I am also a board member of Kites NZ, a well-regarded peer-based mental health charity, and I was a past “consumer advisor” to the Wellington 3DHB before its restructure.

Complementing my work with Men and Trauma I run my own counselling practice.

In my personal life, I am a father to two awesome kids, and am passionate about music, close friends, cooking, and nature.

Kia ora, my name is Reace, and I am a volunteer counsellor with Trauma Recovery Aotearoa and a provisional member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).

My work is grounded in a person-centred, holistic approach, where I aim to offer a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental space for people to explore their experiences at their own pace. I have experience supporting individuals with trauma, addiction, anxiety, and depression, and I value working collaboratively with each person to understand what support looks like for them.

I draw on narrative, motivational, and solution-focused ways of working to help people make sense of their experiences, reconnect with their strengths, and move toward meaningful change. My approach is flexible and guided by the needs, values, and goals of the person I am working with.
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Originally from South Africa and now living in Aotearoa New Zealand, I bring an awareness of cultural context, identity, and lived experience into my work. I am committed to ongoing learning, reflective practice, and providing support that is ethical, compassionate, and grounded in respect for each person’s story.

My name is Sibaa Kaka, I was born in Iraq, and I have lived in New Zealand with my family since 2015. I have a long academic and professional background in psychology and counselling, with my specialized interest in this field dating back to 2001. I studied psychology for three years and obtained a diploma in psychology and counselling, which provided me with a solid theoretical and methodological foundation for understanding human behavior, psychological processes, and individual and social dynamics.

In addition to my academic background, I have nineteen years of practical experience in counseling, during which I have worked with individuals facing various psychological crises and emotional challenges, including issues related to stress, trauma, and adjustment difficulties. This extensive field experience has honed my professional skills, enhanced my ability to bridge theory and practice, and enabled me to adopt counseling approaches that consider the human, cultural, and contextual dimensions of each case.

As part of my ongoing professional development, I am currently in the second phase of a counselling and addiction practice program. This program expands my expertise in addressing addiction disorders and supporting individuals on their recovery journeys, using established ethical and scientific approaches.

I am currently working with eight clients, providing them with professional psychological support based on my practical experience and ethical counseling principles, particularly those related to confidentiality, respect for human dignity, and building effective therapeutic relationships.

Furthermore, I am multilingual, speaking four languages: Assyrian, Chaldean, Arabic, and English. This linguistic ability is a significant asset in my counseling work, enabling effective communication with individuals from diverse cultural and socio-psychological backgrounds and a deeper understanding of the cultural and psychological context of those receiving counseling services.

Kia ora! I am Eleanor, I’ve lived in Aotearoa in Pōneke/Wellington since 2019. In 2025 I pursued a career change; having personal experience of mental health challenges and subsequent counselling, followed by an adult ADHD diagnosis, and a general deep desire to help those in my community made my decision easy. I am currently studying a Master of Counselling at Massey University, and have been volunteering at Trauma Recovery Aotearoa since mid-2025. 

I have an open mind to whatever and whoever you are – my goal is to make you feel heard, valued, and comfortable. I am still fine-tuning my preferred modalities and areas of interest, but ultimately I aim to collaborate with you to create a personalised and flexible experience.

Kia ora, I’m Sarah, a 41-year-old counsellor based in Pōneke / Wellington. I’m currently working towards a Master in Counselling with Massey University, and undertake regular professional supervision.

I take a person-centred approach that emphasises the therapeutic relationship, genuine and authentic connection, and empathy. I offer a respectful, warm, and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard and supported to make sense of your experiences. We’ll explore what feels meaningful for you, and in the way that works best for you.

I value being flexible, creative, and collaborative. I’m developing skills and tools in areas including trauma-informed counselling, narrative therapy, mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Therapy has been hugely transformative for me as a client, and my own lived experience motivates me to support others. I value inclusivity, diversity, and connecting with people from different backgrounds. I also bring experience of living, working, and studying in Aotearoa and overseas, in various industries.

I am available for in-person appointments in Wellington, and online appointments.

Kia ora koutou. Ko Max tōku ingoa. Kia ora, my name is Max. I whakapapa to China and Malaysia. I migrated to Aotearoa New Zealand when I was fourteen. I have a background in Law and Sociology. I am a student counsellor currently studying towards a Master of Counselling.

Through my work with migrants and former refugees I have developed a deep appreciation for the courage and perseverance that people carry. My own experience of acculturation has helped me develop a strong sense of empathy and cultural sensitivity in my work.

In counselling, I aim to walk alongside you with care and respect as we explore your experiences and recognise the inner resources and strengths that already exist within you.
My hope is to support you to cultivate greater confidence, self-acceptance, and a sense of inner peace.

I can speak a little Mandarin, Cantonese, and Malay. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my dog and cooking for my friends and family.

Kia Ora Tena Koutou,

Ko Te Ariana Venables tōku ingoa. He uri au nō Te Whakatohea. Eke panuku eke Tangaroa ! Haumi e, hui e, taiki e!

Enriched in life experience in the many things life throws at us at the school of ‘hard knocks’. This has lead me to my mahi of training to become a student counsellor/ AOD practicioner. My home life, study life and mahi in this journey has been the biggest driver of my life which involved personal introspection growth/ change, hauora and healing. The wananga space I aim to acheive will always be built on providing a non judgemental, safe space to share yourself and explore ones thoughts, feelings, behaviours and bodily experiences. I value all mahi being whaiora led and can be done through talk/ puurakau therapy, somatic therapy, art, waiata/music, writing, poetry and also healing through other local Wellington connections and services. We can explore hauora/ wellness in real time. I encourage all whaiora from all walks of life to connect.

Mauri Tū ! Mauri Ora

Kupu Māori
Hauora= Health
Mahi= Work
Wananga= Reciprocal Learning in Action
Whaiora= Whanau/Client

Kia ora,

Life can be hard; things don’t go as planned and often we can feel like the odds are stacked against us. I have worn many hats in my professional life but the one thing I always come back to is relationships. I believe that in counselling we can find a commonality that can allow us to connect and grow. “We weren’t hurt by bad ideas; we were hurt in bad relationships. Therefore, we can’t be healed by good ideas, we can only be healed by good relationships.” – Carl Rogers

Growing up in Melbourne I always leaned on sports to keep me out of trouble, and that saying persists through to today. I am a keen sportsman, playing cricket, football and squash. I enjoy spending time with my friends and taking the time to be present with them. Somewhere in my 30’s I definitely picked up history as my mid 30s personality trait, I enjoy reading and watching documentaries to help me excel at a quiz night.

Hello,

my name is Bella and I am a third year counselling student at Whitirea. My journey into counselling has been shaped by my own life experiences. I’ve had my own mental health journey and explored a few areas in helping myself find my path in life. I’ve got a background in culinary arts, animal care and psychology before finding the counselling and addictions program. I’ve always wanted to help people and let them know that there are people who care and that they are not alone.

In my practice, I want to give people a space where they feel safe enough to share and express themselves. My style of therapy is grounded in client-centered practice and compassion-focused therapy.
Outside my studies, I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I love baking and spending time at the beach.

Finding a counsellor and starting counselling can feel daunting. My aim is to offer a calm, respectful space where you can slow things down, make sense of what you’re experiencing, and feel supported without judgment. I am available for in-person appointments in Christchurch.

I am a counselling student currently completing a Bachelor of Applied Counselling at Manukau Institute of Technology and practising under external supervision. I work from a client-centred, trauma-informed perspective and value honesty, curiosity, and compassion in the counselling relationship.
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I have a particular interest in working with trauma and in understanding how early life experiences can shape how we relate to ourselves and others. I am committed to ethical, reflective practice, working within my scope, and engaging in regular supervision to support both client wellbeing and my own professional development.

My name is Rebekah and I am a 31 year old counsellor in Christchurch.

In my counselling practice, I aim to create a space that feels safe and welcoming, where our sessions not only consist of working on your presenting issues, but also allow for moments of laughter and genuine connection to naturally emerge alongside our work. I aim to provide not only tools and support, but also a trusting client/counsellor relationship that in itself can facilitate growth.
I also have lived experience as a counselling client healing my own trauma, so I understand what it feels like to sit in the client’s chair. This allows me to meet you with empathy and a genuine understanding of the vulnerability and emotional honesty that counselling requires. This has also given me lived experience that healing from trauma is possible and I will try my best to instill that hope in you as well. 

My therapy skill set is largely acceptance and commitment therapy based, also drawing on psycho education, somatic approaches, gestalt therapy and motivational interviewing. 
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​Above all, research suggests that the therapeutic relationship provides 70% of the success in therapy. Therefore, along with providing tools, coping strategies and other things you might typically associate with counselling, I also place high value on the therapeutic relationship and building rapport, trust and relatability.