Frequently Asked Questions

What is Counselling and Therapy?

Counselling is a confidential process where we work together in a private, professional environment to resolve the problems, burdens and struggles of significant life issues. Professional counselling is a way of finding a path through current personal difficulties.

Therapy tends to work with recurrent issues and the underlying themes that impact on enjoyment and satisfaction from life. If this work is required then therapy usually includes more exploration of these issues with your therapist, therefore, this work can be a longer process. 

My role as a counsellor and therapist is to understand what it is like to "walk in your shoes". I acknowledge that the way we work together is essential to achieving positive outcomes.

What to expect?

In an initial session you can experience being supported in an unbiased, safe environment by a professional. By seeking support from outside of your own networks, this can alleviate feelings of being judged, criticised, upsetting, or 'burdening' others with your personal challenges. My role includes listening to you attentively as you discuss the issues and problems being faced, and helping you to clarify your issues and goals.

Couples and families can discuss their issues and concerns with the presence of the therapist facilitating better communication; this helps to contain emotions, and keeps the focus on the issues presented moving towards change.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions required varies for each individual and depends on how straightforward, or how complex the issues presented are. Some clients require one or two sessions to work on a specific problem, while others feel more comfortable after a few sessions to continue. These clients often report that they are relieved to have shared their story and want to work more deeply with the underlying issues that perpetuate problems in their life. Others prefer to request sessions as they feel the need to keep a healthy sense of well-being in place.

What about confidentiality?

My practice is guided by the NZAC Code of Ethics which is the foundation for the ethical practice of NZAC members. What is discussed in all sessions is strictly confidential.

The exception to this is to abide by the law of New Zealand. If I believed you were in danger or of seriously harming yourself or threatened to harm another person I would be obliged to intervene. In this case, I would endeavour to speak to you first where appropriate, before discussing your situation with those in the specialised services required to respond in view of your safety or the safety of others as my priority.

In any situation where the sharing of information is requested by you, or for your benefit from other healthcare professionals or agencies involved, you will need to give your written permission for this to happen.

I respect that confidentiality is extremely important a therapy calls for a high level of trust to develop for highly sensitive issues to be discussed which may never be discussed elsewhere.

For more information about NZAC visit www.nzac.org.nz

Can you save our relationship?

I am not able to promise that I can save your relationship, however I can help you start to understand what’s getting in the way of your relationship working well.

More positively, I have worked with couples on the brink of separation, and have witnessed them turn their situation around to reconnect and rebuild their relationship.

I have also assisted couples to communicate safely and develop an amicable relationship to work through the difficulties and pain of separation, not only for themselves but also for their family.

My partner won't come. Should I still come on my own?

Yes. Even if your partner won't come to work on relationship issues, you can still benefit from individual sessions. In fact, your relationship can still improve when one partner is creating positive changes, gaining insights and accepting responsibly for ones own part in the relationships issues.