Helpful Things to know about Counsellors

Chosing the right Counseller for you is an important step.  Here are a few tips to help you in your therapy journey.

What sort of issues can you help with?

I am trained to work with a broad range of issues including a number of mental health conditions.  In my practice, I regularly work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, loneliness, faced with big life decisions or challenges, not feeling good enough or struggling with self-confidence.  I can help you work with aspects of your past, your present and your future.  

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How often do I need to come along and how long will therapy take?

Counselling can be short or long term depending on the issues you want to work on or resolve.  For example, if you have experienced a single incident or something that has recently happened, you are more likely to need only short term therapy.  However, if the reason for coming along involves multiple events or can be traced back to earlier in your life then it is more likely to require longer term support.

In my practice, I usually work with you on a weekly or fortnightly basis, with each appointment lasting 60 minutes.

I can work with you in person in my rooms in Central Nelson or we can work online. 

What do I need to know about your qualifications and/or training?

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Undertaking study or training in counselling helps to ensure that therapists are proficient and skilled to support you through the therapy process.  Although it is not mandatory in New Zealand, most counsellors now hold either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in counselling.  Part of the education process requires counsellors to complete over 200 hours of supervised practice before being eligible for full membership of the professional body, the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC). 

Counsellors are also required to undertake regular, professional supervision throughout the lifetime of their practice to retain NZAC membership.

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Do I need to understand what sort of therapy approaches you use?

No.  In my practice, I draw on a range of therapy models including EMDR, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Transactional Analysis (TA), and Neurosychotherapy. 

Once we have met and talked about what you would like to work on, I will make suggestions about how we might go forward and if and why I might suggest a specific therapy approach.  For example, if you have experienced trauma then I may suggest EMDR therapy as this is a very effective therapy approach for trauma and PTSD.  

Will I need to do tasks or homework between sessions?

The majority of the work is done in session but may also include ideas and strategies for you to try out between sessions.  Irrespective of what therapy approach is used, my style is collaborative and interactive and I see our work together as a partnership. 

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I will check in with you regularly on how we are doing and encourage you to give your feedback.