Therapists in Tauranga

I am a Psychologist recognized by the NZ Board of Psychology, specializing in supporting children aged 5-12 facing social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. My practice integrates play therapy, sandtray therapy, and creative expressive arts to foster a nurturing environment where children can freely explore and express themselves.
I am a Psychologist recognized by the NZ Board of Psychology, specializing in supporting children aged 5-12 facing social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. My practice integrates play therapy, sandtray therapy, and creative expressive arts to foster a nurturing environment where children can freely explore and express themselves.

I was born in South Africa but have lived in New Zealand most of my life. I have had many life experiences such as volunteering in the NZ Fire Service (11 years) and travelling and volunteering in Africa. My passion for counselling grew as I spent time with people in my various experiences and travels, and discovered my desire for better skills to more effectively listen and help people navigate through their shared life experiences with me. I consider it a deep privilege to share a welcoming, safe, and honoring space with a person who chooses to share their footsteps with me. I am also a faith based counselling service (Christian).
I was born in South Africa but have lived in New Zealand most of my life. I have had many life experiences such as volunteering in the NZ Fire Service (11 years) and travelling and volunteering in Africa. My passion for counselling grew as I spent time with people in my various experiences and travels, and discovered my desire for better skills to more effectively listen and help people navigate through their shared life experiences with me. I consider it a deep privilege to share a welcoming, safe, and honoring space with a person who chooses to share their footsteps with me. I am also a faith based counselling service (Christian).

Hi there - my background includes working as a Registered Nurse for 6 years, and then as an Independant Midwife for 10 years. I paused to raise and home-educate my 4 children (all adults now, and I'm now enjoying being a Grandma. I then retrained to gain a Batchelor in Counselling 13 years ago and have really enjoyed for the past 13 years working with children through to the elderly. I can see you face to face, or via zoom. I work in a number of different modalities to suit your needs. I work with all ethnicities.
Hi there - my background includes working as a Registered Nurse for 6 years, and then as an Independant Midwife for 10 years. I paused to raise and home-educate my 4 children (all adults now, and I'm now enjoying being a Grandma. I then retrained to gain a Batchelor in Counselling 13 years ago and have really enjoyed for the past 13 years working with children through to the elderly. I can see you face to face, or via zoom. I work in a number of different modalities to suit your needs. I work with all ethnicities.

Those who know me would describe me as a counselor who is empathetic, and caring and as someone who has a passion for seeing people overcome obstacles and be their best selves. In my practice, I use several counseling methods including CBT/DBT, Narrative, Solution Focused Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. I always ensure I tailor my approach to suit my clients and their needs. I have experience working with many kinds of issues and challenges but specialize in trauma, anxiety, addictions, and relationship issues. I love working with teens, adults, and couples.
Those who know me would describe me as a counselor who is empathetic, and caring and as someone who has a passion for seeing people overcome obstacles and be their best selves. In my practice, I use several counseling methods including CBT/DBT, Narrative, Solution Focused Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. I always ensure I tailor my approach to suit my clients and their needs. I have experience working with many kinds of issues and challenges but specialize in trauma, anxiety, addictions, and relationship issues. I love working with teens, adults, and couples.

Many people hesitate to seek therapy, thinking, "I don't have it that bad," or "Maybe the therapist will think I shouldn’t be there." With over 20 years in practice, I can assure you, there is never a person who couldn’t benefit from a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts, emotions, and life journey. I honor the courage it takes for anyone to embark on the path of self-discovery and healing, creating an opportunity for deeper understanding of who you truly are. Together, we will consider your unique experiences and work to bring peace and clarity to whatever challenges you are facing.
Many people hesitate to seek therapy, thinking, "I don't have it that bad," or "Maybe the therapist will think I shouldn’t be there." With over 20 years in practice, I can assure you, there is never a person who couldn’t benefit from a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts, emotions, and life journey. I honor the courage it takes for anyone to embark on the path of self-discovery and healing, creating an opportunity for deeper understanding of who you truly are. Together, we will consider your unique experiences and work to bring peace and clarity to whatever challenges you are facing.
Welcome. People come to therapy for a number of reasons and most want relief from suffering, emotional symptoms, inability to thrive or feel satisfied, overwhelm or stuckness. With my 20+ years of experience as a registered psychotherapist I offer evidence based tools (backed up by my interest in current neuroscience and wellness science), to help reduce your current discomfort. Alongside this we start to look at how life long patterns/ideas of self are limiting your ability to thrive and feel truly authentic/seen and we carefully rewrite some of these narratives to help you live a more equipped, authentic, satisfied life.
Welcome. People come to therapy for a number of reasons and most want relief from suffering, emotional symptoms, inability to thrive or feel satisfied, overwhelm or stuckness. With my 20+ years of experience as a registered psychotherapist I offer evidence based tools (backed up by my interest in current neuroscience and wellness science), to help reduce your current discomfort. Alongside this we start to look at how life long patterns/ideas of self are limiting your ability to thrive and feel truly authentic/seen and we carefully rewrite some of these narratives to help you live a more equipped, authentic, satisfied life.

Do you need someone safe, empathetic and genuine to speak with? Someone who is not in your usual circle, so can offer a different outlook on problems? Someone who understands life is not easy and has many challenges along the way? I enjoy working with people who have either long term or short term challenges or goals, working towards a better understanding of themselves. Perhaps life has got you down, and you are not sure where to start in your journey of reclaiming life. That is when you may find a counsellor is someone to help you through these challenges - to support you, be honest with, and to help you reach your goals.
Do you need someone safe, empathetic and genuine to speak with? Someone who is not in your usual circle, so can offer a different outlook on problems? Someone who understands life is not easy and has many challenges along the way? I enjoy working with people who have either long term or short term challenges or goals, working towards a better understanding of themselves. Perhaps life has got you down, and you are not sure where to start in your journey of reclaiming life. That is when you may find a counsellor is someone to help you through these challenges - to support you, be honest with, and to help you reach your goals.

I help people rediscover their strengths, passions and purpose so they can find meaning, joy and happiness in their lives. Most of us experience a moment in our lives where we stop and take stock. This may come as a result of a big shock, the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job or some other trauma that shakes us to our very core. Or it may just be a gnawing sense that there is something more to life than what you are currently experiencing. These big shocks or subtle gnawings can start to erode our sense of happiness and fulfilment. We may experience depression, sadness, a sense of isolation, confusion or deep overwhelm.
I help people rediscover their strengths, passions and purpose so they can find meaning, joy and happiness in their lives. Most of us experience a moment in our lives where we stop and take stock. This may come as a result of a big shock, the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job or some other trauma that shakes us to our very core. Or it may just be a gnawing sense that there is something more to life than what you are currently experiencing. These big shocks or subtle gnawings can start to erode our sense of happiness and fulfilment. We may experience depression, sadness, a sense of isolation, confusion or deep overwhelm.

I’m a trained Clinical Psychologist and I’m all about creating a space where you can be yourself — no judgment or pressure.
I’m a trained Clinical Psychologist and I’m all about creating a space where you can be yourself — no judgment or pressure.

I am a warm and friendly therapist, who loves supporting children, adolescents and parents with a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. I can support with anxiety , low mood, academic difficulties, ADHD, low self-esteem, trauma, grief, divorce or any other areas where your child may feel stuck. My goals include helping my young clients to reach their full potential, as well as well as increasing their self-belief and overall wellbeing. As I am an Educational Psychologist, I work only with mild to moderate difficulties and will refer clients to the correct professional, in the case of severe- or crisis presentation.
I am a warm and friendly therapist, who loves supporting children, adolescents and parents with a wide range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. I can support with anxiety , low mood, academic difficulties, ADHD, low self-esteem, trauma, grief, divorce or any other areas where your child may feel stuck. My goals include helping my young clients to reach their full potential, as well as well as increasing their self-belief and overall wellbeing. As I am an Educational Psychologist, I work only with mild to moderate difficulties and will refer clients to the correct professional, in the case of severe- or crisis presentation.

Kia Ora katou. My name is Sofia, from Argentina but calling New Zealand my home for the past six years. With a background in handling high-complex trauma, grief, sexual violence, domestic abuse, children and adolescent mental health, and family dynamics. My professional journey encompasses a holistic approach, integrating various modalities such as Theraplay, Gottman's Couple Therapy, TFCBT, along with mindfulness, IFS, IST, transgenerational trauma, and narrative therapy.
Kia Ora katou. My name is Sofia, from Argentina but calling New Zealand my home for the past six years. With a background in handling high-complex trauma, grief, sexual violence, domestic abuse, children and adolescent mental health, and family dynamics. My professional journey encompasses a holistic approach, integrating various modalities such as Theraplay, Gottman's Couple Therapy, TFCBT, along with mindfulness, IFS, IST, transgenerational trauma, and narrative therapy.

My name is Rebecca Thurlow, I am a registered Psychologist with an interest in working with adolescents and adults. I have experience working in the public sector. I support people with a wide range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, low mood, emotional dysregulation, personality disorders, OCD, eating disorders, and trauma. I am trained in a range of evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. I use an integrative approach which helps to tailor therapy to each individual client.
My name is Rebecca Thurlow, I am a registered Psychologist with an interest in working with adolescents and adults. I have experience working in the public sector. I support people with a wide range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, low mood, emotional dysregulation, personality disorders, OCD, eating disorders, and trauma. I am trained in a range of evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. I use an integrative approach which helps to tailor therapy to each individual client.

I am a skilled and compassionate therapist, experienced in working with a whole range of concerns. If there is an issue getting in the way of you living the life you want to live, or from achieving what you want to achieve, then therapy can help. I work with people both short and long term. With over 20 years’ experience working in the mental health field, I have a wide variety of experience. Before starting in private practice, I worked for many years in various mental health roles, which has given me an excellent grounding in ensuring my practice is based on the best available evidence, and is both ethical and effective.
I am a skilled and compassionate therapist, experienced in working with a whole range of concerns. If there is an issue getting in the way of you living the life you want to live, or from achieving what you want to achieve, then therapy can help. I work with people both short and long term. With over 20 years’ experience working in the mental health field, I have a wide variety of experience. Before starting in private practice, I worked for many years in various mental health roles, which has given me an excellent grounding in ensuring my practice is based on the best available evidence, and is both ethical and effective.

Men's Issues. Addictions and compulsions. Substance abuse, pornography, excessive anger. I like working with men ready to confront destructive self-defeating behaviors, who are challenged by addiction and other mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, anti-social behavior, anger, and PTSD. A person will respond emotionally once the mind gives meaning to the stimulus. I explain the reaction sequence and how it leads to the authorizing thought. This perpetuates the pattern of damaging behaviour.
Men's Issues. Addictions and compulsions. Substance abuse, pornography, excessive anger. I like working with men ready to confront destructive self-defeating behaviors, who are challenged by addiction and other mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, anti-social behavior, anger, and PTSD. A person will respond emotionally once the mind gives meaning to the stimulus. I explain the reaction sequence and how it leads to the authorizing thought. This perpetuates the pattern of damaging behaviour.

The way I work is to assist a person to find their own answers that I believe are within themselves - it's just that sometimes we are a little insecure about change and how it will affect us.
I work with different styles of therapy including Equine Therapy (horse are great teachers!) art, dream interpretation etc
I can work with most issues some of which are anxiety, depression, post-natal depression, eating disorders. life changes, terminal illness, death and dying to name a few.
I work with singles or couples of any age, gender, culture or disability.
The way I work is to assist a person to find their own answers that I believe are within themselves - it's just that sometimes we are a little insecure about change and how it will affect us.
I work with different styles of therapy including Equine Therapy (horse are great teachers!) art, dream interpretation etc
I can work with most issues some of which are anxiety, depression, post-natal depression, eating disorders. life changes, terminal illness, death and dying to name a few.
I work with singles or couples of any age, gender, culture or disability.

I am a registered (NZPB) clinical psychologist (with a full New Zealand Psychological Society membership). Currently, I am an ACC sensitive claims and psychological services provider and assessor. My interests lie in adolescents and adults with psychological needs such as trauma, addictions, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, and adjustment.
I am a registered (NZPB) clinical psychologist (with a full New Zealand Psychological Society membership). Currently, I am an ACC sensitive claims and psychological services provider and assessor. My interests lie in adolescents and adults with psychological needs such as trauma, addictions, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, and adjustment.

I am a registered Clinical Psychologist who offers psychotherapy for adults. I specialise in trauma, PTSD and anxiety, but have experience in a broad range of mental health difficulties. My aim is to provide effective and evidence-based therapy with compassion and professionalism. Keywords to describe my approach are empowering, collaborative, boosting self-confidence and courage to help you face your fears in a safe and controlled way. The treatment plan will be tailored to your goals and needs.
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist who offers psychotherapy for adults. I specialise in trauma, PTSD and anxiety, but have experience in a broad range of mental health difficulties. My aim is to provide effective and evidence-based therapy with compassion and professionalism. Keywords to describe my approach are empowering, collaborative, boosting self-confidence and courage to help you face your fears in a safe and controlled way. The treatment plan will be tailored to your goals and needs.

You might be dealing with significant emotional or psychological challenges and feeling trapped in a cycle. As a registered Counsellor and EMDR therapist and having over 10 years of experience as a psychologist overseas, I am dedicated to providing a supportive environment where you can openly share your thoughts and emotions. Together, we can identify and implement strategies tailored to your needs, whether it’s healing from trauma, managing anxiety and depression, enhancing relationships, building self-esteem and confidence, or addressing other difficulties you are facing.
You might be dealing with significant emotional or psychological challenges and feeling trapped in a cycle. As a registered Counsellor and EMDR therapist and having over 10 years of experience as a psychologist overseas, I am dedicated to providing a supportive environment where you can openly share your thoughts and emotions. Together, we can identify and implement strategies tailored to your needs, whether it’s healing from trauma, managing anxiety and depression, enhancing relationships, building self-esteem and confidence, or addressing other difficulties you are facing.

My name is Sandy Laurenson, I am a Clinical Psychologist who offers online appointments to adolescents and adults. I have more than 10 years experience in both public and private sectors and support people with a range of difficulties (i.e., anxiety, OCD, stress, low mood, emotion dysregulation, relational difficulties, trauma and eating disorders), as well as those pursuing performance optimisation goals. I am trained in evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR, and Mindfulness.
My name is Sandy Laurenson, I am a Clinical Psychologist who offers online appointments to adolescents and adults. I have more than 10 years experience in both public and private sectors and support people with a range of difficulties (i.e., anxiety, OCD, stress, low mood, emotion dysregulation, relational difficulties, trauma and eating disorders), as well as those pursuing performance optimisation goals. I am trained in evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR, and Mindfulness.

Kia ora, I'm Andy. I'm here to walk with you as you process your experiences. There are times in our lives where it can help to have someone to talk to, who can listen with empathy and confidentiality. I can help you access your knowledge of yourself, your struggles, your hopes, your choices and your next steps. Come as you are and be met with acceptance and safety no matter your background, gender, cultural and spiritual identity, or ethnicity. You have found a Safe Place. www.safeplacecounselling.co.nz
Kia ora, I'm Andy. I'm here to walk with you as you process your experiences. There are times in our lives where it can help to have someone to talk to, who can listen with empathy and confidentiality. I can help you access your knowledge of yourself, your struggles, your hopes, your choices and your next steps. Come as you are and be met with acceptance and safety no matter your background, gender, cultural and spiritual identity, or ethnicity. You have found a Safe Place. www.safeplacecounselling.co.nz
Nearby Searches for Tauranga
See More CounsellorsHow does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Tauranga
70+
Average cost per session
$150
Counsellors in Tauranga who prioritize treating:
87% | Anxiety |
76% | Depression |
75% | Stress |
72% | Self Esteem |
70% | Trauma and PTSD |
65% | Relationship Issues |
65% | Coping Skills |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
71% | Southern Cross |
43% | Partners Life |
29% | Sovereign Health |
How Counsellors in Tauranga see their clients
78% | In Person and Online | |
22% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
81% | Female | |
19% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Tauranga?
Search for nearby therapists or counsellors by inputting your city, postcode, or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or postcode into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
Psychologists listed in the directory are registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board under the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act 2003 (HPCA Act). To be listed in the directory, psychotherapists must be registered through the Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand. Counsellors listed in the directory should have a minimum training of NZQF 6 or higher, and many are registered with a professional body, such as the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for counsellors in New Zealand, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Providers whose professional membership or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Given that professional memberships are not a statutory requirement for counsellors in New Zealand, certain qualified professionals or organisations may choose not to maintain such memberships despite possessing the necessary qualifications. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counsellor?
Psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists can all provide counselling or talking therapy and have credentials and supervised, practical experience that enable them to do so in New Zealand.
Psychologists possess a minimum of a master's degree in Psychology and are registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. Psychotherapists typically hold the equivalent of a Master's or Doctorate Degree in Psychotherapy, depending on their programme of study. Many psychotherapists have themselves undergone psychotherapy as part of their training. In order to be a member of NZAC, Counsellors must have a bachelor's or master's degree in Counselling and complete ongoing professional development and education.
Psychologists possess a minimum of a master's degree in Psychology and are registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. Psychotherapists typically hold the equivalent of a Master's or Doctorate Degree in Psychotherapy, depending on their programme of study. Many psychotherapists have themselves undergone psychotherapy as part of their training. In order to be a member of NZAC, Counsellors must have a bachelor's or master's degree in Counselling and complete ongoing professional development and education.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, the cost of a therapy session in New Zealand could be between $100 and $200. If you have private insurance, your plan may cover some if not all of your sessions. You should contact your insurance provider to determine if they provide coverage for therapy sessions and to determine what, if any, requirements they might have in order for your sessions to be covered, such as a referral from your GP or medical specialist.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. To access these services you will need to be assessed and referred by your GP or family doctor. However, you will have limited choice regarding the specialist and the length of treatment that will be assigned to you. In addition, Community Mental Health and Addiction services are also available through your local District Health Board (DHB).
If you are struggling to access therapy due to budget constraints, you could also consider public funded mental health services. To access these services you will need to be assessed and referred by your GP or family doctor. However, you will have limited choice regarding the specialist and the length of treatment that will be assigned to you. In addition, Community Mental Health and Addiction services are also available through your local District Health Board (DHB).
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your postcode.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Professionals registered with the Boards and/or who are members of professional organisations are obligated to uphold client confidentiality unless there is a legal reason that requires them to disclose information. Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship and only under specific circumstances, such as when there is the potential or known harm to the client or others, or a court order, will a therapist be obligated to break the agreement. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed during the initial consultation.