Therapists in Tauranga District

People sometimes hesitate to engage with a therapist due to thoughts of “I don’t have it that bad”, “Maybe the therapist will think I shouldn’t be there.” In my 20 years of practice, I have never thought there was a person that couldn’t benefit from a safe, therapeutic space to process through their thoughts, emotions, and life experience. I honour any person that turns up to begin the courageous journey of having a deeper look at who they are. Together, taking into account what you’ve experienced, we can find ways to help you with whatever it is that you may be facing.

As a clinical arts therapist (AThR) I offer adolescents and adults an alternative to talk therapy and counselling through creative expression. Arts therapists can offer a variety of approaches such as art, movement, drama, writing, poetry, and sandplay. I work mostly with art materials but we are not limited to this form of expression. Clinical arts therapists in New Zealand are professional members of the Australian New Zealand Asian Creative Arts Therapy Association and are approved to provide services for agencies like ACC, WINZ, Oranga Tamariki and I Am Hope.

Counselling can increase self-awareness and help identify, address, and find ways of coping with the challenges that occur in life. I work with children, teens or adults and believe given the right environment and support, we all possess the capacity for self-healing and growth. I use research-based interventions to reduce anxiety, improve mood, process trauma, and improve relationships.

I see individuals for a wide number of needs. I generally see clients above the age of 18. People come to counselling because they want changes in their lives and are unsure how to make those changes. Often they are stuck in stories or habits of the past , or traumas have locked them into unhelpful ways of being. People use therapy to achieve those goals and then move on.

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.

It's 2023 and you’re reading this because you want to transform. You want to be happy and live free from fear, uncertainty, stress, anxiety and depression. You don’t want to suffer anymore. You want a new way of living that is energising, fulfilling and purposeful. You want to let go of what is holding you back and be the best version of yourself. It takes tremendous courage to let go of the past and imagine a different future for yourself. So, who am I and how can I help?

I understand the value of needing a space that provides the freedom to say how it is and receive validation of what that person is experiencing. Working from a strength-based solution-focused approach, it is my hope to bring this privacy of thought into a therapeutic context to unravel and explore truth and feeling. I want each client that walks into my room to experience a relaxed atmosphere where they can be real. While we all understand that help begins with ourselves, stepping into a counselling room is that very thing that will bring about that very process. My statement when asked how can counselling help, my reply would b

I have experience working with children (background in childcare) teenagers and adults. My approach is based on creating a safe space to build a trusting relationship in which to work together to address anything you wish to resolve.

Julie is a New Zealand born Kiwi, a mother, and a grandmother living in the Western Bay of Plenty. She is passionate about providing affordable, accessible, culturally sensitive counselling services to everyday New Zealanders, with a particular passion for supporting those impacted in some way by addiction. Her career working in the social sector has spanned more than 25 years, and her lived experience as a survivor of domestic violence gives her a deep understanding of Aotearoa's most vulnerable populations, and the ability to engage with people from all walks of life with empathy, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.

My name is Leith Thompson. I'm married with 4 grown children and eleven grand-children. My wife Donna and I live in Tauranga, NZ. I've been involved in the caring for people profession for over thirty years, before that I drove forklifts and worked as a baker. I have contracted to Mental Health and local Schools for many years and I have worked with ages five to eighty five. My wife and I make the most of our leisure time by enjoying good movies, great coffee and travelling. To relax I play table tennis and pool.

Ally at Stuff Happenz is a qualified personal counselor who specializes in working with adults, youth, and children dealing with physical injuries, complex chronic illnesses, cancer, relationship breakdown, anxiety and depression, panic attacks, trauma, grief, and loss. With her background in nursing and youth health, Ally has experience working colleges.

Kia ora! It can be hard to reach out for help but you’ve taken the first step just by having a look. I want you to feel comfortable opening up and being able to share what’s going on so try my best to create a non-judgmental, empathetic space where we can work on what you’re facing as a team. I can help you explore a range of challenges relating to depression, anxiety and phobias, anger issues, trauma, etc.. I have expertise working with young people, children and whānau as well as adults.

Through Counselling I can assist adults, couples and family members with problems they are currently encountering due to issues such as; life purpose, life changes, grief, loss, difficulties encountered, chronic and acute stress, work-related stress, mental and physical abuse, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties. I can also assist with coming to terms with issues caused by events in the past such as abandonment, sexual abuse, physical and mental abuse, post traumatic stress, lack of self confidence, identity crisis, low self-esteem, withdrawal, attachment issues and fear of change. Let’s see if I can assist you. Dawn

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 a faith based, Christian Counselling Service.

I'm a clinical psychologist with a special interest in working with adolescents, adults and couples presenting with a variety of psychological difficulties. I also work with athletes who are looking to optimize their sporting performance.

Kia ora and welcome, My name is Michelle and I have been blessed to be Counselling for the last 12 years. I am passionate about people, healing and supporting people to overcome the challenges they face in life.

My name is Sandy Laurenson, I am a Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in working with adolescents and adults. I graduated with a Master of Clinical Psychology in 2014 and have worked in both the public and private sectors. I support people with a range of mental health issues (i.e., anxiety, low mood, emotion dysregulation, trauma, OCD, and eating disorders), as well as those perusing performance optimisation goals. I am trained in evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR, and Mindfulness.