Relationship Issues Therapists in Christchurch
I specialize in trauma work, mental health support, non-violence education and relationship counselling.
Kia ora, my name is Jesse Nelson. I am passionate about working with people shoulder to shoulder to create a shared and safe space where we can journey together through life. I know it can get hard at times for all of us. I love to build rapport and connection so trust can develop quickly. I like to contract honesty as part of the work we will do together so you can feel free to be you.
Remember you are the expert of your life and I am only the facilitator of change providing a space where you can feel comfortable and vulnerable enough to make the changes you want. I will hold onto hope on your behalf and notice it when it emerges.
I specialize in trauma work, mental health support, non-violence education and relationship counselling.
Kia ora, my name is Jesse Nelson. I am passionate about working with people shoulder to shoulder to create a shared and safe space where we can journey together through life. I know it can get hard at times for all of us. I love to build rapport and connection so trust can develop quickly. I like to contract honesty as part of the work we will do together so you can feel free to be you.
Remember you are the expert of your life and I am only the facilitator of change providing a space where you can feel comfortable and vulnerable enough to make the changes you want. I will hold onto hope on your behalf and notice it when it emerges.
I work with adhd, anxiety, depression, grief, bereavement, trauma, vaccine injuries, PTSD, addiction, relationship difficulties, abuse and neurodiversity.
Life can feel overwhelming and you might be carrying more than you can manage alone. I’m here to offer my support as a UK trained, qualified counsellor, offering warm, compassionate talking therapy for adults and young people. I work in a person centred way, offering a supportive space, where you can speak openly and safely, exploring your experiences at your own pace. I tailor our work together, drawing on different therapeutic approaches, ie: CBT, trauma informed, depending on what feels most helpful for you. I also offer walking and talking therapy, which can be a gentle and grounding way for us to explore things together.
I work with adhd, anxiety, depression, grief, bereavement, trauma, vaccine injuries, PTSD, addiction, relationship difficulties, abuse and neurodiversity.
Life can feel overwhelming and you might be carrying more than you can manage alone. I’m here to offer my support as a UK trained, qualified counsellor, offering warm, compassionate talking therapy for adults and young people. I work in a person centred way, offering a supportive space, where you can speak openly and safely, exploring your experiences at your own pace. I tailor our work together, drawing on different therapeutic approaches, ie: CBT, trauma informed, depending on what feels most helpful for you. I also offer walking and talking therapy, which can be a gentle and grounding way for us to explore things together.
I help people move toward the life they want, even in the presence of significant challenges. My work is grounded in Solution-Focused Therapy, with sessions structured around clear outcomes, practical progress, and measurable change.
I help people move toward the life they want, even in the presence of significant challenges. My work is grounded in Solution-Focused Therapy, with sessions structured around clear outcomes, practical progress, and measurable change.
It’s a privilege to support individuals who feel caught in painful relational patterns or who are struggling with emotional overwhelm, disconnection from their body, disruptive coping habits, or the weight of their past.
My therapeutic style is deeply relational, compassionate, and non-judgemental. Drawing from my Bachelor of Counselling and three years of formal training, I integrate Person-Centered Therapy & Narrative Therapy - a powerful combination.
Additionally, as a Somatica trained intimacy coach (200hrs +) I also bring a somatic, experiential approach, to my work.
It’s a privilege to support individuals who feel caught in painful relational patterns or who are struggling with emotional overwhelm, disconnection from their body, disruptive coping habits, or the weight of their past.
My therapeutic style is deeply relational, compassionate, and non-judgemental. Drawing from my Bachelor of Counselling and three years of formal training, I integrate Person-Centered Therapy & Narrative Therapy - a powerful combination.
Additionally, as a Somatica trained intimacy coach (200hrs +) I also bring a somatic, experiential approach, to my work.
You’re someone who cares deeply about your relationships, but something just isn’t working.
I help individuals, couples and more navigate challenges like trust issues, communication struggles and infidelity. Through open, non-judgmental conversations we can together create a space where you can truly be heard, work through difficult emotions, and build stronger, more connected relationships.
You’re someone who cares deeply about your relationships, but something just isn’t working.
I help individuals, couples and more navigate challenges like trust issues, communication struggles and infidelity. Through open, non-judgmental conversations we can together create a space where you can truly be heard, work through difficult emotions, and build stronger, more connected relationships.
I have experience working with adults, youth (rangatahi), children (tamariki), families and whānau as well as couples.
I understand that some people feel rather nervous about coming to counselling. The thought of being vulnerable as you share personal strories and struggles with a stranger can feel daunting. Change is uncomfortable, but if you are reading this I imagine you are wanting something to change. You are stronger than you know. As a trained professional I work with all demographics, where no story is too big or too small. I promise to be non-judgemental, empathetic, caring, and to work safely. In our journey together you will always have autonomy as we assess and reassess the goals you are wanting to achieve.
I have experience working with adults, youth (rangatahi), children (tamariki), families and whānau as well as couples.
I understand that some people feel rather nervous about coming to counselling. The thought of being vulnerable as you share personal strories and struggles with a stranger can feel daunting. Change is uncomfortable, but if you are reading this I imagine you are wanting something to change. You are stronger than you know. As a trained professional I work with all demographics, where no story is too big or too small. I promise to be non-judgemental, empathetic, caring, and to work safely. In our journey together you will always have autonomy as we assess and reassess the goals you are wanting to achieve.
Whether you’re navigating life transitions, relationship struggles, or just feeling lost, I offer a calm, supportive space to explore what’s going on and move toward healing, clarity, and renewed hope.
I come to this work from my own healing journey. Life has taken me through grief, cancer, and adoption, and these experiences continue to shape the way I understand and walk alongside others.
Whether you’re navigating life transitions, relationship struggles, or just feeling lost, I offer a calm, supportive space to explore what’s going on and move toward healing, clarity, and renewed hope.
I come to this work from my own healing journey. Life has taken me through grief, cancer, and adoption, and these experiences continue to shape the way I understand and walk alongside others.
You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or navigating relationship challenges, grief, or loss—perhaps even questioning if you have a narcissistic dynamic in your life.
Grounded in a person-centred approach, I offer a calm, collaborative space to explore grief and loss, burnout, relationship challenges, stress, and anxiety. Integrating Motivational Interviewing, IFS, ACT, CBT, and creative therapies, I help you understand patterns, regulate emotions, and reconnect with your needs, strengths, and inner wisdom—at your pace.
You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or navigating relationship challenges, grief, or loss—perhaps even questioning if you have a narcissistic dynamic in your life.
Grounded in a person-centred approach, I offer a calm, collaborative space to explore grief and loss, burnout, relationship challenges, stress, and anxiety. Integrating Motivational Interviewing, IFS, ACT, CBT, and creative therapies, I help you understand patterns, regulate emotions, and reconnect with your needs, strengths, and inner wisdom—at your pace.
Do you ever feel out of place in your world? That there's something that's not quite right? That there must be more to life than what you're experiencing right now? Yes...? OK... Have you ever considered that you might be trying to adjust to a world that's fundamentally flawed? And that you're not broken? I've seen so many people struggle unnecessarily from trying to fit into a mould that doesn't make sense. With that comes anxiety, self-doubt, wobbly self-esteem. If that's you, you don't have to suffer alone. Together we'll discover what your unique place in the world is, and how to inhabit it unapologetically.
Do you ever feel out of place in your world? That there's something that's not quite right? That there must be more to life than what you're experiencing right now? Yes...? OK... Have you ever considered that you might be trying to adjust to a world that's fundamentally flawed? And that you're not broken? I've seen so many people struggle unnecessarily from trying to fit into a mould that doesn't make sense. With that comes anxiety, self-doubt, wobbly self-esteem. If that's you, you don't have to suffer alone. Together we'll discover what your unique place in the world is, and how to inhabit it unapologetically.
Providing specialist relationship therapy for individuals, couples, and families.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Behavioural Issues / Child and Family Therapy / Sex and Couples Therapy. Child And Adolescent Assessments And Treatment. Specialising in trauma, neurodiversity, and relationships.
Providing specialist relationship therapy for individuals, couples, and families.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Behavioural Issues / Child and Family Therapy / Sex and Couples Therapy. Child And Adolescent Assessments And Treatment. Specialising in trauma, neurodiversity, and relationships.
I support clients with varying issues, from anxiety, relationship difficulties and body image to disordered eating and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
If you find yourself struggling with low self-esteem, caught in unhelpful patterns, experiencing obsessive/unwanted thoughts, feeling like food controls you or feeling disconnected from your body, know that there is a path to improving your life and healing. I am here to help provide the support you need to grow and heal in order to reach your goals.
I support clients with varying issues, from anxiety, relationship difficulties and body image to disordered eating and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
If you find yourself struggling with low self-esteem, caught in unhelpful patterns, experiencing obsessive/unwanted thoughts, feeling like food controls you or feeling disconnected from your body, know that there is a path to improving your life and healing. I am here to help provide the support you need to grow and heal in order to reach your goals.
I help individuals to thrive - predominately in relationship.
I'll take a Case Formation from you - to be aware of your generic journey. The current issue will be discussed and an intervention will be offered at that first session. Thereafter I follow the Treatment Plan I have written for you - however, I will deviate in accordance with your session needs. Call for an outline of my approach.
I help individuals to thrive - predominately in relationship.
I'll take a Case Formation from you - to be aware of your generic journey. The current issue will be discussed and an intervention will be offered at that first session. Thereafter I follow the Treatment Plan I have written for you - however, I will deviate in accordance with your session needs. Call for an outline of my approach.
She works with individual, couples and people in alternative relationship structures.
Shelley obtained a Doctorate of Psychology and completed post grad work in Nova Scotia Canada in 2010. She is a NZ registered clinical psychologist & served in the role of Clinical Manager of a National DBT Service. DBT is an integration of western and eastern psychological philosophies and along with EMDR and CBT based prolonged exposure, is one of Shelley’s preferred therapeutic models for working with emotional regulation, complex needs and trauma.
She works with individual, couples and people in alternative relationship structures.
Shelley obtained a Doctorate of Psychology and completed post grad work in Nova Scotia Canada in 2010. She is a NZ registered clinical psychologist & served in the role of Clinical Manager of a National DBT Service. DBT is an integration of western and eastern psychological philosophies and along with EMDR and CBT based prolonged exposure, is one of Shelley’s preferred therapeutic models for working with emotional regulation, complex needs and trauma.
With gentle support and guidance, I will help you navigate your chosen path, whether that involves reducing stress, attaining inner peace, worrying less about others' opinions, gaining self-confidence, fostering enjoyable relationships, or enhancing your work life.
As a psychotherapist, I offer a warm, compassionate space to explore what’s going on beneath the surface. My approach combines psychodynamic and relational therapy, attachment theory, and therapeutic cards, a creative tool that promotes self-expression when words fall short. It’s a unique mix of depth and creativity designed to support meaningful change.
With gentle support and guidance, I will help you navigate your chosen path, whether that involves reducing stress, attaining inner peace, worrying less about others' opinions, gaining self-confidence, fostering enjoyable relationships, or enhancing your work life.
As a psychotherapist, I offer a warm, compassionate space to explore what’s going on beneath the surface. My approach combines psychodynamic and relational therapy, attachment theory, and therapeutic cards, a creative tool that promotes self-expression when words fall short. It’s a unique mix of depth and creativity designed to support meaningful change.
Whether your marriage feels on the brink or you simply want deeper connection, I provide a safe, structured space to realign love and leadership.
With 40+ years experience, advanced training in Gottman, EFT, Imago, and our transformation model, I work with executives, founders, and entrepreneurial couples rebuilding connection—often in days not months. Unlike traditional therapy, I integrate mentoring, leadership principles, and therapeutic tools delivering rapid results in both relationships and life
Whether your marriage feels on the brink or you simply want deeper connection, I provide a safe, structured space to realign love and leadership.
With 40+ years experience, advanced training in Gottman, EFT, Imago, and our transformation model, I work with executives, founders, and entrepreneurial couples rebuilding connection—often in days not months. Unlike traditional therapy, I integrate mentoring, leadership principles, and therapeutic tools delivering rapid results in both relationships and life
Naomi is an Australian and NZ registered psychologist with 18 years experience working with adults, adolescents and children. Naomi is known for her warmth, understanding and approachability. She enjoys supporting and working alongside her clients to improve their quality of life and help them achieve their own personal goals.
Naomi is an Australian and NZ registered psychologist with 18 years experience working with adults, adolescents and children. Naomi is known for her warmth, understanding and approachability. She enjoys supporting and working alongside her clients to improve their quality of life and help them achieve their own personal goals.
My approach draws on traditional and alternative counselling modalities. I use these approaches to empower my clients and my practice is strongly grounded in spirituality and energy psychology. Nourishment and healing are facilitated through energy-integration, visualisation, inner-child work and support in recovering a sense of self.
My approach draws on traditional and alternative counselling modalities. I use these approaches to empower my clients and my practice is strongly grounded in spirituality and energy psychology. Nourishment and healing are facilitated through energy-integration, visualisation, inner-child work and support in recovering a sense of self.
My areas of specialisation include couples work, family work, trauma, men’s work, mid-life crisis, personality insight and supervision, both clinical and professional.
My clinical work includes; Couples Counselling, Family Counselling, Supervision both Clinical and Professional, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Counselling, Mid-life ‘Crisis’ & Reintegration work, Counselling with Teenagers, Grief Counselling, lgbtqi Informed Counselling, Counselling with Individuals, Families and Friends affected by Suicide
My areas of specialisation include couples work, family work, trauma, men’s work, mid-life crisis, personality insight and supervision, both clinical and professional.
My clinical work includes; Couples Counselling, Family Counselling, Supervision both Clinical and Professional, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Counselling, Mid-life ‘Crisis’ & Reintegration work, Counselling with Teenagers, Grief Counselling, lgbtqi Informed Counselling, Counselling with Individuals, Families and Friends affected by Suicide
Your relationships may be suffering, and want more peace and connection in your lives.
With individuals, I tailor our work to what best supports you, primarily using weekly psychodynamic talk therapy to help you explore how past experiences may be influencing your present.
For couples, I offer both traditional weekly sessions or weekend intensives designed for couples who want to do in a weekend what might otherwise take months.
Your relationships may be suffering, and want more peace and connection in your lives.
With individuals, I tailor our work to what best supports you, primarily using weekly psychodynamic talk therapy to help you explore how past experiences may be influencing your present.
For couples, I offer both traditional weekly sessions or weekend intensives designed for couples who want to do in a weekend what might otherwise take months.
I am passionate about supporting people in the LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and polyamorous/CNM alternative relationship structure communities.
I take a collaborative, strength-based approach to therapy. I utilise evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, CBT, ACT, IFS, and Dialectical Behaviour skills. I am in the process of becoming certified as an Imago Therapist for working with couples.
I currently provide diagnostic assessments for Autism (in person only) and ADHD (online and in person ages 12+)
I am passionate about supporting people in the LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and polyamorous/CNM alternative relationship structure communities.
I take a collaborative, strength-based approach to therapy. I utilise evidence-based modalities such as EMDR, CBT, ACT, IFS, and Dialectical Behaviour skills. I am in the process of becoming certified as an Imago Therapist for working with couples.
I currently provide diagnostic assessments for Autism (in person only) and ADHD (online and in person ages 12+)
Relationship Issues Counsellors
What types of relationship issues can therapists help with?
Therapists who specialise in relationships work with individuals, couples, and families on a wide range of issues. Common concerns include communication problems, infidelity, intimacy difficulties, and navigating major life transitions such as marriage, parenthood, or caregiving. Family therapists may also address parent–child conflict, sibling rivalry, or other complex family dynamics.
What are the different types of therapy for relationship issues?
Relationship issues can be addressed through different types of therapy depending on whether you’re seeking help as an individual, couple, or family. In individual therapy, the focus is often on helping an individual understand how their own patterns, attachment style, and past experiences may be shaping their current relationships. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), attachment therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are three common forms of individual treatment that can help individuals understand their current relationship dynamics and improve their relationship quality. Couples therapy often uses other forms of evidence-based treatment, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) or the Gottman Method. Rather than focusing on the individual, these approaches focus on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional bonds between individuals in a relationship. Similarly, family therapy often focuses on communication but also examines how larger-scale dynamics—such as how parenting styles, generational differences, or sibling roles—may shape family relationships.
What actually happens in a therapy session for relationship issues?
The structure of a session depends on whether therapy involves one person or multiple people. In individual sessions, the focus may be on exploring personal patterns, role-playing difficult conversations, practicing listening skills, or setting goals for handling conflict. In couples or family sessions, each person is encouraged to share their perspective while the therapist helps uncover underlying emotions, highlight unhelpful interaction patterns, and guide more constructive communication.
How can I find an effective relationship therapist?
Finding a therapist who is a good fit for your needs, either for individual, couples, or family therapy, is critical to ensure effective therapy. Psychology Today’s online directory makes it easy to search for therapists who specialise in relationship issues, as well as related topics like marriage counselling. The platform offers filters to help you find a provider who fits your needs, such as gender, location, and fees. While the Psychology Today directory also offers the ability to filter by insurance type, it’s important to note that insurance may not cover many types of relationship therapy, such as couples counselling, so it’s important to inquire with your insurance plan about specific coverage details if intending to use insurance for therapy.