Culturally Sensitive Therapists in Wellington

We all go through difficult times in our lives when we might feel unfulfilled, overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, depressed, dealing with loss, facing a major life-change, or struggling with relationship dynamics. Sometimes these feelings are accompanied by physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, sleep disturbances, or fatigue. Counselling provides a safe and supportive space to gain insights into your emotional and behavioural patterns and leads you to self-discovery, improved relationships, and a more fulfilling life.

Kia ora! I'm a registered counsellor with a teaching background. I am dedicated to supporting you on your journey to mental and emotional wellbeing. I believe in the power of self-discovery and personal growth. My therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and a strong commitment to your unique needs. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, gain insight, and develop coping strategies to navigate life's challenges.

My work often addresses anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, inner child work, mind body connection, how the past influences our present and addressing ways of coping that no longer serve us. My collaborative work with clients is informed by the relationship between mind and body and the growing understanding of the role of our nervous system in our emotional well being. We explore together what is working well, what is no longer serving individuals and what’s needed to support their needs.

Clients offer an array of personal difficulties, seeking insight to issues that are consuming their normally functional life. I have treated clients on a wide spectrum of issues, ranging from mental, physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual ailments. As we uncover a client's personal narrative, their initial needs may change, yet the result remains the same, to find a sense of security and hope in their personal life.

My focus as a counsellor is providing a safe space where you can feel free to express yourself without fear of judgment no matter what issue brought you to counselling. I understand how personal the decision to seek counselling can be, and my goal is to help you feel heard, respected, and understood throughout our journey together. In our sessions, I will listen attentively and empathize deeply with any challenges or difficulties you may be facing. Together, we will work towards a deeper understanding of your experiences and develop a plan to help you make sense of the world around you.

Kia Ora! Ko Tetteh tōku ingoa. Nō Ghana ōku tīpuna. I’m a native of Newark, New Jersey (USA) and relocated to Wellington, Aotearoa in 2021 where I currently reside. I specialize in comprehensive, evidence-based support for diverse concerns like anxiety, depression, PTSD, racial trauma, & addiction. I'm also deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and addressing issues of racism, discrimination, and belonging. My psycho-social, holistic, & trauma-informed approach ensures personalized care. Having also worked extensively in the criminal justice field, I bring a wealth of knowledge to guide individuals towards their healing journey.

I am a Clinical Psychologist who enjoys working with people of all ages, genders and difficulties. I particularly enjoy working with young people and young adults who are struggling with their mental health in our challenging world.

Kia ora, Ni sa Bula Vinaka and Namaste, I’m Ashley. I use an anti-oppressive, holistic, trauma-informed lens centered around those most impacted by patriarchy, sexism, misogyny, and colonization. I support women, femmes, and non-binary people of color through identity struggles, cultural assimilation, and trauma including racial, intergenerational, and sexual. I use Indigenous wellness models and trauma-informed yoga to foster healing and provide strategies for nervous system regulation & body reconnection. My focus is on easing anxiety, depression, sensory overwhelm, and a deeper understanding for highly sensitive people.

My main modality of work is EMDR inc 2.00 and Ego State Therapy. I do use Narrative and Somatic therapy within my EMDR work. I work with people on all sorts of things that life may throw up. My work challenges a lot of your thought processes while teaching you skills. While in my work talking can be involved you still have the choice of what you wish to share and what you wish to work on. All my work, is respectful of you as a person and your needs, even though it can be challenging at times. Success is the work you take away and use to help yourself. I provide psychoeducation and tools to help you. All my work is collaborative.

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.

I provide a warm empathetic non-judgemental space for my clients. I work with clients through their problems, and explore their needs and perspectives. I am aware that each client is different and individual, and because of that I work alongside the you to explore the best ways forward for you. I am very client centred in my counselling, within this I will use different ways of working with you, these can include Person Centred Therapy and approaches, Narrative Therapy, ACT, Solution Focused therapy, mindfulness and grounding techniques and Motivational Interviewing.

You feel so lost and defeated. You aren’t sure what exactly is wrong, just that something is just not right. Is it depression? Anxiety? You can’t even tell sometimes. You want to have control of your life again! To feel better! You don't want to be exhausted and overwhelmed and scared by everything. All. The. Time. You want peace, confidence and to know you can do hard things! Trust me, this IS possible for you!

Face to face (Auckland), online and phone appointments are available NZ and world wide.

When you're feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, and lost, and life's turmoil seems unrelenting, where do you turn for lasting relief? Is it because you are tired of battling anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and enduring relentless days when these emotions refuse to loosen their grip? I understand the profound impact of mental and emotional distress on your life. My holistic approach goes beyond symptom management to identify and address the root causes of your suffering. By exploring the mind-body connection and incorporating personalized strategies, I aim to alleviate emotional pain and empower you to cultivate resilience and inner peace.

On Maternity Leave: 08/04/24 until mid-August '24. Kia ora, welcome. I offer online Art Therapy, Psychotherapy and Mental Health Counselling to clients from various parts of the globe. I work Online, Phone call, Text / WhatsApp, face-to-face in Parnell (waitlist) and Walk & Talk sessions in Mt Eden, Mt Roskill and Royal Oak areas. My work uses tools and skills covering a range of psychodynamic and integrative practices; ACT, Play/Creative Therapy modalities and behavioural methods, such as DBT and CBT. I prefer to understand how clients are struggling and work adaptively to suit their needs, neuro-capabilities and personality.

I work mainly with adults online, using Zoom. My clients come from various backgrounds, including all sexual or religious orientations. I walk alongside you to decide on your treatment plan. If you experience depression, anxiety, work-related or relationship issues, you could benefit from my service. I work with you to realise your goals by working from an eclectic (various therapies) perspective to support you.

I find inspiration in working with people to discover the possibilities in their lives to experience fearlessness, expression, joy, love and freedom. I am a specialist in navigating safely from abuse and decolonisation. Together we can find safe pathways of meaning from suffering to liberation from our socialisation, and attachment imprinting. Through exploring cultural, spiritual, and creative practices to embrace and reflect on ancestral, intergenerational, and personal stories we can anchor in our strengths to heal and connect more deeply with ourselves and others. An artist and mystic focused on soulful living.

I work with individuals, couples and policules. Though I work broadly with people who have a variety of emotional health concerns, I have a passion for and commitment to supporting those in Ethically Non Monogamous/polyamorous relationship structures and the LGBTQ+ community. I also have a focus on attachment, trauma, gender and sexuality/sex positivity.

Welcome to the world of Counselling, I provide holistic health care and guidance, having trained in Naturopathy, Counselling, and Gestalt Psychotherpay. With over 25 years’ experience. I welcome people of all cultures, gender and religions. My approach is collaborative, practical and intuitive, drawing on a range of modalities, personalised for your needs. I offer a safe and confidential space, providing support, so you can share what is truly going on for you and unburden yourself, to then find new ways to live your life. For many people Counselling is not a easy choice but taking your first steps, can be a huge relief.