Therapists in Nelson

Have you been feeling stuck or held back by limiting beliefs or unhelpful patterns in your life that are getting in the way of the life you had envisioned? Are you keen to improve your confidence, self-belief and feel happier with yourself? Are you ready to embrace "the true you" in order to make strides toward the life you want to create? If you're ready for change, get in touch.
Have you been feeling stuck or held back by limiting beliefs or unhelpful patterns in your life that are getting in the way of the life you had envisioned? Are you keen to improve your confidence, self-belief and feel happier with yourself? Are you ready to embrace "the true you" in order to make strides toward the life you want to create? If you're ready for change, get in touch.

Kia Orana and Hello! My name is Elizabeth Putaura. I was born in Rarotonga and raised in New Zealand. I live in Nelson where I also received my BA in counselling. I am a member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors and am an ACC registered counsellor/provider for the Sensitive Claims Service
Kia Orana and Hello! My name is Elizabeth Putaura. I was born in Rarotonga and raised in New Zealand. I live in Nelson where I also received my BA in counselling. I am a member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors and am an ACC registered counsellor/provider for the Sensitive Claims Service

Together, we can explore effective ways to improve your emotional wellbeing and reduce the impact that anxiety, depression, psychosis and addiction may be having on your life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, self-compassion and psychoeducation, including addiction treatment approaches can be tailored to your unique needs, making your therapy a personalized journey. We will work collaboratively to achieve the results you are seeking. I work on a koha/sliding scale basis so you can access therapy without money being a barrier.
Together, we can explore effective ways to improve your emotional wellbeing and reduce the impact that anxiety, depression, psychosis and addiction may be having on your life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, self-compassion and psychoeducation, including addiction treatment approaches can be tailored to your unique needs, making your therapy a personalized journey. We will work collaboratively to achieve the results you are seeking. I work on a koha/sliding scale basis so you can access therapy without money being a barrier.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress burnout, grief, trauma, immigration or other concerns? Looking for guidance in changing patterns or struggling to navigate the complexities of neurodiversity (ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia)? Do you need understanding, acceptance, and practical strategies while riding the wave of life's adversities? I'm mature counsellor, so I bring academic training, but also years of life experience and my own ongoing life learning to my counselling. Clients tell me I am calm, approachable, friendly, and trustworthy. I'm here to listen & help make sense of it.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress burnout, grief, trauma, immigration or other concerns? Looking for guidance in changing patterns or struggling to navigate the complexities of neurodiversity (ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia)? Do you need understanding, acceptance, and practical strategies while riding the wave of life's adversities? I'm mature counsellor, so I bring academic training, but also years of life experience and my own ongoing life learning to my counselling. Clients tell me I am calm, approachable, friendly, and trustworthy. I'm here to listen & help make sense of it.

I’ here to offer a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can talk about whatever’s on your mind. With 16 years of experience in therapeutic and well-being services, I specialise in areas like anxiety, stress management, pain management, trauma, grief, loss and perinatal support. I’m passionate about holistic well-being and focus on helping you manage stress and pain to suit your unique needs. My collaborative approach is tailored to empower you to live a balanced and fulfilling life. I am using a mix of methods like Person-Centered, Solution Focused, Internal Family Systems, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
I’ here to offer a supportive and non-judgmental space where you can talk about whatever’s on your mind. With 16 years of experience in therapeutic and well-being services, I specialise in areas like anxiety, stress management, pain management, trauma, grief, loss and perinatal support. I’m passionate about holistic well-being and focus on helping you manage stress and pain to suit your unique needs. My collaborative approach is tailored to empower you to live a balanced and fulfilling life. I am using a mix of methods like Person-Centered, Solution Focused, Internal Family Systems, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Whether you're struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, disordered eating patterns or body image concerns, I am here to provide you with the support, guidance, and expertise you need to embark on a journey towards recovery, healing, and reclaiming your life. Together, we will navigate the challenges, celebrate the victories, and embark on a path towards lasting freedom and empowerment.
Whether you're struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, disordered eating patterns or body image concerns, I am here to provide you with the support, guidance, and expertise you need to embark on a journey towards recovery, healing, and reclaiming your life. Together, we will navigate the challenges, celebrate the victories, and embark on a path towards lasting freedom and empowerment.

Hi, I am a registered clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist living and practicing in Nelson, New Zealand. My primary focus is providing psychotherapy. Psychotherapy involves the careful application of techniques that help people change their behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and other personal characteristics in ways that enable them to thrive and cope with the stresses of living. I prefer to work with clients in person but if meeting in person is impossible or impractical, I can provide services online.
Hi, I am a registered clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist living and practicing in Nelson, New Zealand. My primary focus is providing psychotherapy. Psychotherapy involves the careful application of techniques that help people change their behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and other personal characteristics in ways that enable them to thrive and cope with the stresses of living. I prefer to work with clients in person but if meeting in person is impossible or impractical, I can provide services online.

Kia ora, Talofa, Hello! I am passionate about supporting people in the LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and polyamorous/CNM alternative relationship structure communities. I apply an intersectional lens to understanding experiences of distress and trauma. I enjoy working with and resourcing gender-diverse humans, and exploring ways to enhance gender euphoria. I work with individuals, whānau (families), and couples/triads/polycules. I bring creativity, curiosity, and unconditional positive regard to the people I work with. It is a privilege to walk alongside people on their life journey and to bear witness to their growth and development.
Kia ora, Talofa, Hello! I am passionate about supporting people in the LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and polyamorous/CNM alternative relationship structure communities. I apply an intersectional lens to understanding experiences of distress and trauma. I enjoy working with and resourcing gender-diverse humans, and exploring ways to enhance gender euphoria. I work with individuals, whānau (families), and couples/triads/polycules. I bring creativity, curiosity, and unconditional positive regard to the people I work with. It is a privilege to walk alongside people on their life journey and to bear witness to their growth and development.

Developing together a safe space to explore, we can work towards understanding and befriending your inner world (thoughts, emotions, body sensations and nervous system responses) as a pathway towards awareness, resilience and lasting healing.
Developing together a safe space to explore, we can work towards understanding and befriending your inner world (thoughts, emotions, body sensations and nervous system responses) as a pathway towards awareness, resilience and lasting healing.

The journey through life is often defined by many challenges that can weigh us down in unexpected ways. Whether we are feeling anxious or depressed, are navigating relationship issues, a difficult transition, struggling with unresolved trauma, or unhelpful behaviour patterns we do not need to do it alone. Sometimes this journey requires support so we can find our way back to a greater sense of balance and well-being.
The journey through life is often defined by many challenges that can weigh us down in unexpected ways. Whether we are feeling anxious or depressed, are navigating relationship issues, a difficult transition, struggling with unresolved trauma, or unhelpful behaviour patterns we do not need to do it alone. Sometimes this journey requires support so we can find our way back to a greater sense of balance and well-being.

Perhaps you are overwhelmed with depression or anxiety, feel helpless or hopeless and you want to get yourself back again - enjoy life? Perhaps you find life is unfulfilling, you feel stuck in the same rut and struggle to change your life to be more what you would like it to be? Or are you experiencing conflict, relationship issues, self-esteem issues or stress and need help and support at this time? Together we can find a way forward. I am the author of the "Out of the Fog" programme delivered in group and individual therapy which has helped hundreds of people to recover/become well from depression/anxiety.
Perhaps you are overwhelmed with depression or anxiety, feel helpless or hopeless and you want to get yourself back again - enjoy life? Perhaps you find life is unfulfilling, you feel stuck in the same rut and struggle to change your life to be more what you would like it to be? Or are you experiencing conflict, relationship issues, self-esteem issues or stress and need help and support at this time? Together we can find a way forward. I am the author of the "Out of the Fog" programme delivered in group and individual therapy which has helped hundreds of people to recover/become well from depression/anxiety.
Meet Our Counsellors

Kia ora! First things first, you are welcome and valued in this space we share together! I offer a warm and comforting space where diversity is respected and encouraged. Here clients can express, discover, and explore their authentic thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgement. From here we can begin to gently challenge unhelpful beliefs and focus on self-empowerment, self-compassion, self-worth, and self love, leading to a more fulfilling and happy life.
Kia ora! First things first, you are welcome and valued in this space we share together! I offer a warm and comforting space where diversity is respected and encouraged. Here clients can express, discover, and explore their authentic thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgement. From here we can begin to gently challenge unhelpful beliefs and focus on self-empowerment, self-compassion, self-worth, and self love, leading to a more fulfilling and happy life.

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.
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.

My passion and strengths lie in assisting people to make positive steps to take back mastery of their health and wellbeing and move towards their greatest potential and freedom. I take a holistic, creative and heart centered approach to the process, meeting you where you are at and walking side by side with you to a brighter, joyful and more authentic place within yourself and your world. My focus is on supporting you to build and strengthen your own resources inside yourself. Empowering you to grow your own awareness to understand yourself and the root causes of the presenting challenges.
My passion and strengths lie in assisting people to make positive steps to take back mastery of their health and wellbeing and move towards their greatest potential and freedom. I take a holistic, creative and heart centered approach to the process, meeting you where you are at and walking side by side with you to a brighter, joyful and more authentic place within yourself and your world. My focus is on supporting you to build and strengthen your own resources inside yourself. Empowering you to grow your own awareness to understand yourself and the root causes of the presenting challenges.

Hi! I enjoy working with people committed to personal, relational and spiritual growth. My areas of interest include supporting the LGBTQ+ and Ethically Non Monogamous/polyamorous communities, as well as trauma survivors. I have 30 years experience with a variety of mental health problems & addictions. I am interested in attachment, loss, life transitions, relationships, spiritual & personal growth, gender, sex, sexuality, and neurodiversity. I provide assessment and diagnoses for mental health conditions and ADHD. I am honoured to support the transgender community through Informed Consent for Gender Affirming Care.
Hi! I enjoy working with people committed to personal, relational and spiritual growth. My areas of interest include supporting the LGBTQ+ and Ethically Non Monogamous/polyamorous communities, as well as trauma survivors. I have 30 years experience with a variety of mental health problems & addictions. I am interested in attachment, loss, life transitions, relationships, spiritual & personal growth, gender, sex, sexuality, and neurodiversity. I provide assessment and diagnoses for mental health conditions and ADHD. I am honoured to support the transgender community through Informed Consent for Gender Affirming Care.

You have trouble sleeping. You're tired (mind the pun) of lying awake at night tossing & turning. The thought of going to bed makes you worry. You don't drop off when you put your head on your pillow. If you do, you wake up during the night and can't get back to sleep for hours. You worry about the toll your sleeplessness is having on your health, your mood, your relationships and your ability to function at work. You want to sleep better. You want to look forward to bedtime. You want to wake up feeling refreshed. You want to feel like sleep isn't controlling your life. Assess your insomnia here: https://www.thebettersleepclinic.com
You have trouble sleeping. You're tired (mind the pun) of lying awake at night tossing & turning. The thought of going to bed makes you worry. You don't drop off when you put your head on your pillow. If you do, you wake up during the night and can't get back to sleep for hours. You worry about the toll your sleeplessness is having on your health, your mood, your relationships and your ability to function at work. You want to sleep better. You want to look forward to bedtime. You want to wake up feeling refreshed. You want to feel like sleep isn't controlling your life. Assess your insomnia here: https://www.thebettersleepclinic.com

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, palpitations, 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. With me you will feel safe, supported, valued, and respected during the therapeutic process.
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, palpitations, 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. With me you will feel safe, supported, valued, and respected during the therapeutic process.

Kia ora, I'm Mags. I offer sleep therapy for adults having problems with insomnia and other sleep-related challenges. I provide sleep assessment, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) and other sleep challenges using evidence-based and drug free solutions. CBTi is the gold standard treatment for insomnia and research has shown it is highly effective and long lasting.
Kia ora, I'm Mags. I offer sleep therapy for adults having problems with insomnia and other sleep-related challenges. I provide sleep assessment, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBTi) and other sleep challenges using evidence-based and drug free solutions. CBTi is the gold standard treatment for insomnia and research has shown it is highly effective and long lasting.

Are you suffering from anxiety related to personal or professional challenges? As a certified Life Coach, I'm here to help you create clarity around issues you may have, to help you regain emotional control, allowing you to considerably strengthen your position as a solution maker. Life Coaching starts with a conversation, confidential and non-judgemental to provoke insightful solutions.
Are you suffering from anxiety related to personal or professional challenges? As a certified Life Coach, I'm here to help you create clarity around issues you may have, to help you regain emotional control, allowing you to considerably strengthen your position as a solution maker. Life Coaching starts with a conversation, confidential and non-judgemental to provoke insightful solutions.

My passion and purpose? To empower you to live your best Life. Acknowledging the principle that humans are interdependent beings, we understand that isolation is not sustainable; we rely on healthy relationships, community, connection and empathy for our well-being. Recognising that shifts in our circumstances, whether good or bad, can affect our, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. My holistic approach goes beyond symptom management to identify and address the root causes of your challenge. "Empowering you with holistic, client-centered strategies to achieve health, well-being, and inner healing for yourself.
My passion and purpose? To empower you to live your best Life. Acknowledging the principle that humans are interdependent beings, we understand that isolation is not sustainable; we rely on healthy relationships, community, connection and empathy for our well-being. Recognising that shifts in our circumstances, whether good or bad, can affect our, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. My holistic approach goes beyond symptom management to identify and address the root causes of your challenge. "Empowering you with holistic, client-centered strategies to achieve health, well-being, and inner healing for yourself.
See more therapy options for Nelson
How does your Counsellor compare?
Number of Counsellors in Nelson
30+
Average cost per session
$140
Counsellors in Nelson who prioritize treating:
86% | Anxiety |
80% | Stress |
74% | Relationship Issues |
71% | Depression |
71% | Self Esteem |
66% | Life Transitions |
57% | Coping Skills |
Average years in practice
14 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Southern Cross |
67% | Sovereign Health |
67% | AIA |
How Counsellors in Nelson see their clients
66% | In Person and Online | |
34% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
84% | Female | |
13% | Male | |
3% | Non-Binary |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counselling
How can I find a therapist in Nelson?
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.