Therapists for Children in Dunedin

Photo of James Andrew Howey - James Howey, Counselling and Supervision Services, Counsellor, MCouns, MNZAC
The experience of engaging in counselling is a deeply personal journey that affects all of us in different ways, and sometimes in ways we would never have expected. My areas of specialisation include couples work, family work, trauma, men’s work, mid-life crisis, personality insight and supervision, both clinical and professional. These sit at the heart of how I approach my clinical practice. By talking together through your concerns, counselling and supervision can support you to see solutions you didn’t know were there. It can also help you find ways to manage more effectively and move forward in your life.
The experience of engaging in counselling is a deeply personal journey that affects all of us in different ways, and sometimes in ways we would never have expected. My areas of specialisation include couples work, family work, trauma, men’s work, mid-life crisis, personality insight and supervision, both clinical and professional. These sit at the heart of how I approach my clinical practice. By talking together through your concerns, counselling and supervision can support you to see solutions you didn’t know were there. It can also help you find ways to manage more effectively and move forward in your life.
0800 447 264 x75 View 0800 447 264 x75
Photo of Kelsey Davis, Psychologist, MPsych
Kelsey Davis
Psychologist, MPsych
1 Endorsed
Dunedin 9016
My ideal clients are children, adolescents, and adults seeking clarity on their unique neurodevelopmental or learning profile.
I provide comprehensive ADHD, ASD, Cognitive, and Learning assessments (e.g., Dyslexia), as well as general mental health evaluations. My goal is to provide clinical clarity, helping you understand how your brain works and which strategies will actually help. Note: I am currently accepting referrals for assessment only, not ongoing therapy.
My ideal clients are children, adolescents, and adults seeking clarity on their unique neurodevelopmental or learning profile.
I provide comprehensive ADHD, ASD, Cognitive, and Learning assessments (e.g., Dyslexia), as well as general mental health evaluations. My goal is to provide clinical clarity, helping you understand how your brain works and which strategies will actually help. Note: I am currently accepting referrals for assessment only, not ongoing therapy.
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Photo of Talia Norriss
Talia Norriss
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have substantial experience working with adults, children, adolescents and family.
24/11/25 Spaces available! I enjoy working with people from a diverse set of backgrounds and ages. I believe that therapy can bring meaningful change for those I work with. You may be wondering if therapy is the right approach for you, and not know where to start or what to say. That is completely normal! My aim is to create a safe space where we can explore what brings you to therapy. I provide a personalised flexible approach to help people get the most out of sessions, and offer practical tools that can be used in everyday life. I offer sessions outside business hours for those who need flexibility. Christchurch or Online.
I have substantial experience working with adults, children, adolescents and family.
24/11/25 Spaces available! I enjoy working with people from a diverse set of backgrounds and ages. I believe that therapy can bring meaningful change for those I work with. You may be wondering if therapy is the right approach for you, and not know where to start or what to say. That is completely normal! My aim is to create a safe space where we can explore what brings you to therapy. I provide a personalised flexible approach to help people get the most out of sessions, and offer practical tools that can be used in everyday life. I offer sessions outside business hours for those who need flexibility. Christchurch or Online.
0800 627 003 x46 View 0800 627 003 x46
Photo of Hannah Wilkes - The Real Room, Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
The Real Room
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating a difficult life change and unsure where to begin. Many people come to counselling during times of loss, relationship changes, identity shifts, or when life simply no longer feels the same. Grief can follow bereavement, but it can also appear in quieter ways through life transitions, health changes, or the loss of a version of life we expected. I’m Hannah Wilkes, a Bachelor-qualified counsellor and NZAC member. I offer a calm, grounded space where you can talk openly about whatever you’re carrying, whether that’s sadness, anxiety, confusion, or feeling disconnected from yourself
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating a difficult life change and unsure where to begin. Many people come to counselling during times of loss, relationship changes, identity shifts, or when life simply no longer feels the same. Grief can follow bereavement, but it can also appear in quieter ways through life transitions, health changes, or the loss of a version of life we expected. I’m Hannah Wilkes, a Bachelor-qualified counsellor and NZAC member. I offer a calm, grounded space where you can talk openly about whatever you’re carrying, whether that’s sadness, anxiety, confusion, or feeling disconnected from yourself
0800 627 003 x83 View 0800 627 003 x83
Photo of Ale Held, Psychologist
Ale Held
Psychologist
Online Only
She is experienced in working with a variety of challenging behaviours across adults, adolescents, and children in a range of settings, providing a high level of behavioural assessments and interventions.
Following a rigorous assessment, she implements function-based interventions that are individually tailored and can work with families to achieve this in the case of children/adolescents.
She is experienced in working with a variety of challenging behaviours across adults, adolescents, and children in a range of settings, providing a high level of behavioural assessments and interventions.
Following a rigorous assessment, she implements function-based interventions that are individually tailored and can work with families to achieve this in the case of children/adolescents.
0800 327 477 View 0800 327 477
Photo of Araxi Mavridis, Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Araxi Mavridis
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Serves Area
I have been working with children, young adults and adults as well as couples and families in the process of finding a better understanding of who they are and how they can approach the presenting issues
we all experience some type of setbacks during our lifetime. Things like anxiety, identity crisis, grief, break ups, etc. having an impartial, non-judgmental with a counsellor can help gain clarity, understanding and tools to work with the issue.
I have been working with children, young adults and adults as well as couples and families in the process of finding a better understanding of who they are and how they can approach the presenting issues
we all experience some type of setbacks during our lifetime. Things like anxiety, identity crisis, grief, break ups, etc. having an impartial, non-judgmental with a counsellor can help gain clarity, understanding and tools to work with the issue.
0800 627 024 x65 View 0800 627 024 x65
Photo of Patricia Pataki, Psychotherapist, MSc, PBANZ
Patricia Pataki
Psychotherapist, MSc, PBANZ
Serves Area
I am a Nelson-based Psychotherapist offering short-term and long-term psychotherapy for adults, children and young people.
I offer a warm, non-judgmental and confidential environment to enable my clients to work through any past or present difficulties which they may be struggling with. I incorporate elements of Play Therapy and Art Therapy into my usual approach when working with children/young people, as it best suits my young clients' needs.
I am a Nelson-based Psychotherapist offering short-term and long-term psychotherapy for adults, children and young people.
I offer a warm, non-judgmental and confidential environment to enable my clients to work through any past or present difficulties which they may be struggling with. I incorporate elements of Play Therapy and Art Therapy into my usual approach when working with children/young people, as it best suits my young clients' needs.
0800 452 530 x15 View 0800 452 530 x15
Photo of Serafin Upton, Counsellor
Serafin Upton
Counsellor
Serves Area
Qualified child and adolescent mental health clinician.
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.
Qualified child and adolescent mental health clinician.
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.
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Photo of Trish Beauchamp - Trish, Life Wellness Coach, Counsellor
Trish, Life Wellness Coach
Counsellor
Online Only
My background is in classroom teaching, child development, and music education.
I provide strategies for maintaining a positive relationship with yourself and creating healthy connections with others. I help clients understand their thought processes when experiencing life transitions and changes in circumstances.
My background is in classroom teaching, child development, and music education.
I provide strategies for maintaining a positive relationship with yourself and creating healthy connections with others. I help clients understand their thought processes when experiencing life transitions and changes in circumstances.
0800 627 003 x32 View 0800 627 003 x32
Photo of Aleksandra Gosteva, Psychologist
Aleksandra Gosteva
Psychologist
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
Alex has specialist expertise in the areas of Child and Family Psychology, Organisational Psychology / Workplace consulting, Health Psychology as well as General Psychology.
Alex is a New Zealand fully trained, Registered Occupational Health Psychologist. With her breadth of extensive training, research and internships, she has developed special interests in different areas of psychology. Alex's extensive training and experience allowed me to develop a commitment to excellence and appreciation of the vulnerability, diversity, and presentation of people. For her clients, her main assets are my approachable demeanour, emphasis on wellbeing, and straightforward appraisal of their unique needs and situation.
Alex has specialist expertise in the areas of Child and Family Psychology, Organisational Psychology / Workplace consulting, Health Psychology as well as General Psychology.
Alex is a New Zealand fully trained, Registered Occupational Health Psychologist. With her breadth of extensive training, research and internships, she has developed special interests in different areas of psychology. Alex's extensive training and experience allowed me to develop a commitment to excellence and appreciation of the vulnerability, diversity, and presentation of people. For her clients, her main assets are my approachable demeanour, emphasis on wellbeing, and straightforward appraisal of their unique needs and situation.
0800 327 477 View 0800 327 477

Online Therapists

Photo of Lana Van Lierop - Workitwell, Occupational Therapy
Workitwell
Occupational Therapy
1 Endorsed
Cromwell 9310
Hi, I am Lana Van Lierop and have over 20 years experience as a Registered Health Professional and have worked specifically as a mental health therapist/coach (Occupational Therapist) for the past 5 years. My approach is warm and compassionate; I work alongside you to identify what is important, your challenges and how you would like your life to be different. Sessions are very practical, helping you to identify skills and life long coping strategies. I specialise in supporting clients with burnout and overwhelm, anxiety, low mood, ADHD, workplace challenges or feeling stuck and lost.
Hi, I am Lana Van Lierop and have over 20 years experience as a Registered Health Professional and have worked specifically as a mental health therapist/coach (Occupational Therapist) for the past 5 years. My approach is warm and compassionate; I work alongside you to identify what is important, your challenges and how you would like your life to be different. Sessions are very practical, helping you to identify skills and life long coping strategies. I specialise in supporting clients with burnout and overwhelm, anxiety, low mood, ADHD, workplace challenges or feeling stuck and lost.
0800 451 520 x10 View 0800 451 520 x10
Photo of Rosalind Helen Heathcote - Find Your Marbles, Counsellor, MCouns, MNZAC
Find Your Marbles
Counsellor, MCouns, MNZAC
Clyde 9330
Kia ora, my name is Ros. Counselling provides a safe, non-judgemental space for you to be heard and feel understood. It might not always feel like it, but you are the expert on your own life. My counselling approach seeks to work with you to explore what’s going well and what’s proving a challenge. Together, we’ll explore your values, assumptions and beliefs and create supportive, functional strategies and solutions to help you make sense of where you are right now.
Kia ora, my name is Ros. Counselling provides a safe, non-judgemental space for you to be heard and feel understood. It might not always feel like it, but you are the expert on your own life. My counselling approach seeks to work with you to explore what’s going well and what’s proving a challenge. Together, we’ll explore your values, assumptions and beliefs and create supportive, functional strategies and solutions to help you make sense of where you are right now.
0800 627 050 x61 View 0800 627 050 x61
FAQ - About Child Therapy
When does a child need to see a therapist?
Children naturally experience emotional ups and downs. Sometimes, though, they need support from a professional. A child may benefit from therapy if their emotions or behaviours change significantly within a short period of time. For example, if a child usually spends time with friends after school but begins isolating in their room, further inquiry is warranted. Other areas for concern include altered sleep patterns, lack of appetite, intense anger, irritability, or hopelessness, or developmental regression in young children (bedwetting, thumb-sucking).

What can a child therapist help with?
A therapist can help with any difficult experience a child may encounter growing up, including learning problems or anxiety related to school, relationship challenges with friends or parents, bullying, intense emotions or phobias, divorce and family dynamics, or the death of a pet or loved one. A therapist can help children process their experience and develop coping skills in an age-appropriate way

What therapy types are most suitable for children?
Children can benefit from different forms of therapy, including family therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, play therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and exposure therapy, depending on their condition. Play therapy is a great option for younger children who may not be able to fully articulate their feelings. In this approach, kids play with toys and games while a therapist observes and helps the child express their emotions and develop coping skills.

Do I need to attend therapy with my child?
Parents are an integral part of a child’s therapy, but the specifics of their involvement vary. If your child is young, you may attend most or all sessions; if your child is older, you may attend a few sessions or none; sometimes a therapist may ask you to have a session on your own. Whatever the arrangement, you should expect to work collaboratively with the therapist, your child, and your family members to take steps to help support your child.

How can I tell if a therapist is a good fit for my child?
A child needs to feel comfortable opening up about their thoughts and feelings, so if your child feels a sense of comfort, ease, and trust with their therapist, that’s a great sign. In addition, a therapist is a good fit for your child if the two can communicate well together; a clinician should be able to communicate clearly, effectively, and in an age-appropriate manner.