Therapists for Teens in Otago

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.

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.

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. I am passionate about working alongside you to identify what is important to you, your challenges and how you would like your life to be different. My approach is very practical, helping you to identify skills and life long coping strategies. I specialise in supporting clients with burnout and overwhelm, anxiety, low mood, workplace challenges, menopause and Long COVID.
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. I am passionate about working alongside you to identify what is important to you, your challenges and how you would like your life to be different. My approach is very practical, helping you to identify skills and life long coping strategies. I specialise in supporting clients with burnout and overwhelm, anxiety, low mood, workplace challenges, menopause and Long COVID.

Hi, I am Pia and here to help you heal by reprogramming your subconscious mind. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, self-doubts or are feeling that something is holding you back from living your life to the fullest, I am here for you. I have a Master of Science in Psychology and I am a certified Rapid Transformational Practitioner, working with the subconscious mind and hypnotherapy. I am also a mother of two. The way I work is different and not like conventional therapy. I work holistically, treating the root cause and not only the symptoms of your issue by reprogramming your subconscious mind.
Hi, I am Pia and here to help you heal by reprogramming your subconscious mind. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, self-doubts or are feeling that something is holding you back from living your life to the fullest, I am here for you. I have a Master of Science in Psychology and I am a certified Rapid Transformational Practitioner, working with the subconscious mind and hypnotherapy. I am also a mother of two. The way I work is different and not like conventional therapy. I work holistically, treating the root cause and not only the symptoms of your issue by reprogramming your subconscious mind.

James Howey, Counselling and Supervision Services
Counsellor, MCouns, MNZAC
Verified Verified
Dunedin 9010
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. By us talking together through your concerns, counselling can support you to see solutions you didn’t know were there. It can also help you find ways to manage better and move on in your life I understand and honour that each person’s story is unique in that we are all affected by life in different ways. I also understand the importance of being respectful of each person’s culture and belief systems.
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. By us talking together through your concerns, counselling can support you to see solutions you didn’t know were there. It can also help you find ways to manage better and move on in your life I understand and honour that each person’s story is unique in that we are all affected by life in different ways. I also understand the importance of being respectful of each person’s culture and belief systems.

My passion is to create a space for others to explore their concerns or challenges and feel comfortable doing so as we work together towards your preferred goals ultimately supporting overall wellness.
It can be a stepping out of the boat experience to talk to a professional about what troubles us, so I try to make the 'process' as easy as possible. We all struggle in many ways (normal!) and often, don't know what we don't know so upskilling in self-care or healthy thinking or relational wellness is something we all need to do from time to time to continue moving forward in life in ways that give our lives meaning and colour.
My passion is to create a space for others to explore their concerns or challenges and feel comfortable doing so as we work together towards your preferred goals ultimately supporting overall wellness.
It can be a stepping out of the boat experience to talk to a professional about what troubles us, so I try to make the 'process' as easy as possible. We all struggle in many ways (normal!) and often, don't know what we don't know so upskilling in self-care or healthy thinking or relational wellness is something we all need to do from time to time to continue moving forward in life in ways that give our lives meaning and colour.

I am a neurodiversity and mental health consultant, and my passion is providing assessment , education, advocacy, therapy , coaching and consultancy for neurodivergent people or those suffering with mental ill health , and those working with them. first and foremost my desired outcome is to build on trust, and a therapeutic alliance with those I support. My service delivery would usually be a blended approach, for example this could include elements from a range of modalities such as skills coaching, DBT, and ACT. This ensures a well rounded delivery of neurodiversity affirming therapy and support.
I am a neurodiversity and mental health consultant, and my passion is providing assessment , education, advocacy, therapy , coaching and consultancy for neurodivergent people or those suffering with mental ill health , and those working with them. first and foremost my desired outcome is to build on trust, and a therapeutic alliance with those I support. My service delivery would usually be a blended approach, for example this could include elements from a range of modalities such as skills coaching, DBT, and ACT. This ensures a well rounded delivery of neurodiversity affirming therapy and support.

Hi there. I have 20+ years’ experience as New Zealand Registered Health Professional with an extensive background in both mental health therapy/counselling and occupational therapy. Using a combination of evidence based talking and somatic trauma therapies, I tailor my approach to support you to develop tools to navigate your mental health and/or life challenges you may be facing. We can address taking steps towards progress and meaningful change in whatever stage you are at in your life. This may include gaining insight into thinking patterns, beliefs, behaviour and body sensations that may be contributing or protecting factors.
Hi there. I have 20+ years’ experience as New Zealand Registered Health Professional with an extensive background in both mental health therapy/counselling and occupational therapy. Using a combination of evidence based talking and somatic trauma therapies, I tailor my approach to support you to develop tools to navigate your mental health and/or life challenges you may be facing. We can address taking steps towards progress and meaningful change in whatever stage you are at in your life. This may include gaining insight into thinking patterns, beliefs, behaviour and body sensations that may be contributing or protecting factors.

Hi, I'm Cara Ferris, a passionate counseling professional. I am dedicated to supporting people of all ages and stages to navigate life changes. Whether you're facing a major transition, coping with uncertainty, or simply need someone to talk to, counseling can help. In our sessions, we'll work together in a safe, inclusive space to explore your challenges and find a path that feels right for you. We will collaborate to achieve your therapeutic goals, fostering a journey of healing and self-discovery. Your path to peace and calm starts here.
Hi, I'm Cara Ferris, a passionate counseling professional. I am dedicated to supporting people of all ages and stages to navigate life changes. Whether you're facing a major transition, coping with uncertainty, or simply need someone to talk to, counseling can help. In our sessions, we'll work together in a safe, inclusive space to explore your challenges and find a path that feels right for you. We will collaborate to achieve your therapeutic goals, fostering a journey of healing and self-discovery. Your path to peace and calm starts here.

Please contact me via email, rather than phone call. Cheers.
Please contact me via email, rather than phone call. Cheers.

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.
Meet Our Teen Counsellors

Better Self - Better Relationships - Better World. If you're wanting more confidence in yourself, more trust in your relationships, and more acceptance in the world, then I may be able to help. You'll find me an active listener. Through evidence-based interventions, I'll build a supportive therapeutic alliance with you, enabling you to achieve positive change. However, this requires your commitment to effort, time, and investment. The average course is some half dozen sessions, while deeper issues generally need more. Currently, I'm able to offer $945 as prepayment for 6 standard 50-minute sessions - more than a 10% discount.
Better Self - Better Relationships - Better World. If you're wanting more confidence in yourself, more trust in your relationships, and more acceptance in the world, then I may be able to help. You'll find me an active listener. Through evidence-based interventions, I'll build a supportive therapeutic alliance with you, enabling you to achieve positive change. However, this requires your commitment to effort, time, and investment. The average course is some half dozen sessions, while deeper issues generally need more. Currently, I'm able to offer $945 as prepayment for 6 standard 50-minute sessions - more than a 10% discount.

As Bessel van der Kolk notes, trauma is specifically an event that overwhelms the central nervous system, altering the way we process and recall memories. “Trauma is not the story of something that happened back then," he adds. "It's the current imprint of that pain, horror, and fear living inside people.” I am a well-established health professional who has dedicated my professional life working on releasing trauma in a natural, nurturing way, returning my clients to their natural state of wholeness. I call this "The Journey Home". I work from a neuroscience perspective. Harmonizing all aspects of our being Mind, Body and Soul
As Bessel van der Kolk notes, trauma is specifically an event that overwhelms the central nervous system, altering the way we process and recall memories. “Trauma is not the story of something that happened back then," he adds. "It's the current imprint of that pain, horror, and fear living inside people.” I am a well-established health professional who has dedicated my professional life working on releasing trauma in a natural, nurturing way, returning my clients to their natural state of wholeness. I call this "The Journey Home". I work from a neuroscience perspective. Harmonizing all aspects of our being Mind, Body and Soul

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.

Karen is a passionate psychologist with experience across a wide variety of settings. Karen has a particular interest in anxiety, women’s psychology, gender issues and workplace issues. She offers a safe and non-judgemental space for you to open-up about any challenges you may be facing. Karen often utilises unique and creative models for both therapy and coaching, based on the use of mindfulness and connection to values. You both can work together to develop effective strategies that you can implement outside of therapy to help better manage symptoms.
Karen is a passionate psychologist with experience across a wide variety of settings. Karen has a particular interest in anxiety, women’s psychology, gender issues and workplace issues. She offers a safe and non-judgemental space for you to open-up about any challenges you may be facing. Karen often utilises unique and creative models for both therapy and coaching, based on the use of mindfulness and connection to values. You both can work together to develop effective strategies that you can implement outside of therapy to help better manage symptoms.

Alexandra (Ale) Held is an NZ-trained and registered psychologist and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). 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. She is experienced in implementing intensive Behaviour Support Services, based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis. She works from a non-aversive framework to increase positive behaviour, increase positive interactions, develop skills, and decrease the occurrence of challenging behaviours.
Alexandra (Ale) Held is an NZ-trained and registered psychologist and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). 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. She is experienced in implementing intensive Behaviour Support Services, based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis. She works from a non-aversive framework to increase positive behaviour, increase positive interactions, develop skills, and decrease the occurrence of challenging behaviours.

Do you find your thoughts overwhelming you? Are these thoughts constantly on your mind keeping you from living your life? Through life's obstacles and challenges, there is a story. You deserved to be heard for yourself or your relationship with your loved ones. Each journey with a client is unique. I am here to listen if you are experiencing anxiety, stress, anger or depression. When past traumas or present issues create road bumps in your life, I can work collaboratively to help you make sense of it all.
Do you find your thoughts overwhelming you? Are these thoughts constantly on your mind keeping you from living your life? Through life's obstacles and challenges, there is a story. You deserved to be heard for yourself or your relationship with your loved ones. Each journey with a client is unique. I am here to listen if you are experiencing anxiety, stress, anger or depression. When past traumas or present issues create road bumps in your life, I can work collaboratively to help you make sense of it all.

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

Nat Phillips | Bright Minds Counselling
Counsellor, MCouns, NZAC - Provisional
Verified Verified
Online Only
Nau mai, haere mai Kia ora and welcome... My name is Nat, and I am an experienced counsellor working individually with adolescents and adults throughout Aotearoa. I offer online counselling sessions for ages 13+. My approach is person-centered and pluralistic – this means I’ll work collaboratively with you to set therapeutic goals that are meaningful to you personally. I’ll pull from a wide range of counselling theories and modalities and will tailor our sessions to ensure they’re as unique as you are. My aim is always to uplift and empower you as we co-navigate your journey to wellbeing.
Nau mai, haere mai Kia ora and welcome... My name is Nat, and I am an experienced counsellor working individually with adolescents and adults throughout Aotearoa. I offer online counselling sessions for ages 13+. My approach is person-centered and pluralistic – this means I’ll work collaboratively with you to set therapeutic goals that are meaningful to you personally. I’ll pull from a wide range of counselling theories and modalities and will tailor our sessions to ensure they’re as unique as you are. My aim is always to uplift and empower you as we co-navigate your journey to wellbeing.

My approach draws on traditional and alternative counselling and coaching 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 and coaching 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.
Teen Counsellors
What does therapy for teenagers look like?
When a therapist works with a teenager, the pair will talk about what the teen is struggling with and explore solutions, which may involve interpersonal skills, coping strategies, medication, or lifestyle changes related to sleep, diet, and exercise. Different therapists employ different modalities, but most involve a combination of conversation and skill building.
How long does therapy for teenagers generally take to work?
There’s variability in teenagers’ experiences and challenges; some may begin to improve from therapy within a few weeks while others may take several months or longer. Teens can discuss their progress with their therapist periodically to assess how they’re improving and any changes to the treatment plan that could potentially accelerate that progress.
How do you encourage a teenager to go to therapy?
It’s helpful to express your concern and love while framing therapy as an opportunity to explore a tool that could help improve their life; just like they practice baseball or dance, now they can practice their emotional skills. Give your teen control over the process where you can—maybe by weighing in on choice of therapist and signaling that therapy involves confidentiality, so a parent need not know all that is discussed in sessions.
How do you prepare teens for therapy?
You can prepare your teenager for therapy by describing what the process will look like and setting expectations for timeline, if requested. You can explain that the first session may begin with an assessment phase, that they can describe their experiences but that the therapist will ask questions too, and that it may take time to feel comfortable opening up. Ask how they’re feeling about the process and answer any questions calmly and supportively.