Career Guidance Therapists in Otago

Ryan Sullivan
Counsellor, MA, NZAC - Provisional
I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults navigating anxiety, burnout, life transitions, relationship challenges, trauma, grief, or a sense of feeling stuck or uncertain about what comes next. I’m especially drawn to people who want a different approach to therapy—one that allows for movement, space, curiosity, and connection with the natural world. Together, we explore what’s happening, build insight and practical tools, and identify meaningful ways forward. My role is to walk alongside you, not tell you which path to take.
I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults navigating anxiety, burnout, life transitions, relationship challenges, trauma, grief, or a sense of feeling stuck or uncertain about what comes next. I’m especially drawn to people who want a different approach to therapy—one that allows for movement, space, curiosity, and connection with the natural world. Together, we explore what’s happening, build insight and practical tools, and identify meaningful ways forward. My role is to walk alongside you, not tell you which path to take.
0800 118 063 x95 View 0800 118 063 x95
Ngairini Okell
Counsellor, MCouns, NZAC - Provisional
1 Endorsed
Safe, Kind & Knowledgeable Counselling. Are you or a loved one navigating life's challenges? Whether you are looking for support for yourself, an adult, a child, a teenager, or an elderly family member, Otago Counselling is here to help. With 12 years of professional experience, I provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space tailored to your unique needs.
Safe, Kind & Knowledgeable Counselling. Are you or a loved one navigating life's challenges? Whether you are looking for support for yourself, an adult, a child, a teenager, or an elderly family member, Otago Counselling is here to help. With 12 years of professional experience, I provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space tailored to your unique needs.
0800 627 003 x58 View 0800 627 003 x58
Fiona Williamson
Counsellor
Wanaka 9382
Finding the right Therapist is a bit like finding the perfect pair of shoes - it has to be the right fit to get to where you want to go. I provide a space that is professional, evidence based, and deeply compassionate. My work is informed by the belief that every person has an innate capacity for change when given the right environment.
Finding the right Therapist is a bit like finding the perfect pair of shoes - it has to be the right fit to get to where you want to go. I provide a space that is professional, evidence based, and deeply compassionate. My work is informed by the belief that every person has an innate capacity for change when given the right environment.
0800 452 530 x85 View 0800 452 530 x85
Rebekah Key
Psychotherapist, MA, PBANZ
Kia ora. I am a registered psychotherapist (PBANZ) and have lived and worked in Queenstown for more than 15 years. I offer depth-oriented psychotherapy for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-worth, perfectionism, people-pleasing and significant periods of change. I also work with people who may appear to be coping well outwardly, yet feel stuck, disconnected or caught in patterns they have been unable to change. My aim is to offer a thoughtful, warm and deeply engaged approach to therapy, grounded in an understanding of each person’s unique history and inner life.
Kia ora. I am a registered psychotherapist (PBANZ) and have lived and worked in Queenstown for more than 15 years. I offer depth-oriented psychotherapy for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-worth, perfectionism, people-pleasing and significant periods of change. I also work with people who may appear to be coping well outwardly, yet feel stuck, disconnected or caught in patterns they have been unable to change. My aim is to offer a thoughtful, warm and deeply engaged approach to therapy, grounded in an understanding of each person’s unique history and inner life.
0800 118 063 x82 View 0800 118 063 x82
Wendi Halligan
Counsellor
Dunedin 9016
Hi I have been practicing working with people towards change for 20t years now. In counselling , group work, external supervision. During this time I have learnt a lot to put into my kete of knowledge to help with you to move forward to the life you will happy with.
Hi I have been practicing working with people towards change for 20t years now. In counselling , group work, external supervision. During this time I have learnt a lot to put into my kete of knowledge to help with you to move forward to the life you will happy with.
0800 447 359 x97 View 0800 447 359 x97
Araxi Mavridis
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
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.
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
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
Dr Paul Duignan
Psychologist, PhD
Serves Area
I provide practical tools to manage stress, address life's challenges, resolve career and relationship problems, and address worry, sadness, and meaning-of-life issues
I work with those facing stress and life issues, with organisations & leaders (see Leaders.DrPaul.Online) and supervise professionals (see Supervision.DrPaul.Online). More than just counselling, as a Registered Clinical Psychologist, I offer structured assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based solutions. Clients' feedback: 'Paul was able to articulate what was going on for me'. I highly recommend him. His approach was 'methodical, thoughtful, interesting and implementable, and made me feel comfortable and listened to'. 'Seeing Paul, I am now more confident, relaxed and a better person as a result' (see Feedback.DrPaul.Online).
I provide practical tools to manage stress, address life's challenges, resolve career and relationship problems, and address worry, sadness, and meaning-of-life issues
I work with those facing stress and life issues, with organisations & leaders (see Leaders.DrPaul.Online) and supervise professionals (see Supervision.DrPaul.Online). More than just counselling, as a Registered Clinical Psychologist, I offer structured assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based solutions. Clients' feedback: 'Paul was able to articulate what was going on for me'. I highly recommend him. His approach was 'methodical, thoughtful, interesting and implementable, and made me feel comfortable and listened to'. 'Seeing Paul, I am now more confident, relaxed and a better person as a result' (see Feedback.DrPaul.Online).
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Erica Steele
Counsellor, MA, MNZAC
Online Only
Career coaching - changing career, professional development, presentation, communication and leadership skills Personal counselling - CBT, ACT, trauma, narcissistic abuse recovery, Short Intervention Addiction Therapy, relationships, recover from bullying, conflict management, assertiveness, building confidence, stress management, manage anxiety, self care
Do you need help through a major life transition - to help build confidence, develop life direction, improve communication and relationship skills, manage stress, anger, depression and anxiety, and encourage wellbeing and self care? I can help, and welcome your enquiry. I can also assist with conflict resolution and Short Intervention Addiction Therapy (great for highly motivated people looking to change negative habits). I currently work with a variety of people including business owners, tradespeople, homemakers, farmers, artists, and students. Preferred provider for Auckland Chamber of Commerce. Registered with EAP providers.
Career coaching - changing career, professional development, presentation, communication and leadership skills Personal counselling - CBT, ACT, trauma, narcissistic abuse recovery, Short Intervention Addiction Therapy, relationships, recover from bullying, conflict management, assertiveness, building confidence, stress management, manage anxiety, self care
Do you need help through a major life transition - to help build confidence, develop life direction, improve communication and relationship skills, manage stress, anger, depression and anxiety, and encourage wellbeing and self care? I can help, and welcome your enquiry. I can also assist with conflict resolution and Short Intervention Addiction Therapy (great for highly motivated people looking to change negative habits). I currently work with a variety of people including business owners, tradespeople, homemakers, farmers, artists, and students. Preferred provider for Auckland Chamber of Commerce. Registered with EAP providers.
0800 451 540 x59 View 0800 451 540 x59
Taking Steps Counselling
Counsellor, MCouns, MNZAC
Serves Area
www.takingstepscounselling.nz Kia ora, hello, my name is Nicola. I believe every person has their own story, shaped by their experiences, strengths and challenges. I aim to provide a warm, safe and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, understood and accepted. My approach is collaborative and practical, helping you understand what is happening, recognise your strengths and take steps towards a future that feels more meaningful and manageable. Find out more: www.takingstepscounselling.nz
www.takingstepscounselling.nz Kia ora, hello, my name is Nicola. I believe every person has their own story, shaped by their experiences, strengths and challenges. I aim to provide a warm, safe and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, understood and accepted. My approach is collaborative and practical, helping you understand what is happening, recognise your strengths and take steps towards a future that feels more meaningful and manageable. Find out more: www.takingstepscounselling.nz
0800 452 530 x33 View 0800 452 530 x33
Julie Routier
Counsellor
Online Only
I am a Holistic Counsellor, an Intuitive & a spiritual mentor. My spiritual awareness and my background in the field of health have benefitted my appreciation for both tangible and mystical perceptions when it comes to physical and mental wellbeing. The transformation & sacred journey I will take you on will enable you to reach wellbeing by liberating yourself from traumas, conditioning, and self-limiting beliefs rooted in past experiences that are no longer serving you. I have a nurturing, proactive & empowering approach to help you find freedom within yourself in a supportive and safe environment.
I am a Holistic Counsellor, an Intuitive & a spiritual mentor. My spiritual awareness and my background in the field of health have benefitted my appreciation for both tangible and mystical perceptions when it comes to physical and mental wellbeing. The transformation & sacred journey I will take you on will enable you to reach wellbeing by liberating yourself from traumas, conditioning, and self-limiting beliefs rooted in past experiences that are no longer serving you. I have a nurturing, proactive & empowering approach to help you find freedom within yourself in a supportive and safe environment.
021 209 7739 View 021 209 7739
Jonathan Kirk
Counsellor, MA, NZAC - Provisional
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Feeling anxious, disconnected in your relationships, or stuck in a difficult season of life? I support youth, adults, and couples who are dealing with overthinking, conflict, low confidence, stress, low mood, or a loss of direction. Many of the people I work with are used to handling things on their own and want counselling that feels practical, approachable, and genuinely useful. Together, we’ll make sense of what’s happening, build tools that fit your life, and help you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and connection.
Feeling anxious, disconnected in your relationships, or stuck in a difficult season of life? I support youth, adults, and couples who are dealing with overthinking, conflict, low confidence, stress, low mood, or a loss of direction. Many of the people I work with are used to handling things on their own and want counselling that feels practical, approachable, and genuinely useful. Together, we’ll make sense of what’s happening, build tools that fit your life, and help you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and connection.
0800 452 530 x91 View 0800 452 530 x91
Dr. Carl Beuke
Psychologist, PhD
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Other areas I can help you with include stress, anxiety, depression, anger, sleep difficulties, and career challenges.
My aim is to work with you as a team, so that you feel heard and understood. My approach is practical, supportive, and solution-focused. If our work together is successful, it will equip you with skills that will last you a lifetime.
Other areas I can help you with include stress, anxiety, depression, anger, sleep difficulties, and career challenges.
My aim is to work with you as a team, so that you feel heard and understood. My approach is practical, supportive, and solution-focused. If our work together is successful, it will equip you with skills that will last you a lifetime.
0800 627 004 x85 View 0800 627 004 x85
Anjie Silva
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Feeling stuck in patterns of anxiety, overthinking, low mood, burnout, or people-pleasing and unsure how to shift them? You may be navigating grief, relationship stress, relocation, or major life transitions where things feel heavier than you can carry alone. People often seek counselling when they notice repeated patterns such as avoidance, emotional overwhelm, difficulty setting boundaries, loneliness, or challenges adjusting to new environments, identities, cultures, and relationships. Counselling can offer a space to pause, reflect, and begin making sense of these experiences.
Feeling stuck in patterns of anxiety, overthinking, low mood, burnout, or people-pleasing and unsure how to shift them? You may be navigating grief, relationship stress, relocation, or major life transitions where things feel heavier than you can carry alone. People often seek counselling when they notice repeated patterns such as avoidance, emotional overwhelm, difficulty setting boundaries, loneliness, or challenges adjusting to new environments, identities, cultures, and relationships. Counselling can offer a space to pause, reflect, and begin making sense of these experiences.
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Sally Williams
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I specialise in providing a safe, inclusive space for marginalised communities, including LGBTQIA+, sex worker, and neurodiverse clients. I understand the challenges of navigating identity, stigma, and societal pressures. In my practice, I offer a collaborative, non-judgmental space for clients to explore, affirm, or reflect on their identities. Together, we build resilience, address challenges, and focus on growth. Therapy is tailored to each individual’s unique journey, ensuring a respectful and empowering experience for all.
I specialise in providing a safe, inclusive space for marginalised communities, including LGBTQIA+, sex worker, and neurodiverse clients. I understand the challenges of navigating identity, stigma, and societal pressures. In my practice, I offer a collaborative, non-judgmental space for clients to explore, affirm, or reflect on their identities. Together, we build resilience, address challenges, and focus on growth. Therapy is tailored to each individual’s unique journey, ensuring a respectful and empowering experience for all.
0800 451 540 x88 View 0800 451 540 x88
Charmaine Bright @ Bright Wellbeing Counselling
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
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.
0800 627 004 x98 View 0800 627 004 x98
Nadina Dodd
Counsellor, MCouns, NZAC - Provisional
Online Only
I also focus on supporting men and women through their life experiences and transitions, whether it be related to career, education, relationships, parenting, grief, aging or more.
I work holistically and offer a safe respectful space to help you explore, examine and understand your thoughts, emotions, nervous system, executive functioning, values, needs, self-compassion and strengths so that you can be your true self in a challenging world.
I also focus on supporting men and women through their life experiences and transitions, whether it be related to career, education, relationships, parenting, grief, aging or more.
I work holistically and offer a safe respectful space to help you explore, examine and understand your thoughts, emotions, nervous system, executive functioning, values, needs, self-compassion and strengths so that you can be your true self in a challenging world.
0800 627 004 x31 View 0800 627 004 x31
Glen - Anxiety, Grief, Relationships, Motivation
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Serves Area
Kia ora, I’m Glen, I’m a counsellor and I help people to find things. Find peace. Find strength. Find connection. Find energy. Find answers. Find purpose. Find ways forward. Because we can get a bit lost when we're challenged by life. Stuck. Confused. Conflicted. To me, counselling is about making time and space in your week to untangle things, lay them out, move the pieces around and start to get a better picture of what is going on. Then we can work with the realities of life rather than against them and hopefully move towards better days. Visit lostandfoundcounselling.co.nz for more info.
Kia ora, I’m Glen, I’m a counsellor and I help people to find things. Find peace. Find strength. Find connection. Find energy. Find answers. Find purpose. Find ways forward. Because we can get a bit lost when we're challenged by life. Stuck. Confused. Conflicted. To me, counselling is about making time and space in your week to untangle things, lay them out, move the pieces around and start to get a better picture of what is going on. Then we can work with the realities of life rather than against them and hopefully move towards better days. Visit lostandfoundcounselling.co.nz for more info.
0210 808 9330 View 0210 808 9330
Paola Montanaro
Counsellor, MPsych, MNZAC
Serves Area
Kia ora, I'm Paola. In therapy, change comes in waves and cycles, like with the tides. I provide my clients a safe and professional environment to navigate those therapeutic tides in the smoothest way possible. I bring to the therapeutic process competence, clarity and clinical discernment for the client to be able to dive safely in the deep waters of personal transformation. Clients report that they experience tangible results as enhanced self-esteem and trust, reduced severity of symptoms as anxiety, depression, grief or mental confusion, and the restoring of their capacity for secure, and organized relationships, among others.
Kia ora, I'm Paola. In therapy, change comes in waves and cycles, like with the tides. I provide my clients a safe and professional environment to navigate those therapeutic tides in the smoothest way possible. I bring to the therapeutic process competence, clarity and clinical discernment for the client to be able to dive safely in the deep waters of personal transformation. Clients report that they experience tangible results as enhanced self-esteem and trust, reduced severity of symptoms as anxiety, depression, grief or mental confusion, and the restoring of their capacity for secure, and organized relationships, among others.
0800 627 050 x36 View 0800 627 050 x36
Soulcheck Holistic Therapy
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I offer a safe reflective and supportive space where you can explore your experiences with curiosity rather than judgement. My holistic approach goes beyond symptom management to identify and address the root causes of your challenges. My Holistic Approach is, trauma-Informed, client-centred, culturally aware, flexible and inclusive to all individuals. I offer holistic compassionate support where you are at in your journey. Relationship Building. Couples Therapy Men's Health, Women's Health, Non-Gendered Individual Counselling Guiding your transformation through Soulcheck pillars nurture, heal (reconnect), align and grow
I offer a safe reflective and supportive space where you can explore your experiences with curiosity rather than judgement. My holistic approach goes beyond symptom management to identify and address the root causes of your challenges. My Holistic Approach is, trauma-Informed, client-centred, culturally aware, flexible and inclusive to all individuals. I offer holistic compassionate support where you are at in your journey. Relationship Building. Couples Therapy Men's Health, Women's Health, Non-Gendered Individual Counselling Guiding your transformation through Soulcheck pillars nurture, heal (reconnect), align and grow
0800 468 212 x74 View 0800 468 212 x74
Career Guidance Counsellors
How do I know if I need career counselling?
Determining whether a career counsellor is needed involves assessing one's current career and identifying what changes can be made to improve one's overall quality of life. In particular, feelings of loss of motivation, fatigue, anxiety, depression, procrastination, or ongoing levels of high stress can all be indicative of a need for career-related counselling. In addition, individuals changing jobs may want the decision-making support or self-reflection opportunities provided by a career counsellor.

Who can benefit from career counselling?
Anyone can benefit from the self-reflection, skill development, and stress management techniques that career counselling can provide. However, individuals who are feeling overwhelmed or burnt out with their current job and individuals considering a major career change may particularly benefit from career counselling to improve their wellbeing. Additionally, individuals who are facing issues in their current job, such as coworker relationship challenges or not meeting performance goals, may benefit from the perspective that a career counsellor can provide. College-age or young professionals may also uniquely benefit from career counselling as they make key decisions surrounding education and job training that will impact their career trajectory.

How long does career counselling typically last?
The length of career counselling can vary greatly depending on the needs of the individual and what type of support they are seeking Career coaching or advising services—which serve clients in a specific, goal-oriented capacity—often last for a shorter duration and are sometimes only a single session or a few sessions in length. In contrast, career counselling as part of a more integrative therapeutic relationship with a counsellor may last longer, particularly if the issues faced by the client are longstanding and/or more complex in nature; in such cases, individuals may expect therapy to last multiple months or longer.

How to prepare for career counselling?
Clients can prepare for career counselling sessions by outlining the specific topics they would like to address with the counsellor, such as current job challenges or hopes for the future of their career. Compiling one's thoughts on such topics often requires reflection on one's career and future goals, which in itself can be beneficial for session preparation. Clients may also want to put together a list of questions they would like to ask the counsellor, particularly if the career counsellor they are seeing has particular expertise in a given career area. Conducting research into potential future jobs, training opportunities, or support resources in one's area may also help clients prepare for career counselling by providing them with a background of what resources are available in their area.