Couples Counselling Therapists in Otago

Araxi Mavridis
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Verified Verified
I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety, anger, addictions, relationship issues, etc .
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 work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety, anger, addictions, relationship issues, etc .
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.
View
Photo of James Andrew Howey - James Howey, Counselling and Supervision Services, Counsellor, MCouns, MNZAC
James Howey, Counselling and Supervision Services
Counsellor, MCouns, MNZAC
Verified Verified
Dunedin 9010
My clinical work includes; Family Therapy, Couples Therapy, Coaching for Parenting and/or Step-Parenting challenges, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Counselling, Mid-life ‘Crisis’ & Reintegration work, Counselling with Teenagers, Grief Counselling, lgbtqi Informed Counselling, Counselling with Individuals, Families and Friends affected by Suicide.
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 clinical work includes; Family Therapy, Couples Therapy, Coaching for Parenting and/or Step-Parenting challenges, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma-Informed Counselling, Mid-life ‘Crisis’ & Reintegration work, Counselling with Teenagers, Grief Counselling, lgbtqi Informed Counselling, Counselling with Individuals, Families and Friends affected by Suicide.
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.
0800 447 264 x75 View 0800 447 264 x75
Photo of Alice Beattie, Counsellor, MNZAC
Alice Beattie
Counsellor, MNZAC
Verified Verified
Alexandra 9320
Waitlist for new clients
I am a down to earth, kind and practical therapist who enjoys building others up and equipping them to achieve healthy relationship with themselves and others.
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 down to earth, kind and practical therapist who enjoys building others up and equipping them to achieve healthy relationship with themselves and others.
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.
0800 447 264 x96 View 0800 447 264 x96
Photo of Michèle Lacroix, Counsellor, MA, NZAC - Provisional
Michèle Lacroix
Counsellor, MA, NZAC - Provisional
Verified Verified
Wanaka 9305
As comfortable with couples as with individuals.
Hi! I've been working in mental health in Europe and NZ for many years, holding different roles and supporting people from all walks of life. As counsellor I provide a safe space for you to explore past and present experiences related to trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship issues, migration related distress – topics I came to understand deeply through my own life experience, studies and training. My approach is ‘person centered’ and eclectic, which means that my focus is on you, while supporting the counselling process with different modalities.
As comfortable with couples as with individuals.
Hi! I've been working in mental health in Europe and NZ for many years, holding different roles and supporting people from all walks of life. As counsellor I provide a safe space for you to explore past and present experiences related to trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship issues, migration related distress – topics I came to understand deeply through my own life experience, studies and training. My approach is ‘person centered’ and eclectic, which means that my focus is on you, while supporting the counselling process with different modalities.
0800 447 264 x19 View 0800 447 264 x19
Photo of Deb Phillips, Counsellor
Deb Phillips
Counsellor
Verified Verified
I’m formally trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as well as a number of other therapeutic models to tackle a diverse range of difficulties including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship problems, parenting challenges, childhood difficulties, postnatal depression, attachment difficulties and more.
I work using a range of therapeutic models including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Circle of Security Parenting, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and Self-Compassion in therapy.
I’m formally trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as well as a number of other therapeutic models to tackle a diverse range of difficulties including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship problems, parenting challenges, childhood difficulties, postnatal depression, attachment difficulties and more.
I work using a range of therapeutic models including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Circle of Security Parenting, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction and Self-Compassion in therapy.
0800 627 003 x72 View 0800 627 003 x72
Photo of Elizabeth (Liz) Louise Baker, Psychologist, PhD, MNZCCP
Elizabeth (Liz) Louise Baker
Psychologist, PhD, MNZCCP
Verified Verified
Dunedin 9010
I hold additional specialty training in group therapy, couples therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and mindfulness-based practice.
I work alongside clients who are struggling to find a sense of wholeness in their lives. I believe self-compassion, connecting relationships, and values congruent activities are key components to healing. I specialize is work with anxiety, depression, trauma, relational distress, chronic medical conditions and a variety of other difficulties. I offer online and in-person group, individual and relationship counseling, as well as educational workshops and professional supervision. For more information, please visit my website.
I hold additional specialty training in group therapy, couples therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and mindfulness-based practice.
I work alongside clients who are struggling to find a sense of wholeness in their lives. I believe self-compassion, connecting relationships, and values congruent activities are key components to healing. I specialize is work with anxiety, depression, trauma, relational distress, chronic medical conditions and a variety of other difficulties. I offer online and in-person group, individual and relationship counseling, as well as educational workshops and professional supervision. For more information, please visit my website.
0800 451 540 x34 View 0800 451 540 x34
Photo of Diante Fuchs, Psychologist, MA
Diante Fuchs
Psychologist, MA
Verified Verified
I use a range of evidence based techniques that completely shifts your relationship with anxiety / depression and help you process any past trauma.
As a clinical psychologist and certified anxiety coach I help people who are tired of anxiety or depression getting in the way of everything they do. I support those who want more from their relationships and their lives, but are feeling held back by mental health concerns. I work with people who want more intimacy + connection, as well as parents who are tried of anxiety getting in the way of their parenting. I support career + business people who want to follow their dreams but find anxiety keeps getting in the way...
I use a range of evidence based techniques that completely shifts your relationship with anxiety / depression and help you process any past trauma.
As a clinical psychologist and certified anxiety coach I help people who are tired of anxiety or depression getting in the way of everything they do. I support those who want more from their relationships and their lives, but are feeling held back by mental health concerns. I work with people who want more intimacy + connection, as well as parents who are tried of anxiety getting in the way of their parenting. I support career + business people who want to follow their dreams but find anxiety keeps getting in the way...
0800 627 004 x53 View 0800 627 004 x53
Photo of Dr. Shelley Harvill - Shelley Harvill - Rainbow Consulting, Psychologist, PhD
Shelley Harvill - Rainbow Consulting
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Online Only
She works with individual, couples and people in alternative relationship structures.
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.
She works with individual, couples and people in alternative relationship structures.
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.
View
Photo of Paola @ Therapy Tides, Counsellor, MPsych, MNZAC
Paola @ Therapy Tides
Counsellor, MPsych, MNZAC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I'm an Italian therapist and I offer supervision for professionals and trauma specialised therapy for adults and couples.
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.
I'm an Italian therapist and I offer supervision for professionals and trauma specialised therapy for adults and couples.
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
Photo of Angela Carter, Counsellor, NZAFT
Angela Carter
Counsellor, NZAFT
Verified Verified
Online Only
I specialise in supporting clients struggling with relationship or family-related trauma.
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
I specialise in supporting clients struggling with relationship or family-related trauma.
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
0800 627 004 x11 View 0800 627 004 x11
Photo of Tabitha Phillips, Counsellor, MCouns, NZAC - Provisional
Tabitha Phillips
Counsellor, MCouns, NZAC - Provisional
Verified Verified
Serves Area
As we head into 2025 I have some availability for both couples counselling and individuals.
Our first session will focus on clarifying what brings you to counselling and working with you to plan a way ahead. I aim to provide a warm, empathetic and supportive space but if you don’t feel we align, I can help you find a different therapist. I am straightforward and can be direct if need be.
As we head into 2025 I have some availability for both couples counselling and individuals.
Our first session will focus on clarifying what brings you to counselling and working with you to plan a way ahead. I aim to provide a warm, empathetic and supportive space but if you don’t feel we align, I can help you find a different therapist. I am straightforward and can be direct if need be.
0800 468 212 x90 View 0800 468 212 x90
Photo of Regina Webb, Counsellor
Regina Webb
Counsellor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
You deserved to be heard for yourself or your relationship with your loved ones.
People come with different issues and concerns. Some respond to a particular therapeutic modality, while others prefer tools and models. I use an eclectic approach encompassing all these things to help you address concerns and issues. I also offer optional homework that you can do between sessions, which can help with learning and change.
You deserved to be heard for yourself or your relationship with your loved ones.
People come with different issues and concerns. Some respond to a particular therapeutic modality, while others prefer tools and models. I use an eclectic approach encompassing all these things to help you address concerns and issues. I also offer optional homework that you can do between sessions, which can help with learning and change.
0800 627 024 x46 View 0800 627 024 x46
Photo of Megan Carter - Megan Carter, Ocean Psy Clinical Psychology , Psychologist, MPsych
Megan Carter, Ocean Psy Clinical Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych
Verified Verified
Online Only
The quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important parts of therapy for a good outcome.
It takes a lot of courage to reach out to a person you don’t know to work through challenges. I will meet you with compassion, for you, and hold space for your human experiences. We will build safety and trust together as we seek to acknowledge, understand, heal, and integrate what you have been through. I am passionate about supporting the diverse humans I work with to build resilience, cope, and process their experiences. I support my clients to live a life where their minds are a bit kinder to them.
The quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important parts of therapy for a good outcome.
It takes a lot of courage to reach out to a person you don’t know to work through challenges. I will meet you with compassion, for you, and hold space for your human experiences. We will build safety and trust together as we seek to acknowledge, understand, heal, and integrate what you have been through. I am passionate about supporting the diverse humans I work with to build resilience, cope, and process their experiences. I support my clients to live a life where their minds are a bit kinder to them.
0800 468 212 x99 View 0800 468 212 x99
Photo of Vicki Maree Fowler, Psychologist, PhD, NZPsS Member
Vicki Maree Fowler
Psychologist, PhD, NZPsS Member
Verified Verified
Serves Area
My Special Clients are Clients seeking Help for Anxiety/Depression, Stress, Work & Relationship Difficulties, Alcohol, Gambling, Grief/Bereavement & Other Issues.
I am a Registered Psychologist (New Zealand) with over 30 years experience in working with a variety of clients from many different Nationalities and Ethnicities using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Data-Driven approaches that provide results for individuals.
My Special Clients are Clients seeking Help for Anxiety/Depression, Stress, Work & Relationship Difficulties, Alcohol, Gambling, Grief/Bereavement & Other Issues.
I am a Registered Psychologist (New Zealand) with over 30 years experience in working with a variety of clients from many different Nationalities and Ethnicities using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Data-Driven approaches that provide results for individuals.
021 415 588 View 021 415 588
Photo of Serafin Upton, Counsellor
Serafin Upton
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Providing specialist relationship therapy for individuals, couples, and families.
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.
Providing specialist relationship therapy for individuals, couples, and families.
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.
View
Photo of Tersia Delene Woodenberg - Soulcheck Holistic Therapy, MCouns
Soulcheck Holistic Therapy
MCouns
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Whether you need support in individual counselling, couples therapy, men's health, anxiety, depression, anger management, stress, trauma, emotional and psychological abuse, low self-esteem, personal development, grief and loss, I offer a warm, inclusive, safe, non-judgmental environment for you.
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.
Whether you need support in individual counselling, couples therapy, men's health, anxiety, depression, anger management, stress, trauma, emotional and psychological abuse, low self-esteem, personal development, grief and loss, I offer a warm, inclusive, safe, non-judgmental environment for you.
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.
0800 468 212 x74 View 0800 468 212 x74
Photo of Ellie Lockhart Coaching Lockhart - Ellie Lockhart Coaching & Hypnotherapy
Ellie Lockhart Coaching & Hypnotherapy
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Of being the parent, partner, colleague or leader, you want to be?
I mix in havening and hypnosis which essentially dissolves away the trauma response leaving intact the objective memory and the wisdom - without you having to go into a lot of painful detail of the trauma. Your mind recodes and upgrades to create the life you want. You are in control always. Hypnosis brings your conscious and unconscious into alignment.
Of being the parent, partner, colleague or leader, you want to be?
I mix in havening and hypnosis which essentially dissolves away the trauma response leaving intact the objective memory and the wisdom - without you having to go into a lot of painful detail of the trauma. Your mind recodes and upgrades to create the life you want. You are in control always. Hypnosis brings your conscious and unconscious into alignment.
0800 627 004 x12 View 0800 627 004 x12
Photo of Elif Todd, Counsellor, MCouns, NZAC - Provisional
Elif Todd
Counsellor, MCouns, NZAC - Provisional
Verified Verified
Serves Area
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.
My strong academic foundation combines with a wealth of professional and life experience (I have lived and worked in 8 countries, raising a family in 5 of these) to inform my practice. I work with warmth, empathy, authenticity, and a genuine belief in the potential for growth. I practise collaboratively, honouring your needs and preferences.
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.
My strong academic foundation combines with a wealth of professional and life experience (I have lived and worked in 8 countries, raising a family in 5 of these) to inform my practice. I work with warmth, empathy, authenticity, and a genuine belief in the potential for growth. I practise collaboratively, honouring your needs and preferences.
View
Photo of Kate Todd - Kate Todd Coaching and Counselling, Counsellor, MCouns, MNZAC
Kate Todd Coaching and Counselling
Counsellor, MCouns, MNZAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a therapist and Executive Coach I have a special interest in supporting clients to manage ADHD, Menopause, Relationships, Separation, Grief and our relationship with eating.
I am a Solution Focused trained counsellor which means we will look at how your life is now, what changes you would like to make, what is holding you back from that and learning your strengths to help you to move forward. We live in busy and emotionally demanding times and my hope is to provide you with some space to focus on your needs away from the pressure of life and work. I welcome working with clients from all walks of life. We will work together to figure out how you would like your life to be, identify the roadblocks and look at ways for you to make positive changes in your life.
As a therapist and Executive Coach I have a special interest in supporting clients to manage ADHD, Menopause, Relationships, Separation, Grief and our relationship with eating.
I am a Solution Focused trained counsellor which means we will look at how your life is now, what changes you would like to make, what is holding you back from that and learning your strengths to help you to move forward. We live in busy and emotionally demanding times and my hope is to provide you with some space to focus on your needs away from the pressure of life and work. I welcome working with clients from all walks of life. We will work together to figure out how you would like your life to be, identify the roadblocks and look at ways for you to make positive changes in your life.
0800 447 359 x29 View 0800 447 359 x29
Photo of Kelsey Powell, Counsellor, MA, MNZAC
Kelsey Powell
Counsellor, MA, MNZAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Have you've been carrying a lot and you're ready to finally start facing it all? Something has come to a head and you're thinking, "It's finally time." The good news is that you don't have to navigate it all on your own. The even better news is we can take it one step at a time so it doesn't feel quite as overwhelming as it may first seem. Rest assured, compassion and empathy are a core part of my approach to ensure you feel safe and supported through your healing journey. We can work together to understand your experience at a deeper level and build healthy coping skills to move forward.
Have you've been carrying a lot and you're ready to finally start facing it all? Something has come to a head and you're thinking, "It's finally time." The good news is that you don't have to navigate it all on your own. The even better news is we can take it one step at a time so it doesn't feel quite as overwhelming as it may first seem. Rest assured, compassion and empathy are a core part of my approach to ensure you feel safe and supported through your healing journey. We can work together to understand your experience at a deeper level and build healthy coping skills to move forward.
0800 468 212 x20 View 0800 468 212 x20
1
Couples Counselling

Does couples counseling work?

Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.

When should a couple seek counseling?

Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.

How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?

The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.

How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?

The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.