Depression Therapists in Otago

Photo of Janina Gould - Attuned Counselling, Counsellor, MCouns, NZAC - Provisional
Attuned Counselling
Counsellor, MCouns, NZAC - Provisional
Cromwell 9310
Kia ora, my name is Janina and I’m all about keeping the conversation real and authentic, as life can be hard at times. Our work together is a collaborative process focused on understanding what’s really going on underneath - whether that’s anxiety, overwhelm, or patterns that feel hard to shift. Together we can unpack your beliefs, patterns or experiences finding practical and emotional ways forward. I am able to draw on a range of therapeutic modalities, allowing our work to be flexible and tailored to your needs at any given moment.
Kia ora, my name is Janina and I’m all about keeping the conversation real and authentic, as life can be hard at times. Our work together is a collaborative process focused on understanding what’s really going on underneath - whether that’s anxiety, overwhelm, or patterns that feel hard to shift. Together we can unpack your beliefs, patterns or experiences finding practical and emotional ways forward. I am able to draw on a range of therapeutic modalities, allowing our work to be flexible and tailored to your needs at any given moment.
0800 468 212 x77 View 0800 468 212 x77
Photo of Diante Fuchs, Psychologist, MA
Diante Fuchs
Psychologist, MA
Drawing on the Zen concept of 'Kensho' – seeing into one's true nature – I empower clients to overcome anxiety, depression, trauma and other mental health concerns that hinder their relationships, careers, and overall well-being.
I offer ONLINE + In Person. My integrated therapeutic approach is neurodivergent-friendly and incorporates evidence-based modalities such as Schema Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and EMDR. I also provide specialised support for anxiety through online coaching and programmes.
Drawing on the Zen concept of 'Kensho' – seeing into one's true nature – I empower clients to overcome anxiety, depression, trauma and other mental health concerns that hinder their relationships, careers, and overall well-being.
I offer ONLINE + In Person. My integrated therapeutic approach is neurodivergent-friendly and incorporates evidence-based modalities such as Schema Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and EMDR. I also provide specialised support for anxiety through online coaching and programmes.
0800 627 004 x53 View 0800 627 004 x53
Photo of Dan Goodkind, Psychologist, PhD, MNZCCP
Dan Goodkind
Psychologist, PhD, MNZCCP
Serves Area
Hi, I am a registered clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist living and practicing in Nelson, New Zealand. My primary focus is providing psychotherapy. Psychotherapy involves the careful application of techniques that help people change their behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and other personal characteristics in ways that enable them to thrive and cope with the stresses of living. I prefer to work with clients in person but if meeting in person is impossible or impractical, I can provide services online.
Hi, I am a registered clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist living and practicing in Nelson, New Zealand. My primary focus is providing psychotherapy. Psychotherapy involves the careful application of techniques that help people change their behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and other personal characteristics in ways that enable them to thrive and cope with the stresses of living. I prefer to work with clients in person but if meeting in person is impossible or impractical, I can provide services online.
0800 627 024 x44 View 0800 627 024 x44
Photo of Haley Farrar, Counsellor
Haley Farrar
Counsellor
Serves Area
I work with people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in painful patterns. My clients are often high functioning people who want life to feel easier than it does. You may be experiencing the impacts of painful or traumatic experiences, or a carrying more general sense of emptiness, anxiety, or unease. Your relationships may be suffering, and want more peace and connection in your lives. Your relationship may be in crisis or distress. I believe you're the expert on your own life and relationships. My role is to create space for difficult conversations to feel safer, patterns to be understood, and change to occur.
I work with people who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in painful patterns. My clients are often high functioning people who want life to feel easier than it does. You may be experiencing the impacts of painful or traumatic experiences, or a carrying more general sense of emptiness, anxiety, or unease. Your relationships may be suffering, and want more peace and connection in your lives. Your relationship may be in crisis or distress. I believe you're the expert on your own life and relationships. My role is to create space for difficult conversations to feel safer, patterns to be understood, and change to occur.
0800 447 264 x46 View 0800 447 264 x46
Photo of Paola Montanaro, Counsellor, MPsych, MNZAC
Paola Montanaro
Counsellor, MPsych, MNZAC
Serves Area
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. I have worked as a psychologist and a psychotherapist during the last 20 years in six countries and in four languages. In NZ I offer my services as a registered Counsellor and an EMDR certified therapist.
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. I have worked as a psychologist and a psychotherapist during the last 20 years in six countries and in four languages. In NZ I offer my services as a registered Counsellor and an EMDR certified therapist.
0800 627 050 x36 View 0800 627 050 x36
Photo of Talia Norriss
Talia Norriss
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
20/4/26 Limited 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.
20/4/26 Limited 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 Vicki Maree Fowler, Psychologist, PhD, NZPsS Member
Vicki Maree Fowler
Psychologist, PhD, NZPsS Member
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 Dr Paul Duignan, Psychologist, PhD
Dr Paul Duignan
Psychologist, PhD
Serves Area
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 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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Photo of Yan Neo Lee - Mind'sEye Psychotherapy (Yan Neo Lee), Counsellor
I have trained in different therapeutic modalities to work with a wide range of clients of various age groups who struggle with complex trauma, addictions, depression, anxiety, sexuality and sexual trauma
within a variety of mental health services. I have always worked in a relational manner as I believe that mutually satisfying relationships with others are paramount for one’s emotional well-being.
I have trained in different therapeutic modalities to work with a wide range of clients of various age groups who struggle with complex trauma, addictions, depression, anxiety, sexuality and sexual trauma
within a variety of mental health services. I have always worked in a relational manner as I believe that mutually satisfying relationships with others are paramount for one’s emotional well-being.
0800 447 359 x74 View 0800 447 359 x74
Photo of Taylor Rapley - AHUA Psychology, Psychologist
AHUA Psychology
Psychologist
Wanaka 9305
I support people through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, burnout, pain, and stress, and work with athletes from emerging talent to world champions.
My approach is science backed and human. Holistic yet practical. No one-size-fits-all, I adapt to each person. I’m not about talking for the sake of it; change happens when the mahi in session gets applied in real life. I blend EMDR, ACT, IFS, somatic and behavioural therapies to support lasting change and growth.
I support people through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, burnout, pain, and stress, and work with athletes from emerging talent to world champions.
My approach is science backed and human. Holistic yet practical. No one-size-fits-all, I adapt to each person. I’m not about talking for the sake of it; change happens when the mahi in session gets applied in real life. I blend EMDR, ACT, IFS, somatic and behavioural therapies to support lasting change and growth.
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Photo of Samantha Baker, Counsellor, MNZAC
Samantha Baker
Counsellor, MNZAC
1 Endorsed
People come to counselling for many reasons. You may be responding to distress, confusion, loss, trauma, or difficulties in relationships, or you may be wanting space to explore hopes, values, and dreams for the future. Counselling can offer support when emotions such as sadness, anger, panic, or loneliness feel overwhelming, or when past experiences of harm, regret, or untold stories are weighing heavily. Having a safe, confidential space to speak openly can make a meaningful difference.
People come to counselling for many reasons. You may be responding to distress, confusion, loss, trauma, or difficulties in relationships, or you may be wanting space to explore hopes, values, and dreams for the future. Counselling can offer support when emotions such as sadness, anger, panic, or loneliness feel overwhelming, or when past experiences of harm, regret, or untold stories are weighing heavily. Having a safe, confidential space to speak openly can make a meaningful difference.
0800 452 530 x44 View 0800 452 530 x44
Photo of Wendi Halligan, Counsellor
Wendi Halligan
Counsellor
Dunedin 9016
I work with clients who may be struggling with depression or trauma related to their relationships or family.
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.
I work with clients who may be struggling with depression or trauma related to their relationships or family.
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
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 Sarah Dickson, Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Sarah Dickson
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Dunedin 9016
Kia ora, I have a special interest in maternal mental health, perinatal mental health and supporting women and birthing parents in parenthood. While these are my main passions I also welcome anyone seeking counselling, no matter what stage of life you are in or what challenges you may be facing.
Kia ora, I have a special interest in maternal mental health, perinatal mental health and supporting women and birthing parents in parenthood. While these are my main passions I also welcome anyone seeking counselling, no matter what stage of life you are in or what challenges you may be facing.
0800 627 050 x37 View 0800 627 050 x37
Photo of Sarah Nicoll, Occupational Therapist
Sarah Nicoll
Occupational Therapist
1 Endorsed
Hello! I am a NZ Registered Health Professional with a career spanning over 25 years in mental health therapy, counselling, and occupational therapy. My work is grounded in a trauma-informed mental health framework, with particular experience supporting adults and youths with ADHD, general mental health concerns, and emotional regulation difficulties. I believe meaningful change happens within a strong therapeutic relationship, where you feel understood, respected, and supported. Together we explore strategies and insights that help you navigate challenges and function more effectively in your everyday life.
Hello! I am a NZ Registered Health Professional with a career spanning over 25 years in mental health therapy, counselling, and occupational therapy. My work is grounded in a trauma-informed mental health framework, with particular experience supporting adults and youths with ADHD, general mental health concerns, and emotional regulation difficulties. I believe meaningful change happens within a strong therapeutic relationship, where you feel understood, respected, and supported. Together we explore strategies and insights that help you navigate challenges and function more effectively in your everyday life.
0800 447 359 x91 View 0800 447 359 x91
Photo of Deb Phillips, Counsellor
Deb Phillips
Counsellor
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 Jess Lochte, Counsellor, MA, AThR
Jess Lochte
Counsellor, MA, AThR
My name is Jess and, together with my therapy dog Odinn, I offer body-based and animal assisted counselling and therapy services. We work with adult clients across the whole wellbeing spectrum: from people who want to get more out of their life, find a deeper sense of self, or connect to their body; to those that have experienced trauma struggling with basic tasks of daily living. Many have found traditional cognition based talk therapy less helpful or do not know yet how to put their experiences into words. No matter your reasons, we are here to create a space in which we can explore where you are, what you want, and what you need.
My name is Jess and, together with my therapy dog Odinn, I offer body-based and animal assisted counselling and therapy services. We work with adult clients across the whole wellbeing spectrum: from people who want to get more out of their life, find a deeper sense of self, or connect to their body; to those that have experienced trauma struggling with basic tasks of daily living. Many have found traditional cognition based talk therapy less helpful or do not know yet how to put their experiences into words. No matter your reasons, we are here to create a space in which we can explore where you are, what you want, and what you need.
0800 627 024 x64 View 0800 627 024 x64
Photo of Amy Sinclair - Amy Sinclair Counselling, Counsellor, NZCCA
Amy Sinclair Counselling
Counsellor, NZCCA
1 Endorsed
Oamaru 9400
I believe as a counsellor it is my role to help you navigate, understand and create meaning from your life experiences. Walking alongside you, I aim to help you to figure out what the next steps or path towards health and wellness may look like for you. I am not afraid to sit with you in the dark as we figure it out together! I have a passion for providing affordable and accessible counselling to suit your needs and aspirations.
I believe as a counsellor it is my role to help you navigate, understand and create meaning from your life experiences. Walking alongside you, I aim to help you to figure out what the next steps or path towards health and wellness may look like for you. I am not afraid to sit with you in the dark as we figure it out together! I have a passion for providing affordable and accessible counselling to suit your needs and aspirations.
0800 451 520 x74 View 0800 451 520 x74
Photo of Karina Vaccarezza, Counsellor, PsychD, NZAC - Provisional
Karina Vaccarezza
Counsellor, PsychD, NZAC - Provisional
1 Endorsed
Wanaka 9305
I am a dedicated and compassionate Counsellor with a passion for helping individuals explore their inner world and emotions, empowering them to create a life filled with balance and harmony. Whether through online or in-person sessions conducted in either English or Spanish, I am committed to working alongside you as a unified team, guiding you towards the
I am a dedicated and compassionate Counsellor with a passion for helping individuals explore their inner world and emotions, empowering them to create a life filled with balance and harmony. Whether through online or in-person sessions conducted in either English or Spanish, I am committed to working alongside you as a unified team, guiding you towards the
0800 447 264 x59 View 0800 447 264 x59
Photo of Josh Bennison, Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Josh Bennison
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Dunedin 9016
I work with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, identity, ACC sensitive claims, and life transitions.
Kia ora, I’m Josh. I am a counsellor and adventure therapist committed to supporting people on their journey toward balance, wellbeing, and meaningful personal growth. I work to create a safe, genuine, and collaborative therapeutic space where you feel seen, heard, and supported.
I work with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, identity, ACC sensitive claims, and life transitions.
Kia ora, I’m Josh. I am a counsellor and adventure therapist committed to supporting people on their journey toward balance, wellbeing, and meaningful personal growth. I work to create a safe, genuine, and collaborative therapeutic space where you feel seen, heard, and supported.
0800 452 530 x72 View 0800 452 530 x72
Depression Counsellors
What is the goal of therapy for depression?
Therapy for depression has several major goals. One is to relieve the mental pain of depression, which distorts feeling and thinking so that sufferers cannot see beyond their current state of mind or envision feeling better. Another is to give people the mental tools to recognise and correct the kinds of distorted thinking that turn a problem into a catastrophe and lead to despair. Therapy also teaches people how to process negative emotions in constructive ways, so they have more control over their own emotional reactivity. And it helps people regain the ability to see themselves positively, the motivation to do things, and the capacity for pleasure.

What happens in therapy for depression?
Perhaps most important, no matter the type of therapy, patients form an alliance with the therapist; that connection is therapeutic in itself, plus it becomes an instrument of change. Patients learn to identify and to challenge their own erroneous beliefs and thoughts that amplify the effects of negative experiences. They learn to identify situations in which they are especially vulnerable. And they learn new patterns of thinking and behaving. They may be given “homework” assignments in which they practice their developing skills. In addition, good therapists regularly monitor patients to assess whether and how much the condition is improving.

What therapy types help with depression?
Several types of short-term therapy have been found effective, each targeting one or more areas of dysfunction. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps clients challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs, learn new behavioral strategies, and curb reactivity to distressing situations. Behavioural activation (BA) is a form of therapy often used in conjunction with CBT; it focuses on engagement in rewarding activity as a pathway to changing negative feelings and disturbed mood. Another widely used approach is interpersonal therapy (IPT), which targets the social difficulties that both give rise to and get exacerbated by depression. Therapists may combine approaches as needed.

Can therapy for depression be done online?
Studies have found that online therapy can be highly effective for treating depression, although it may be more challenging to build a good therapist-patient alliance on screen than in person—at least at first. However, online therapy can offer considerable advantages. Accessibility and convenience are tops among them. Some people actually find it easier to talk about problems online than in person. While online therapy typically limits visibility of facial expression and body gestures that give important nonverbal cues to a patient’s state of mind, it can give therapists a glimpse into a patient’s world and life, providing information that can be highly useful in guiding therapy.

How effective is therapy for depression?
Many studies show that therapy is highly effective provided that patients complete the prescribed course of therapy, commonly 16 to 20 sessions. Over the long term, it is more effective than medication and the effects are more enduring. As a result, psychotherapy has the power not just to relieve current suffering but to prevent future episodes of the disorder. Therapy reverses the dysfunction in neural circuitry that disposes individuals to a negative view of themselves, the world, and their future and they acquire coping techniques, problem-solving skills, and understanding of their own vulnerabilities that are useful over the course of a lifetime.