Domestic Abuse Therapists in Otago

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.

Kia ora! I’m Nicola, a registered Psychologist based in Tāhuna/Queenstown. I grew up & trained in Scotland and have also lived and worked in Australia, before settling here around 8 years ago. I have 15+ years of experience in psychological assessment and treatment. I want to give clients the best possible experience and outcomes in therapy. I specialise in trauma, anxiety, and relationships, and have a special interest in perinatal mental health. I combine a range of therapeutic techniques (including CBT and EMDR) to make real and lasting changes. I offer flexible delivery methods to cater for different needs.
Kia ora! I’m Nicola, a registered Psychologist based in Tāhuna/Queenstown. I grew up & trained in Scotland and have also lived and worked in Australia, before settling here around 8 years ago. I have 15+ years of experience in psychological assessment and treatment. I want to give clients the best possible experience and outcomes in therapy. I specialise in trauma, anxiety, and relationships, and have a special interest in perinatal mental health. I combine a range of therapeutic techniques (including CBT and EMDR) to make real and lasting changes. I offer flexible delivery methods to cater for different needs.

The people who find most success in psychotherapy are motivated and able to develop a good relationship with their therapist. They have good insight and are willing to meet weekly or in some cases more regularly to maintain an emotional attachment. This is the basis of healing, learning and understanding thoughts, feelings and how they influence behaviour. Developmentally the earlier the trauma the more frequent contact needs to be. I enjoy working in the community. A community based approach is more relational work as opposed to analytical.
The people who find most success in psychotherapy are motivated and able to develop a good relationship with their therapist. They have good insight and are willing to meet weekly or in some cases more regularly to maintain an emotional attachment. This is the basis of healing, learning and understanding thoughts, feelings and how they influence behaviour. Developmentally the earlier the trauma the more frequent contact needs to be. I enjoy working in the community. A community based approach is more relational work as opposed to analytical.

Seeking therapy is not only for those with mental health struggles, but effective therapy can be extremely worthwhile for many and critically necessary for some. I believe that therapy can help manage life’s many challenges and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life, providing us insight into our inner most thoughts and feelings and how to cope with them. As a Nurse Therapist (Psychotherapist Trainee), 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
Seeking therapy is not only for those with mental health struggles, but effective therapy can be extremely worthwhile for many and critically necessary for some. I believe that therapy can help manage life’s many challenges and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life, providing us insight into our inner most thoughts and feelings and how to cope with them. As a Nurse Therapist (Psychotherapist Trainee), 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

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.

Therapy is a valuable resource for anyone looking to better understand themselves and navigate life’s challenges. I believe that therapy can provide the guidance and support needed to manage everyday stresses, make sense of difficult emotions, and uncover a deeper understanding of yourself. As a Therapist, my approach is to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups as well as those struggling with a wide range of difficulties e.g., trauma, grief, feeling stuck or at a crossroads in your life, disordered eating, depression, anxiety, difficulty in relationships, or sexuality.
Therapy is a valuable resource for anyone looking to better understand themselves and navigate life’s challenges. I believe that therapy can provide the guidance and support needed to manage everyday stresses, make sense of difficult emotions, and uncover a deeper understanding of yourself. As a Therapist, my approach is to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups as well as those struggling with a wide range of difficulties e.g., trauma, grief, feeling stuck or at a crossroads in your life, disordered eating, depression, anxiety, difficulty in relationships, or sexuality.

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.

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.

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

Perhaps you are overwhelmed with depression or anxiety, feel helpless or hopeless and you want to get yourself back again - enjoy life? Perhaps you find life is unfulfilling, you feel stuck in the same rut and struggle to change your life to be more what you would like it to be? Or are you experiencing conflict, relationship issues, self-esteem issues or stress and need help and support at this time? Together we can find a way forward. I am the author of the "Out of the Fog" programme delivered in group and individual therapy which has helped hundreds of people to recover/become well from depression/anxiety.
Perhaps you are overwhelmed with depression or anxiety, feel helpless or hopeless and you want to get yourself back again - enjoy life? Perhaps you find life is unfulfilling, you feel stuck in the same rut and struggle to change your life to be more what you would like it to be? Or are you experiencing conflict, relationship issues, self-esteem issues or stress and need help and support at this time? Together we can find a way forward. I am the author of the "Out of the Fog" programme delivered in group and individual therapy which has helped hundreds of people to recover/become well from depression/anxiety.

Kia ora and hello! As we head into 2025 I have some availability for both couples counselling and individuals. I also offer a free initial ten minute consultation by telephone.
I'm a registered counsellor with experience in addressing all kinds of concerns; including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, anger management, stress and navigating life transitions. I have a particular interest and experience in assisting men and women who have suffered personal or intergenerational trauma, along with relationship issues.
Kia ora and hello! As we head into 2025 I have some availability for both couples counselling and individuals. I also offer a free initial ten minute consultation by telephone.
I'm a registered counsellor with experience in addressing all kinds of concerns; including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, anger management, stress and navigating life transitions. I have a particular interest and experience in assisting men and women who have suffered personal or intergenerational trauma, along with relationship issues.
Meet Our Domestic Abuse Counsellors

Often my clients have been abused sexually, survived domestic violence and/or neglect in their childhood.
I have a MA in Psychotherapy (Middlesex University, London) and a DipHIP (BCPC, Bath). My rigorous training (2010-2018) included a wide range of theory, two placements and private practice. Placements were with NHS Mental Health Teams and with The SWAN Project (alcohol and life issues). I also worked as operations manager at The Green House (sexual abuse).
Often my clients have been abused sexually, survived domestic violence and/or neglect in their childhood.
I have a MA in Psychotherapy (Middlesex University, London) and a DipHIP (BCPC, Bath). My rigorous training (2010-2018) included a wide range of theory, two placements and private practice. Placements were with NHS Mental Health Teams and with The SWAN Project (alcohol and life issues). I also worked as operations manager at The Green House (sexual abuse).
Online Therapists

I work with individuals, couples, youth and families. I provide individual counselling and family therapy. I have specific experience with families/whanau and children/adolescents where mental health can result in difficult in behavioural and emotional problems that fracture relationships. I provide counselling services for a wide range of issues for those 16 years of age and above. Including: Relationships, Family issues, Mediation, Caregivers raising children, Domestic Violence, Grief and loss, Trauma, Emotional regulation, Self harm & Suicidal Ideation, Anxiety & Depression, Stress, Self Esteem and Eating
I work with individuals, couples, youth and families. I provide individual counselling and family therapy. I have specific experience with families/whanau and children/adolescents where mental health can result in difficult in behavioural and emotional problems that fracture relationships. I provide counselling services for a wide range of issues for those 16 years of age and above. Including: Relationships, Family issues, Mediation, Caregivers raising children, Domestic Violence, Grief and loss, Trauma, Emotional regulation, Self harm & Suicidal Ideation, Anxiety & Depression, Stress, Self Esteem and Eating

Many experiences in our lives have an impact on our well-being, such as work pressures, family and relationship challenges, loss, trauma, abuse, and unmet needs in childhood.
I can offer you support and tools to gain greater understanding, manage thoughts and emotions, heal past experiences, increase your well-being and create new behaviours to move forward in your life with confidence. You will learn about your own innate healing wisdom and how to work with it.
Many experiences in our lives have an impact on our well-being, such as work pressures, family and relationship challenges, loss, trauma, abuse, and unmet needs in childhood.
I can offer you support and tools to gain greater understanding, manage thoughts and emotions, heal past experiences, increase your well-being and create new behaviours to move forward in your life with confidence. You will learn about your own innate healing wisdom and how to work with it.

I specialize in Addiction issues, Trauma, Family Violence, Couples Therapy and supporting clients who have Depression and Anxiety.
Ultimately I seek to have a huge tool bag of resources for my clients while seeking to hear their stories well and show them the utmost of respect and care as I can.
I specialize in Addiction issues, Trauma, Family Violence, Couples Therapy and supporting clients who have Depression and Anxiety.
Ultimately I seek to have a huge tool bag of resources for my clients while seeking to hear their stories well and show them the utmost of respect and care as I can.

I love working with families and individuals are experiencing difficulties in life. People who are searching for meaning to life and wanting to achieve their full potential in life. Individuals searching for answers or questions in regard to Grief and Loss, Spiritually and Christianity, Spiritual abuse are welcome.
I love working with families and individuals are experiencing difficulties in life. People who are searching for meaning to life and wanting to achieve their full potential in life. Individuals searching for answers or questions in regard to Grief and Loss, Spiritually and Christianity, Spiritual abuse are welcome.

Clients come to see me with various difficulties in their lives, including depression, loss, anxiety, bereavement, sexual abuse, trauma, low self-esteem and couples who are experiencing difficulties in their relationships.
I work within a Person-Centred framework, which means that I put you the client at the centre of the therapy, and work with you in a way where I can support you through the counselling process. I won't analyse you, tell you what to do or make decisions for you, i use a wide range of counselling theories and techniques to suit your needs.
Clients come to see me with various difficulties in their lives, including depression, loss, anxiety, bereavement, sexual abuse, trauma, low self-esteem and couples who are experiencing difficulties in their relationships.
I work within a Person-Centred framework, which means that I put you the client at the centre of the therapy, and work with you in a way where I can support you through the counselling process. I won't analyse you, tell you what to do or make decisions for you, i use a wide range of counselling theories and techniques to suit your needs.

Some of the areas I have counselling experience in include: Adjusting to different life stages - Anger issues - Anxiety - Low / mid anxiety or depression - Controlling behaviour - Impact of Covid 19 - Domestic abuse - Grief and loss - Singleness - Self esteem/self worth - Relationships/ Separation - Shame and guilt - Spiritual growth - Work issues
My role as a counsellor is to help you to get on the path to bring about the changes you wish to make in your life. I believe in listening to, valuing and honouring people and the path they walk in life. I am available to meet with you to discuss and talk through anything that is concerning you, or that you would like to see different in your life. An initial counselling session will enable you to discuss with me what you want to achieve during the counselling process. It will also help me to gain a bigger picture of who you are, so together we can work out how you will bring the changes you seek to make.
Some of the areas I have counselling experience in include: Adjusting to different life stages - Anger issues - Anxiety - Low / mid anxiety or depression - Controlling behaviour - Impact of Covid 19 - Domestic abuse - Grief and loss - Singleness - Self esteem/self worth - Relationships/ Separation - Shame and guilt - Spiritual growth - Work issues
My role as a counsellor is to help you to get on the path to bring about the changes you wish to make in your life. I believe in listening to, valuing and honouring people and the path they walk in life. I am available to meet with you to discuss and talk through anything that is concerning you, or that you would like to see different in your life. An initial counselling session will enable you to discuss with me what you want to achieve during the counselling process. It will also help me to gain a bigger picture of who you are, so together we can work out how you will bring the changes you seek to make.

I can assist individual clients and couples with problems such as feeling overwhelmed, experiencing grief & loss, current difficulties, chronic and acute stress, work-related stress, mental, physical & sexual abuse, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties including poor communication.
I use specific modalities best suited to my clients needs. Everyone is different therefore It’s important to ensure clients receive the type of therapy that works for them and not a ‘one shoe fits all’ attitude. I’ve worked with many male clients successfully, and my ability to form a trusting relationship with them has helped with relationship Counselling.
I can assist individual clients and couples with problems such as feeling overwhelmed, experiencing grief & loss, current difficulties, chronic and acute stress, work-related stress, mental, physical & sexual abuse, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties including poor communication.
I use specific modalities best suited to my clients needs. Everyone is different therefore It’s important to ensure clients receive the type of therapy that works for them and not a ‘one shoe fits all’ attitude. I’ve worked with many male clients successfully, and my ability to form a trusting relationship with them has helped with relationship Counselling.

Bernard earned his counselling and clinical supervision qualifications at the University of Waikato and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. He has been a full member of New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) since 2005. Bernard has worked in private practice since 2005 providing counselling and clinical supervision services to individuals, teams and a range of social service agencies in the community. Bernard accepts self-referred clients as well as individuals referred through a range of contracts he has with ACC Sensitive Claims, Family Court, Victim Support, numerous EAP providers and social service agencies.
Bernard earned his counselling and clinical supervision qualifications at the University of Waikato and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. He has been a full member of New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) since 2005. Bernard has worked in private practice since 2005 providing counselling and clinical supervision services to individuals, teams and a range of social service agencies in the community. Bernard accepts self-referred clients as well as individuals referred through a range of contracts he has with ACC Sensitive Claims, Family Court, Victim Support, numerous EAP providers and social service agencies.
Domestic Abuse Counsellors
What are the most effective ways to recover from domestic abuse?
Leaving an abusive relationship requires tremendous courage, so survivors in treatment should recognise that they have already completed the most important step. Still, the trauma of physical or emotional abuse can be difficult to process and overcome. Therapy can help survivors process trauma, grief, and difficult emotions, treat relevant mental health symptoms, and create a new framework for boundaries and relationships in the future. For some, support groups can also be an invaluable outlet for healing.
When should an individual seek help for domestic abuse?
Victims of intimate partner violence should seek help immediately. It can take substantial time, planning, energy, and courage to leave an abusive relationship, but starting the process—by seeking therapy, calling the domestic violence hotline, or simply confiding in a loved one—will help them get there. Those who have left abusive relationships but haven’t sought treatment can also greatly benefit from therapy to process and heal from the experience.
What are the consequences of staying in an abusive relationship?
Remaining in an abusive relationship has serious repercussions. In addition to the ongoing threat of physical danger and emotional abuse, research shows that intimate partner violence is associated with a range of mental health disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and substance abuse. Therefore it’s important for individuals in an abusive relationship to seek help as soon as possible.
How can you get domestic abuse treatment for someone else?
It can be very complicated to identify and leave an abusive relationship; barriers include the threat of violence, financial instability, and family pressures. Those concerned about a loved one in an abusive relationship should talk to them about the situation, provide them with resources such as the domestic violence hotline, and introduce the idea of seeing a therapist due to their concern for the person’s safety and well-being.