Gestalt Therapists in Otago

Photo of Michèle Lacroix, Counsellor, MA, MNZAC
Michèle Lacroix
Counsellor, MA, MNZAC
Wanaka 9305
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.
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 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 Zasha Mahini, Counsellor, MSc
Zasha Mahini
Counsellor, MSc
Online Only
Are you feeling overwhelmed by past traumas, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you? Do you wish to heal, grow, & reclaim your natural state of bliss & love? Are you yearning for peace, deeper connections, & a sense of wholeness? Are you intelligent, creative, sensitive, & driven to make a difference in the world? Are you longing to develop resilience so life's challenges do not shake you? Do you feel a deep desire to emerge as your true self, to reach your full potential & aliveness? Are you seeking a compassionate guide who has been there, understands your pain, & can support you in accelerating your healing journey?
Are you feeling overwhelmed by past traumas, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you? Do you wish to heal, grow, & reclaim your natural state of bliss & love? Are you yearning for peace, deeper connections, & a sense of wholeness? Are you intelligent, creative, sensitive, & driven to make a difference in the world? Are you longing to develop resilience so life's challenges do not shake you? Do you feel a deep desire to emerge as your true self, to reach your full potential & aliveness? Are you seeking a compassionate guide who has been there, understands your pain, & can support you in accelerating your healing journey?
View
Photo of Jonathan Lee, Counsellor, MSc, MNZAC
Jonathan Lee
Counsellor, MSc, MNZAC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Better Self - Better Relationships - Better World. If you're wanting more confidence in yourself, more trust in your relationships, and more acceptance in the world, then I may be able to help. You'll find me an active listener. Through evidence-based interventions, I'll build a supportive therapeutic alliance with you, enabling you to achieve positive change. However, this requires your commitment to effort, time, and investment. The average course is some half dozen sessions, while deeper issues generally need more. Currently, I'm able to offer $945 as prepayment for 6 standard 50-minute sessions - more than a 10% discount.
Better Self - Better Relationships - Better World. If you're wanting more confidence in yourself, more trust in your relationships, and more acceptance in the world, then I may be able to help. You'll find me an active listener. Through evidence-based interventions, I'll build a supportive therapeutic alliance with you, enabling you to achieve positive change. However, this requires your commitment to effort, time, and investment. The average course is some half dozen sessions, while deeper issues generally need more. Currently, I'm able to offer $945 as prepayment for 6 standard 50-minute sessions - more than a 10% discount.
0800 627 024 x21 View 0800 627 024 x21
Photo of Julie Routier, Counsellor
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
Photo of Regina Webb, Counsellor
Regina Webb
Counsellor
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Do you find your thoughts overwhelming you? Are these thoughts constantly on your mind keeping you from living your life? Through life's obstacles and challenges, there is a story. You deserved to be heard for yourself or your relationship with your loved ones. Each journey with a client is unique. I am here to listen if you are experiencing anxiety, stress, anger or depression. When past traumas or present issues create road bumps in your life, I can work collaboratively to help you make sense of it all.
Do you find your thoughts overwhelming you? Are these thoughts constantly on your mind keeping you from living your life? Through life's obstacles and challenges, there is a story. You deserved to be heard for yourself or your relationship with your loved ones. Each journey with a client is unique. I am here to listen if you are experiencing anxiety, stress, anger or depression. When past traumas or present issues create road bumps in your life, I can work collaboratively to help you make sense of it all.
0800 627 024 x46 View 0800 627 024 x46
Photo of Hannah Wilkes - The Real Room, Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
The Real Room
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I often draw on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) for grief, alongside Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), strengths-based practice, and Gestalt-informed tools.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating a difficult life change and unsure where to begin. Many people come to counselling during times of loss, relationship changes, identity shifts, or when life simply no longer feels the same. Grief can follow bereavement, but it can also appear in quieter ways through life transitions, health changes, or the loss of a version of life we expected. I’m Hannah Wilkes, a Bachelor-qualified counsellor and NZAC member. I offer a calm, grounded space where you can talk openly about whatever you’re carrying, whether that’s sadness, anxiety, confusion, or feeling disconnected from yourself
I often draw on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) for grief, alongside Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), strengths-based practice, and Gestalt-informed tools.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating a difficult life change and unsure where to begin. Many people come to counselling during times of loss, relationship changes, identity shifts, or when life simply no longer feels the same. Grief can follow bereavement, but it can also appear in quieter ways through life transitions, health changes, or the loss of a version of life we expected. I’m Hannah Wilkes, a Bachelor-qualified counsellor and NZAC member. I offer a calm, grounded space where you can talk openly about whatever you’re carrying, whether that’s sadness, anxiety, confusion, or feeling disconnected from yourself
0800 627 003 x83 View 0800 627 003 x83
Photo of Paola Montanaro, Counsellor, MPsych, MNZAC
Paola Montanaro
Counsellor, MPsych, MNZAC
Serves Area
I normally use my training as a systemic therapist, EMDR, EFT, the IFS model, client centered therpy, Gestalt therapy and my experience and studies on trauma.
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 normally use my training as a systemic therapist, EMDR, EFT, the IFS model, client centered therpy, Gestalt therapy and my experience and studies on trauma.
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 Rātā Gordon, Counsellor, MA, AThR
Rātā Gordon
Counsellor, MA, AThR
Online Only
Many people who find their way to this work have spent a long time trying to put words to experiences that don’t always fit easily into ordinary conversation. They may feel things intensely, think in complex or creative ways, or find that their inner world moves in images, sensations, or metaphor rather than straightforward explanations. I work especially well with people who feel deeply, think creatively, or have struggled to find therapy that makes space for imagination, sensitivity, or non-linear ways of processing experience.
Many people who find their way to this work have spent a long time trying to put words to experiences that don’t always fit easily into ordinary conversation. They may feel things intensely, think in complex or creative ways, or find that their inner world moves in images, sensations, or metaphor rather than straightforward explanations. I work especially well with people who feel deeply, think creatively, or have struggled to find therapy that makes space for imagination, sensitivity, or non-linear ways of processing experience.
View

Online Therapists

Photo of Julia Deihl, Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Julia Deihl
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
1 Endorsed
Auckland 2582
Kia Ora, I am an experienced and qualified counsellor based in Tāmaki Makaurau, with a private practice located in South Auckland. My counselling approach is warm and empathetic, and my experience includes couples & whānau, sexual abuse, trauma, grief, and other mental health challenges. Āhurutanga (a safe and comforting space) is foundational to my practice. I take a pluralistic approach to therapy, which means I integrate a variety of theories, modalities, and techniques to tailor to the unique needs and goals of my whaiora.
Kia Ora, I am an experienced and qualified counsellor based in Tāmaki Makaurau, with a private practice located in South Auckland. My counselling approach is warm and empathetic, and my experience includes couples & whānau, sexual abuse, trauma, grief, and other mental health challenges. Āhurutanga (a safe and comforting space) is foundational to my practice. I take a pluralistic approach to therapy, which means I integrate a variety of theories, modalities, and techniques to tailor to the unique needs and goals of my whaiora.
0800 451 540 x81 View 0800 451 540 x81
Photo of Christopher Oyston, Psychologist, MSc
Christopher Oyston
Psychologist, MSc
Auckland 1052
I am a clinical psychologist with extensive experience with a focus on providing therapy to adults and older teenagers experiencing a range of psychological changes negatively impacting on you and probably on those closest to you. These changes can include feelings of anxiety and depression brought on by the impact of external events, adjustments to changing circumstances or for reasons that seem inexplicable to you. I try to create a warm, supportive, collaborative and non-judgemental space for you to explore and better understand your current difficulties, and find a path to a more comfortable sense of well-being.
I am a clinical psychologist with extensive experience with a focus on providing therapy to adults and older teenagers experiencing a range of psychological changes negatively impacting on you and probably on those closest to you. These changes can include feelings of anxiety and depression brought on by the impact of external events, adjustments to changing circumstances or for reasons that seem inexplicable to you. I try to create a warm, supportive, collaborative and non-judgemental space for you to explore and better understand your current difficulties, and find a path to a more comfortable sense of well-being.
0800 447 264 x45 View 0800 447 264 x45
Photo of Fliss Anne Newton, Psychotherapist, MA, PBANZ
Fliss Anne Newton
Psychotherapist, MA, PBANZ
Whanganui 4500
I have been a therapist for 32 years. Because I have training in a wide range of therapeutic models I have a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw on. I work intuitively with you, responding moment to moment to issues that arise. I use myself as a resource to meet you in an intimate connection. I use a number of creative approaches including: strengths based therapy; art & journal therapy; sand tray work; EMDR; Brain Spotting; person-centred therapy; dream work and other processes. If you would like to talk with me about how I work you are welcome to call to discuss my methods.
I have been a therapist for 32 years. Because I have training in a wide range of therapeutic models I have a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw on. I work intuitively with you, responding moment to moment to issues that arise. I use myself as a resource to meet you in an intimate connection. I use a number of creative approaches including: strengths based therapy; art & journal therapy; sand tray work; EMDR; Brain Spotting; person-centred therapy; dream work and other processes. If you would like to talk with me about how I work you are welcome to call to discuss my methods.
0800 627 003 x37 View 0800 627 003 x37
Photo of Amrutha Manchineela, Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Amrutha Manchineela
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Auckland 1024
Kia ora! My name is Amrutha. I am a qualified (BHSc Counselling) and registered counsellor through the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC). I am a proud South Asian queer woman, who has grown up in Auckland. I work with a variety of issues, putting your needs first. The therapeutic space is yours, and I'll be there to guide you to making the most out of your time in counselling. Our time together should help answer lingering questions, you may not realise needed an answer.
Kia ora! My name is Amrutha. I am a qualified (BHSc Counselling) and registered counsellor through the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC). I am a proud South Asian queer woman, who has grown up in Auckland. I work with a variety of issues, putting your needs first. The therapeutic space is yours, and I'll be there to guide you to making the most out of your time in counselling. Our time together should help answer lingering questions, you may not realise needed an answer.
View
Photo of Caroline Williams, Counsellor, MNZAC
Caroline Williams
Counsellor, MNZAC
2 Endorsed
We all experience difficulties in life which can either be current or have its origins in our past. I can support you to gain deeper insight, understanding and meaningful change with my engaging and upfront therapy style.I have an extensive background in both public and private psychology settings working with a vast array of issues from addiction, trauma to adult adhd and more. My passion is to create therapy which is accessible and personal .
We all experience difficulties in life which can either be current or have its origins in our past. I can support you to gain deeper insight, understanding and meaningful change with my engaging and upfront therapy style.I have an extensive background in both public and private psychology settings working with a vast array of issues from addiction, trauma to adult adhd and more. My passion is to create therapy which is accessible and personal .
0800 451 540 x89 View 0800 451 540 x89
Photo of Dylan Bellett, Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Dylan Bellett
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I joined this profession after having negative experiences of counselling when I was younger, and thought, "Why can't counselling be helpful and fun?". So here I am, hopefully finding a way for counselling to be better for those out there who have felt the same.
I joined this profession after having negative experiences of counselling when I was younger, and thought, "Why can't counselling be helpful and fun?". So here I am, hopefully finding a way for counselling to be better for those out there who have felt the same.
0800 118 063 x17 View 0800 118 063 x17
Photo of Susan Lee Lobb, Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Susan Lee Lobb
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Inglewood 4389
My name is Susan, and I am a qualified registered Counsellor working in the Taranaki area. My goal is to offer a safe and caring place for my clients to feel heard and understood. I work with all age groups and use different modalities, aiming to suit the client in front of me. I like to work within a positive framework and look at building resilience and helping clients find the authentic version of themselves. My aim is to listen and assist with the healing of my client. You are your own expert and I want to work with what you know and feel, to achieve a different, more positive outcome.
My name is Susan, and I am a qualified registered Counsellor working in the Taranaki area. My goal is to offer a safe and caring place for my clients to feel heard and understood. I work with all age groups and use different modalities, aiming to suit the client in front of me. I like to work within a positive framework and look at building resilience and helping clients find the authentic version of themselves. My aim is to listen and assist with the healing of my client. You are your own expert and I want to work with what you know and feel, to achieve a different, more positive outcome.
0800 447 264 x80 View 0800 447 264 x80
Photo of Dr. Nadia Marié Louw, Psychologist, PsychD
Dr. Nadia Marié Louw
Psychologist, PsychD
Tauranga 3110
I have extensive experience in working with all age groups, and am skilled in many modalities, such as Solution-Focused Brief therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Play Therapy and Art Therapy.
I am a warm and friendly therapist, who loves supporting children, adolescents and parents with a range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. I can support with anxiety, low mood, academic difficulties, ADHD, low self-esteem, trauma, grief, divorce or any other areas where your child may feel stuck. My goals include helping my young clients to reach their full potential, as well as well as increasing their self-belief and overall wellbeing. As I am an Educational Psychologist, I work only with mild to moderate difficulties and will refer clients to the correct professional, in the case of severe- or crisis presentation.
I have extensive experience in working with all age groups, and am skilled in many modalities, such as Solution-Focused Brief therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Play Therapy and Art Therapy.
I am a warm and friendly therapist, who loves supporting children, adolescents and parents with a range of emotional and behavioural difficulties. I can support with anxiety, low mood, academic difficulties, ADHD, low self-esteem, trauma, grief, divorce or any other areas where your child may feel stuck. My goals include helping my young clients to reach their full potential, as well as well as increasing their self-belief and overall wellbeing. As I am an Educational Psychologist, I work only with mild to moderate difficulties and will refer clients to the correct professional, in the case of severe- or crisis presentation.
0800 451 540 x42 View 0800 451 540 x42
Photo of Jane Lowe, Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
Jane Lowe
Counsellor, NZAC - Provisional
1 Endorsed
Auckland 1011
I offer a warm, safe and confidential space where together we can explore challenges that you might be facing, issues that feel unresolved or previous experiences impacting you today. I am empathetic and non-judgmental. I establish a positive therapeutic relationship which is key to the success of therapy. I offer a wide range of frameworks, drawing from evidence based therapies so we can tailor an approach together that best fits you. Every client has different needs and respecting this uniqueness is essential. I also help develop self-awareness and a deeper understanding of how to live a fulfilled and happy life.
I offer a warm, safe and confidential space where together we can explore challenges that you might be facing, issues that feel unresolved or previous experiences impacting you today. I am empathetic and non-judgmental. I establish a positive therapeutic relationship which is key to the success of therapy. I offer a wide range of frameworks, drawing from evidence based therapies so we can tailor an approach together that best fits you. Every client has different needs and respecting this uniqueness is essential. I also help develop self-awareness and a deeper understanding of how to live a fulfilled and happy life.
0800 447 264 x83 View 0800 447 264 x83
Photo of Christine Burch, Counsellor, MNZAC
Christine Burch
Counsellor, MNZAC
Pukekohe 2120
Hello, I’m Christine Burch, a seasoned Counsellor and Family Therapist with 16 years of experience working in Auckland. I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and work towards positive change. My goal is to help you build a strong foundation for personal growth and healing. I recognise that everyone’s journey is unique, and I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet the individual needs of each client. I’m committed to creating a safe and culturally sensitive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their stories and experiences.
Hello, I’m Christine Burch, a seasoned Counsellor and Family Therapist with 16 years of experience working in Auckland. I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and work towards positive change. My goal is to help you build a strong foundation for personal growth and healing. I recognise that everyone’s journey is unique, and I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet the individual needs of each client. I’m committed to creating a safe and culturally sensitive environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their stories and experiences.
0800 451 520 x92 View 0800 451 520 x92
Gestalt Counsellors
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behaviour, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.

How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.

How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.

Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.