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During times of stress and crisis, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by problems
– that there is no hope, strength or possibility of change
– that you don’t have any control over your life and relationships.
SERVICES
Maybe you want to change the way you act, or to reach a new understanding about the way somebody else is acting. Maybe you are stuck and want to move forward, and you want support in making a new start.
Coming to counselling, where you can have respectful and confidential conversations with a trained professional, can be a great way to start getting things sorted out. It can help you to get a better sense of what’s happened in the past, and how this is impacting on you now.
You have just taken the first step towards positive change …
My name is Marie Edwards, and I am a qualified and experienced counsellor specialising in work with:
- DEPRESSION
- ANXIETY/PANIC ATTACKS
- STRESS
- SEXUAL ABUSE TRAUMA/PTSD
- ANGER
- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
- PARENTING
- RELATIONSHIPS
- COUPLES WORK
- GRIEF & LOSS
- LIFE CHANGES/DECISION-MAKING
- FAMILY THERAPY
I have a background in the specialist fields of family violence and mental health, and I work successfully with women, men, couples, adolescents and families from all backgrounds. I identify as Pakeha-Maori (Iwi Te Rarawa), and am keen to address any cultural needs you may have during therapy.
Working from lovely rooms in a quiet part of Grey Lynn, I’m committed to providing my clients with a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space where they can talk about whatever’s brought them to counselling, and also the strengths and abilities which can be easily overlooked in times of trouble. Also the option to visit me at Remuera rooms if that suits you better.
My Practice Approaches …
You will be welcomed with a combination of professionalism and genuine warmth, no matter what issues have brought you to counselling. My approach is informed and guided by the ideas and principles behind Collaborative Practice, Narrative Therapy and Solutions Focused/Brief Therapy. These approaches put you and your strengths at the centre of our work together, and view problems as being outside the person – shaped by your stories, histories, relationships and ‘social norms’ – rather than being ‘just the way I am’ or ‘just how it is’. Respectful, non-blaming therapeutic conversations create the space needed to see problems more objectively. This way of thinking invites fresh clarity, new possibilities and positive change. If you are interested in learning more about the principles of Narrative Therapy, try checking out http://www.dulwichcentre.com.au/what-is-narrative-therapy.html
A holistic and traditional Maori view of interconnectedness and wellbeing – physical, emotional, spiritual, family health – is also woven into my practice, and I find this view is a good fit for people of all backgrounds. My own mixed heritage/whakapapa means I have a natural respect and understanding of diversity and cultural differences, which can’t be taught in a classroom.
My clients’ feedback is highly valuable to me, and I will regularly ‘check in’ with you about the helpfulness and effectiveness of our work together. I’m passionate about these ways of working and am happy to answer any questions you might have about it. I look forward to talking with you …
Professional Background …
Be assured you would be working with a safe, qualified and ethical practitioner!
I have a Bachelor of Social Practice degree (graduating from Unitec with a Senior Scholar Award), and Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling. As a counsellor I have Provisional Membership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC). NZAC is Aotearoa’s main professional counselling body, which works for/with counsellors to support and maintain safe, effective, ethical practice. My accountability to NZAC means I operate within their Code of Ethics. To see more about the practice ethics I subscribe to, click on http://www.nzac.org.nz/code_of_ethics.cfm
I regularly attend workshops and ongoing professional supervision to extend my knowledge base, maintain best practice and keep things current. I regularly consult with my professional supervisor as per NZAC requirements, and through supervision I get to reflect on my practice, often taking fresh new perspectives back to client sessions.
I am also a registered social worker. Adding valuable knowledge and diversity to my private counselling practice, I practice social work for a district health board in the field of child & adolescent mental health. Here I work with individuals, co-facilitating groups, and am part of an effective Family Therapy Team where my narrative therapeutic skills are further developed. Working within a large multi-disciplinary team, I have access to the latest therapeutic training and perspectives on health and wellbeing, which are valuable and transferable to my private counselling practice. Working as part of a team keeps me connected and working collaboratively with other professionals in the ‘social practice community’. I’m also proud to be part of leading domestic violence agency Shine’s* award-winning volunteer team, providing after-hours Crisis Advocacy (Safer Homes in NZ Everyday) www.2shine.org.nz. As a registered social worker, I have professional certification with Social Workers’ Registration Board (SWRB) and Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW).
Through intensive theoretical and practical training and ongoing practice, I have a rich professional background working in both mental health and community settings with high risk youth, and the multiple complex needs they and their whanau present. I continue to specialise in the field of domestic/family violence. I have a particular passion for working with women and adolescents who are victims of domestic violence, but I work regularly and comfortably with male clients too. My ability to work well with couples and family is supported by my collective world view.
Personal Background …
I was born and raised in South Auckland, have lived in Central Auckland for most of my adult life, and am Mum to a thriving 13 year old son and our animals. I have completed, and continue to make, my own life journeys. I have a wealth of life experience, which some might say is as valuable as professional training when it comes to working with people! I identify as Pakeha/Maori (Iwi Te Rarawa and Scottish heritage), and am genuinely interested in the stories of your journey – learning about the people, places and things you identify with.
For more information about the best services for your needs or to organise an appointment - just give us a call!
Service Categories
Counselling
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