Waikato Counselling

Waikato Counselling is based in Hamilton, New Zealand.

I love counselling and I appreciate the courage people have to share a part of their lives with me.

ABOUT

I am married and have two children, two mokopuna (grandchildren) and six step children. In addition to general counselling, I have worked in family violence both with victims and perpetrators. For the last few years I have been working with people suffering the effects of drugs and alcohol.

Registered member of New Zealand Association of Counsellors (MNZAC)

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Background

I grew up in Whanganui and come from a working class background. My varied and multiple work experiences have given me valuable life experience and insight into people. I have worked as a factory hand, NZ Post Office technician, carpet cleaner, insurance sales, relief milker, McDonald’s kitchen hand, rural delivery relief driver, and church pastor. The one thing I have learnt and carried with me through my life journey is that people are important. It is this that led me to counselling and it’s this that keeps me in counselling – people are important.

I trained to become a counsellor over 2005 – 2007 aged in my forties, achieving a Diploma in Counselling through Laidlaw College in Palmerston North NZ. This eventuated from a longing I experienced to help people from all walks of life and not just those that went to church. Prior to this I had practiced as a Baptist Pastor for which I had completed a Diploma course through Carey Baptist College.

First years as a counsellor

I spent my first few years counselling at Living without Violence. Then at HRC & Family Counselling Centre. Having gained this valuable experience, I moved to Hamilton in 2009.

Work in Hamilton

In Hamilton, I first began counselling in Addictions and Mental Health through a number of agencies taking advantage of further training opportunities. I gained registration with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (MNZAC) and have maintained my annual fees.

TRUST & CONFIDENTIALITY

I work in counselling on the basis of a relationship with the people I see which is based on trust and confidentiality.

Confidentiality

What you say in our session is private. This means I will not share what is said with any other person or organisation without your permission. Further, this includes your personal information or any notes I may take after sessions.

Exceptions to Confidentiality

For reasons of safety there are exceptions to confidentiality. In certain situations, I can share information where I believe that you or another person associated with you is at imminent and serious risk of harm. This would be only as much information that is needed and where practical, with your permission or that of my supervisor.

Other situations

I may share some of what you have told me with others such as my supervisor . This would be without disclosing your identity and would be for the purpose of strengthening my counselling practice.

Sharing confidential information may be required by law as in certain court cases.

SERVICES

Counselling Approach

My counselling is based on Person Centred therapy which means that the person is in the driving seat of the process. If I can be empathetic, truthful/honest with my feelings and accept the person unconditionally then they can feel safe enough to explore themselves, who they are and change where and when they want to.

Areas that I work with include:

• Anger management
• Family violence
• Self esteem
• Anxiety
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Grief and loss
• Depression
• Men’s issues

Session Length

Sessions last for the “counselling hour” of 50 minutes. For many people this is sufficient at any one time. I am comfortable to extend this time as required to ensure that sessions end in a timely manner suited to each person.

Cancellations

If you need to cancel an appointment please try to give me no less than 24 hours notice.

Complaints

The counselling practice that I offer is guided by each person I see. Therefore I ask that you direct any complaints to myself in the first instance either by direct contact in a conversation or by email/letter. Ultimately I am accountable for my practice to the NZAC (see below).

Supervision

I attend supervision regularly at least once per month depending on case load. This is one way I attend to self care and to ensure that I maintain the best professional practice I can offer.

Ethical Counselling

I am guided by ethics as set out according to the New Zealand Association of Counsellors

Thanks for visiting and I look forward to meeting you.

For all enquiries contact us today!