Life can be challenging, and at times, stress, change, or unexpected events can feel overwhelming, affecting your daily life and overall well-being. Counselling offers a safe, supportive, and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, gain clarity on your concerns, and develop strategies to navigate difficulties in a way that works for you.

Through counselling, you can build self-awareness, improve communication and coping skills, strengthen your sense of self-worth, and make more informed decisions. It’s not about receiving advice or being told what to do, but rather about gaining new perspectives and insights that empower you to create meaningful and positive change in your life.

At its core, counselling is a professional and collaborative process built on trust, respect, and a non-judgemental approach. I will support you with a range of therapeutic techniques tailored to your unique needs, helping you find ways to manage life’s challenges and move forward with greater confidence and resilience.

Counselling can help with a variety of identified issues. Let’s talk about your needs during our introductory chat, as the list below is not exhaustive by any means.

Here are some of the key areas I can work on with you:

• Relationships

• Anxiety generalised, or specifically

  • School pressures

  • Social

  • Climate

  • Body dysmorphia

  • Trauma

• Depression, and its effect on self

• Loneliness

• Life transitions

  • Moving country

  • Moving jobs, schools

  • Relationship changes

• Sense of Self and Identity

• Confidence

• Stress

  • work related

  • relationship

  • parenting

• Workplace bullying

• Burnout

Relationships come first and your relationship with your counsellor is no different.

When choosing a counsellor you should consider their professional authority and training, such as being a member of NZAC, their cost, and also their accessibility in regards to hours of work and location.

After these basics are covered, you want to get a sense of whether or not you could trust this person. Do you feel cared for by their presence and approach? Have they explained their key policies and procedures to you? Are they transparent about what they can offer and how the counselling process will look? Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions to make the best decision for you.

I want you to make the best choice for you. By booking a complimentary chat, you have the chance to ask key questions and get a sense of who I am as a person and professional.

Often people feel better just by beginning the counselling process. By making the first connections with a trained counsellor, who is willing to listen without judgement can be transformative. There will be a range of contributing factors, but with clear expectations and goals, you should be noticing a change in how you feel after a few sessions.

I can offer some brief therapeutic interventions that provide short-term support for distress. Counselling is not a quick fix and it can be difficult to put an exact number on how many sessions may be appropriate for you. This is also something to negotiate with your counsellor during the counselling process.

If this needs further thought, talk it through with me in a complimentary chat before committing. I can give good general guidance on what to expect.

Think of your mental health like your physical health - it requires gentle, consistent, and caring attention to be in good shape. In other words, life is tough and counselling is a health-supporting action. All stories are important and I am here to support you with the challenges you are facing in life.

Seeking help and therapy still has stigma attached and this means we can question ourself and whether our issue is really big enough to bring to a counsellor. Life is tough for everyone at times, so reach out and ask for a hand.

Still unsure? Book a chat with me and we can discuss your needs and goals together.

I believe access to good health care is a fundamental right for everyone. In saying that, I understand that my fees may not be within your budget. I am working towards finding other options for people to access my services.

Funding Sources

1. Work and Income Support - You may be eligible for the WINZ Disability Allowance. This process is one you complete with the support of your Doctor, who will fill out the necessary forms.

2. I am a ClearHead provider. You may be able to access free counselling through your medical insurance.

3. I am an EAP provider. You may have access to a number of free counselling sessions. Check with your workplace.

4. Victim Support provides free counselling for those impacted by crime or traumatic incidents. If this is you, give them a call on 0800842846. I am a provider and you can give my name as your preferred counsellor.

5. I support those who have been bereaved by suicide. You may be eligible for free counselling support through Aoake Te Rā. You can refer yourself and choose me from the list of providers.

Other Low Cost Options

1. Online. The Lowdown is a New Zealand depression website that allows you to chat online to a counsellor

2. GP Services. Some doctors can access free or subsidised counselling for their patients. Give your GP's office a call and check with the practice nurse.

3. Student Services. Most of schools, universities, polytechnics and private tertiary providers offer free counselling for their students. Check their websites for details.

4. Government Mental Health Services. There are a range of mental health services funded by the government through the district health boards. Generally you can not self-refer to these services but need to go though a health profession. The best place to start place is your GP.

5. Community Counselling Services. There are a variety of community funded organisations that provide free or low-cost counselling such as Lifeline, Youthline or Home and Family Counselling, as well as some charitable organisations and churches.

6. Victim Support Counselling. Victim Support provides emotional support, counselling, personal advocacy and information to all people affected by crime and trauma throughout New Zealand.

**Where finances are a serious issue Tiera will do her best to find a way to help you. Where applicable this may include:

• suggesting funding sources

• applying a reduced/ sliding scale fee for your individual circumstance

• referral to an appropriate community or government service

Please contact Tiera and discuss your particular circumstances.

No, I am not an ACC Sensitive Claims provider.

You will want to start here in your search for the right counsellor.