Work with Tiera

Many people feel a bit nervous meeting with a therapist for the first time. A range of emotions is to be expected as it can feel vulnerable sharing about ourselves. As your counsellor I will create a warm and supportive space to set the tone for our work together and help you open up.

One way to create safety is making expectations clear. In the first session, you can expect that I will be asking more questions to know you better, better understand what challenges you are facing, and making some sense of what you are hoping to get out of counselling. This will help us have a focus and set intentions.

You don't have to rush in and divulge every intimate detail of your life. To help us make a plan, share as much as you can about your situation but do it at your pace. I will not rush you or push you to talk about things you aren't ready to talk about. This is your space so you can take as much time as you need.

I will take time to explain my commitment to confidentiality, my approach to counselling, and ways we could approach the challenges that you have brought with you.

We will also check and clarify any administrative details such as the intake paperwork, including questions that you may have for me.

The session will end after 50 minutes, where I leave some time to make our next appointment.

The process starts with you reading through this website, and getting a sense if I may be a good choice.

Once you reach out through the contact form, a complimentary phone call is offered. This brief connection could help you better understand my approach and personality. It will also help you understand if I am the right counsellor to support you. If you are a parent reading this for your child, please have them look through my site and they should be present for the initial chat.

If you decide to make an appointment, I will send you an intake form to collect important information. This is to be returned at least 24 hours before our appointment. We will set an appointment in person, or online.

You will receive a reminder email about our appointment. At our first session, we will make a plan together about the work we will do based on what you share.

Look through the FAQs page to get some answers about if this is the right approach for you.

I am looking forward to connecting with you.

I offer in person and online sessions. I work in Parnell on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Parnell has stairs for access. This office in on bus routes, near the train, and has surrounding paid parking. I will provide more details at the time of booking.

Online counselling is an option. For online work, you will need a private and safe space where you will not be interrupted. Using headphones is another way to create more privacy if you share your home with others.

Financial costs also are part of accessibility. See the ‘Fees and Appointments’ page to see what funding sources may cover you.

If finances are a concern, let’s discuss this together.

If you are neurodivergent (ADHD, Autism, dylexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia and many more), it would be helpful to discuss ways that I can meet your needs and ensure clear accommodations are made together. Your right to access good health care matters to me, whether it is the shape of a session to help with inattentiveness, or having fidget items available. It also may be us considering how/when you receive communication and resources. Helping me understand your needs will mean I can actively tend to them in my approach.

I am committed to confidentiality of your information. My commitment your privacy is supported by the NZAC Code of Ethics.

If you are using an EAP provider, I will explain briefly how privacy extends in these circumstances. This will be a conversation about note taking, storage of data, and who has access.

If you choose an online session, ensure you have privacy, and a safe space to have your appointment. Reduce distractions by turning your phone and notifications off. Using headphones can be helpful.

All members of the community deserve safe and competent healthcare.

I am an inclusive and competent counsellor for LGBTTQIA+, polyam friendly, and kink aware. I will not know everything, but I will also work with you to ensure I can provide a safe counselling space for you, no matter your identity and community.

Your emotional and physical safety is important to me. Being a trauma-informed counsellor means that I am aware that any person may be bringing experiences with them that may affect how they feel about mental health care settings.

I seek to make my practice predictable, with clear expectations and responsive to your individual needs.

If you have any particular questions or requests about the way we will conduct our sessions, please bring them up so we can determine if I can accommodate them. This may include considerations about the physical space and sensory needs, greetings, or methods of communication.