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 goals.

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. 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 from spaces in Parnell and Papakura. Parnell has stairs for access, and the Papakura office is accessible from street level. Both locations are on bus routes, near the train, and have surrounding parking. I will provide more details at the time of booking.

Online counselling is an option. I do recommend we meet in person for at least the first two sessions so you can best determine if I am the right person to support you. For online work, you will need a private and safe space. Using headphones is another way to create more privacy if you share your home with others.

Financial costs also are part of accessibility. I am a MSD registered provider, which means that WINZ may be able to support you to access counselling. I also work with ClearHead EAP provider, so talk with your employer or insurer if you can access my services for free.

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

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

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 can help connect you to relevant rainbow resource as you may need.

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. This may include considerations about the physical space and sensory needs, greetings, or methods of communication.