Our Counsellors

Annekatrien enjoys the process of clients discovering who they are meant to be. She uses her understanding of psychology as well as various counselling methods with a base of Solution-Focused Therapy in her sessions.

I’m a first-generation New Zealander; my family came most recently from England, but researching and learning about my family background finds strong connections to Ireland. I am very proud to be a New Zealander and grateful to live in this beautiful country.  I have a deep respect for Te Tiriti o Waitangi and believe New Zealand is stronger when we support its principles and acknowledge Tangata Whenua as New Zealand’s first people.

I worked for many years as a Registered Nurse, mostly in community settings, and I am a trained Early Childhood teacher. All these experiences have been rich learning experiences that have taught me to believe in people and their amazing capacity to reach their full potential.

For me, counselling is about supporting clients to discover the life they want to live. It's not about finding the problems; it’s about finding what works and doing more of it.

I believe that every person has worth and value, and this is reflected in my work.

I aim to support clients as they navigate the unique challenges on their journey by identifying strengths and building skills that foster growth and healing. Although the process can be tough at times, witnessing your growth and transformation is an incredible experience. Every person is unique and together we’ll explore a counseling approach that aligns with your style.

I see my role in supporting you through distressing times, and help you make informed and healthy decisions about yourself, your relationships and your future. I work with past trauma and its impact on today’s life, anxiety and depression, and feel passionate about relationships or parenting issues.

I provide a non-judgmental and safe environment, where we can explore issues, chosen by the client. The models I use in individual work are Narrative Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy. I often provide clients with psychological maps out of the Pattern System to help them orientate on their journey.

I also offer Couples Counselling, where I work in line with the Developmental Model, helping clients with practical guidelines that they can apply in challenging situations.

I am a thoughtful therapist with an interest in neuroscience and helping people to become their full selves . I seek to support the hauora or relationship/ cultural needs of the people I meet in a range of settings. The University of Canterbury was my last place of work and I still enjoy working with students. There are a range of clientele that I can work with from adults, adolescents and couples. I work from a collaborative therapist framework involving a range of approaches. 

I believe it is  important to provide a place where my clients feel valued, listened to and supported. Using person-centred and narrative therapies as a basis in my counselling sessions I endeavour to enable my clients to explore their life stories and understand how what has happened and is happening to them affects the way they understand and see themselves, helping them to trust in the wisdom and strengths which they have within themselves to reach their full potential.

Lesley provides a warm, safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment for clients to work through the difficulties they are facing. Grounded in the person-centred approach Lesley believes that change is possible when clients feel heard and accepted. Lesley attends to the whole person (body, mind and spirit) and enjoys using creative therapies with clients where appropriate.

Lucille offers compassionate care and professional insight, providing a safe, nurturing space for individuals, couples, and families to heal and grow. As a qualified professional, counsellor with provisional membership in the New Zealand Christian Counselling Association (NZCCA), Lucille is dedicated to guiding personal and relational well-being. Using a diverse range of therapeutic approaches—including CBT, Narrative Therapy and Person-Centered Creative Therapies.

Melanie offers a safe, nurturing space by attending to the relationship. She uses a Person-Centred approach and walks alongside clients in a gentle and compassionate way. She has a particular interest in working with issues around grief, loss, depression and offers mindfulness skills.

Nancy has trained in the solution-focused approach, and works from a person-centred and holistic framework. She enjoys working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, uses creative therapeutic modalities and draws from life experiences. She sees her work as journeying alongside those whose lives have been disrupted by change, dislocation, grief, loss, disempowerment, and painful memories.

Shannon's person-centred approach fosters a safe, accepting, and empathetic environment. She walks alongside her clients on their journey of self-discovery, supporting them through challenging times and empowering them to connect with newfound inner awareness and truth.

Kia Ora, I’m Van and I’m currently completing my counselling training at Vision College. My main approach in counselling is Person-Centered Modality which focuses on assisting and walking alongside my client to explore their strengths and potential, with the belief that they are the expert of their own life. Each person is capable of making positive changes and living their fullest life.

I believe very strongly in the healing power of a relationship where a person is heard, understood and received with genuine care, acceptance, empathy and honesty - so that they feel safe to be their authentic self and facilitate personal growth in various aspects of their lives.

With 25 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals navigate life’s transitions, stress, workplace and relationship challenges. Having faced my own personal and professional growth journeys, I understand the complexities of change and the resilience it takes to move forward.

Studying Psychology, Advanced Interpersonal Behaviours, a Batchelor of Science (Counselling) and a degree in Adult Learning & Development, my approach is compassionate and practical. I will support you to explore your challenges, discover solutions that align with your values and create meaningful, lasting change.

Kia ora, my name is Yu Xin Song, but many people call me Jane. I am a bilingual counsellor (Mandarin and English) with a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and a strong connection to my Chinese heritage. My journey into counselling has been shaped by my rich life experience, my love for people, and my belief in the power of empathy, respect, and human connection.

I was born and raised in China and have lived in New Zealand for over 20 years. As a migrant, I understand the challenges of adapting to a new culture, language, and identity, and I bring this understanding into my counselling work with warmth and compassion. I am currently completing a Bachelor of Counselling at Laidlaw College, where I have been trained in Person-Centred and Narrative Therapy, with a special interest in supporting clients through trauma, change, and growth.