Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
WHO I AM AND WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT as we journey together
A little bit about me
I’d describe myself as eclectic with a history full of life experiences covering both the light and dark areas of the colour spectrum. My interests range and include things like: spending time in nature, fishing, photography, art, going for walks along the beach, spending time with family and friends, exploring cultures, writing, poetry, reading, having deep discussions, and funny discussions, and I am constantly learning and exploring new things.
I am a South African immigrant now New Zealand citizen. I have lived in both the North and South Islands. I immigrated to New Zealand 17 years ago and have spent 15 of those years here in Christchurch. I have spent my working years as a travel specialist, travel and tourism tutor, professional artist and photographer, and counsellor, but the most important role I have ever had, was raising my 2 boys who are now young men.
I have both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a Bachelor of Counselling degree. I completed my Bachelor of Counselling at Bethlehem Tertiary Institution in NZ, where I qualified in several modalities (view a list of them under 'services'). I use these varying modalities with clients the way that a builder might use a variety of tools from a toolbox to complete the work. It is essential to realise that no two people are the same - nor should we expect them to be the same. I treat each client in accordance with the story and the strengths and struggles that they bring into the room. My counselling style reflects who I am, and my main focal point is that I am authentic and allow others to be authentic. Together, we can be open and honest with each other, which is key to developing trust, connection, and healing.
I have counselling experience with young children, youth, family, couples and individuals of all ages and demographics. I counsel an array of issues, but do have a particular passion for relationships and trauma. These are broad issues with underlying factors that are buried a little deeper like fear of conflict, or past experiences, or narratives that have become normalised for some reason and are defining who you are today. Growing awareness and a safe space to talk is the key to change.
My promise to you
To listen to you, treat you with respect, be truthful, trustworthy, compassionate, non-judgmental, and show empathy. To work collaboratively with you and to explore ways forward with you. To be culturally sensitive and ensure that I am always in a position where I am willing to learn more about you, your story, and how things like culture weave into your experiences and strengths. I promise to work ethically within the framework of the New Zealand Christian Counselling Association's (NZCCA) Code of Ethics.
What you can expect coming into counselling with me
You can expect the first session to include introducing ourselves to each other outside of the problem. There is some time for questions you may have. We discuss safety and what that looks like in counselling, and we also look briefly at the Code of Ethics that I work with. A full description of the NZCCA, 2018, Code of Ethics is available online for you to see. I am happy to explain them in more detail if you require that. If you are willing to work with me, we then move on to the counselling contract, which allows us to discuss your counselling goals and the struggles you are dealing with, and want to address.
Remember, healing doesn't happen in a straight line! Please trust me on that. At times it may seem like we are visiting several points in your life that you hadn't connected to the problem, but it won't take long before you have some "aha" moments. It is in those moments that healing and 'choice' exist. In those moments where self-awareness grows, empowerment becomes a choice, and forgiveness becomes more accessible.