In person in Wellington, New Zealand
and online worldwide
I work with people who feel like they should be happy but in reality:
- even when things are going fine, it’s hard to fully relax.
- what looks like success and strength on the outside feels like mounting pressure on the inside.
- they want to protect their boundaries but the idea of disappointing others terrifies them.
- they deep down know they're being too harsh on themselevs but lowering expectations feels physically impossible.
When you've learnt to stay alert, to anticipate others' needs, to keep things running smoothly, it can be hard to simply “think” your way into feeling calm. If this resonates, therapy can help you understand and change these patterns.
Who I help
Working with me
When you work with me, you gain access to
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Specialised counselling tailored for people with anxiety, trauma, nervous system dysregulation using modern approaches
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Guidance of a qualified, trained professional who has been through the therapy process herself for many years.
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Access to the knowledge of senior specialised clinicians I consult with
- E-mail support between sessions if need arises
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Strategies and resources such as audio exercises and breathing techniques to help you cope when things are hard.
My approach
I see anxiety, perfectionism, avoidance, self-criticism as adaptaions our brain, body and the nervous system create to protect our sense of safety.
As our nervous system adapts to keep us safe, we can develop patterns that over time end up bringing us a lot of pain - like anxiously scanning the room windering if somone is mad at us or keeping ourselves quiet to not rock the boat.
To help address these patterns, I use specialist approaches to healing and trauma treatment that are safe, effective and supported by research.
What happens in a session
A session often begins with a check in about how you’re feeling and what feels important or relevant to you on the day. You will have a choice whether to focus on difficulties currently going on in your life (for example: this week being stressful at work) or exploring something related to a goal of yours (for example: becoming more assertive with your boss). We will discuss approaches that will be most helpful. Then, I’ll guide you through exploring parts of yourself with compassion which are driving difficult thoughts, feelings and behaviors. We may also do a Deep Brain Reorienting process of healing if that's what feels more supportive. We will collaborate on finidng the best approach to tackling the problem in front of us and I will guide you every step of the way.
How to work with me
Send me a message using the form below
I intend to get back to you within a few days of your enquiry during work days. Please include little bit about yourself and your reasons for seeking therapy. Ask me as many questions as you'd like.
Schedule a free initial consultation call (30 mins)
We will talk about your needs and I will answer any questions you have about working with me. This conversation is to see if we are a good fit to work together. You won't have to decide if you want to work with me on the spot - you can e-mail me after the call.
Initial session
The hardest part is done, now it's time for me to guide you by first understanding what it's like for you and get to know you, learn what is important for you and discuss the direction for our work together.
Continue regular sessions
We will meet at a regular time weekly. Our work will be guided by your goals and chages you want to see and my expertise grounded in research and clinical experience. We will gently explore what is happening in your life right now or/and address any past hurts that affect how you feel. Regular check-ins about progress and your satisfaction with counselling will help guide the approaches I take in our work. Read about what happens in a session here.
Finishing our work
When you decide you are ready to finish, we will conclude our work. Many clients reduce the frequency of sessions first before ending therapy.