What experience of counselling do you have?

I started working as a counsellor in 2003 and began working part-time in private practice in 2005.  My experience includes working for Youthline, the Wellington People’s Centre, the Cancer Society, and Skylight.       

My experience includes working with children and young people who are experiencing grief, loss and change; and working with people who have been diagnosed with cancer. 
 

What are your professional qualifications?

I hold a Bachelor of Science majoring in psychology from the University of Otago (1988) and a Diploma in Counselling (Applied) from the Wellington Institute of Technology (2004).  I also completed a number of psychology papers at London Guildhall University in 2000.

I have also completed training in Transactional Analysis and Integrated Drawing Therapy. 


Are you a member of a professional organisation?

I am a member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).   


Do you subscribe to a code of professional ethics?

My therapeutic work is conducted in accordance with the Codes of Ethics of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).


Do you receive regular supervision?

I receive regular supervision of my work and I am committed to ongoing professional training and personal development.

What are your fees?

My fees are $75 per session.  If you are on a benefit then you may be eligible for a disability allowance, which would cover some of this cost. 

Fees are payable at the end of each session by cash or cheque.

I review my fees on an annual basis.  I will give you a month’s notice of any intended increase.


How long do sessions last and how frequent are they?

A session is 50 minutes long and begins at the time booked.

I prefer to see people on a weekly basis, but sometimes fortnightly sessions work better.  Generally sessions will be at the same time each week (or fortnight).


What happens if I am unsure about whether I want to proceed with counselling or therapy?

During the first session I will ask you to tell me about yourself and your reasons for coming to see me.  We will also talk about your goals in terms of what you want to achieve from counselling.  If I feel that I am not the right person to work with you then I will discuss this with you and will provide you with some suggestions of other counsellors/therapists who would be more suitable to work with you. 

You will also get a sense of how I work at this first session, which may or may not fit well with you.  This first session is an opportunity for both of us to see if we can work together. 

You are under no obligation to continue beyond this initial appointment, although the usual fee will be charged for it.

 

What happens if I have to cancel an appointment?

If you are unable to make an appointment I would like as much notice as possible, so that I am able to offer the appointment to someone else.  If you give me less than 24 hours notice then the appointment will be charged in full. 


What about confidentiality?

Everything you say in a counselling session is confidential, with two exceptions.  Firstly, I have regular supervision during which I discuss my work with clients.  In supervision I refer to clients by their first names only in order to preserve anonymity.  The second exception is if I were concerned that a client might be at risk of harming him or herself or someone else, then I would need to talk to an appropriate person about my concerns.  However, if at all possible I would discuss my concerns with the client before doing so with anyone else.