Counselling

Affordable counselling in Whangarei

At our centre in Whangarei, we offer low-cost counselling services to help you navigate the difficulties, concerns and life transitions you are facing. Our goal is to assist you in developing a more satisfying and resourceful way of living. Whether you are facing stress, relationship issues or seeking personal growth, we provide professional support that’s tailored to your needs.

A counsellor can help you to:

  • Reduce your stress
  • Improve your relationships
  • Develop your sense of well-being (self-esteem, spirituality)
  • Plan and set goals
  • Develop coping skills

How our counselling service works

Counselling sessions are one hour long and can be done face to face, or via phone or video call. It’s important to us to keep this service affordable. The cost for a session for an individual is $100, or $95 for community service card holders and for a couple it is $120 (this includes GST). If the cost is an issue for you, please talk to us. There may be funding available, which can be accessed through your GP or other means. We are more than happy to discuss this further.

Meet our Counsellors

All our Counsellors are fully trained and are members of the NZCCA and/or NZAC. Their ethics ensure they are trustworthy, respect your confidentiality, will listen to you carefully and sensitively, and support you professionally in making the changes you choose to make.

Lyn Hutchinson

Counsellor

Dip. Counselling; Cert. Supervisor; MNZAC

Whangarei

Individuals, Supervision

 Person-centered counselling underpins my practice however I work eclectically using therapeutic models according to clients’ needs, building the best counselling relationship for individual clients. My key areas of work are depression, anxiety, grief and self-esteem. I have a special interest in working with young women’s issues.

Sally Shepherd

Counsellor

B. Counselling (WelTec); Cert.Supervisor; MNZAC Affiliated & Registered. ACC Registered Provider.

Whangarei

Individuals, Couples, Supervision

I’m a dedicated therapist with 18 years’ experience helping individuals, couples navigate life’s challenges. My approach combines evidence-based practices such as CBT and mindfulness with a compassionate and personalised touch. I specialise in supporting clients working with anxiety, trauma, depression & relationship issues. In my ACC work I provide tailored therapeutic approaches that honour each person’s unique journey. My goal is to create a safe non-judgmental space where you feel heard and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life. Let’s work together to create clarity, resilience and personal growth.

Sharon Ackers

Counsellor

B. Counselling (Bethlehem Tertiary Institute); MNZAC

Whangarei - Central

Individuals, Couples, Children, Teenagers

I enjoy working with people of all ages. I have worked with children, young people, couples and families in addressing a variety of issues. These include the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs of the individuals involved. I encourage the search for their own strengths as these are often hidden beneath the problems they may be facing. I use a range of counselling methods including person-centered, narrative and cognitive, and I enjoy using the arts and creativity.

Saskia Weirsma

Trainee Counsellor

MIT University

Whangarei

Individuals

As a counsellor in training, I aim to offer a warm, supportive space where you can feel safe, understood and empowered to tell and process your story. My approach is grounded in person-centered values, and I draw on different therapeutic methods to suit each person’s unique needs. I work with adults and young adults experiencing grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and those times when life feels stuck or overwhelming. I believe we all have resilience within us, and by walking alongside people on their journey, I support them to discover and reconnect with their strengths and create meaningful change.

Christel Jeffs

Counsellor

MNZCCA

Whangarei

Individuals

My hope for every client is that they will feel seen, heard, and empowered through the telling of their stories. I approach counselling with a person-centered, trauma-informed lens and draw from a variety of modalities, including CBT, narrative and creative therapies. My key areas of work include trauma, depression, anxiety, stress and faith / spirituality issues.

Mandy Wood

Counsellor

MNZCCA

Whangarei & Dargaville

Individuals

I offer a warm, supportive space where you can feel heard and understood. Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, grief, loneliness, relationship challenges, self-esteem struggles, work-related stress, or financial concerns, I’m here to help. I use a range of approaches tailored to your needs, empowering you to build resilience, find balance, and create change. You don’t have to navigate this alone let’s work together towards a better future. 

Jennie Gill

Counsellor

B. Counselling; Certified IMAGO Therapist; Certified Forest Therapy Guide; Certified Supervisor; MNZCCA

Whangarei

Individuals, Couples

I like to walk alongside people with a collaborative approach to the situations that are brought to therapy. Reaching crossroads in life and working through challenges that come requires courage and openness to change. Taking time to tend to these events, and to grow and transform is necessary. I work with adults and couples, especially those who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and those exploring their identity.

Philip Squires

Counsellor

Dip. Counselling (WelTec); MNZAC

Whangarei

Individuals, Adolescents

I am an experienced counsellor who believes that when the right conditions are met, we can all create meaningful change to be at more peace within ourselves.  Each person’s experience is unique, so I adjust my approach to fit what will be best for you.  As a counsellor, my goal is to provide a space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, & experiences.  I am here to walk in a way that honours your voice, values & goals.  My areas of experience are; Anxiety & Fear, Self-Development, Stress, Depression, Grief & Loss, Life Changes, Personal Meaning & Purpose or to be a Sounding Board as one explores their world.

Our counsellors also run the following courses:

to find out about upcoming dates for these courses.

Connections

We work with these organisations and associations to provide counselling services to our community.

Are you ready to move forward?

Our counsellors are empathetic listeners who seek to understand different perspectives. They are present, engaged and here for you. Our counselling team brings wisdom from a range of cultures and backgrounds. Whatever your perspective is on life, someone on our team will be able to meet you there.

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