Experience and Qualifications

I specialise in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and other evidenced-based practices when working with individuals and couples. In 2018, I became the third male counsellor in New Zealand to achieve the status of certification in EFT with the International Centre of Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy. 

After secondary schooling, I studied accountancy and worked in that area for a few years. During my studies in 1986, I started practising mindfulness meditation to help with stress and stay focused. In 1995 I felt the pull towards helping others emotionally and changed career paths from accounting to social work and counselling.

Since then I have focused on working with people, with the aim to make positive changes in their personal, relationship, and work-place lives. In 2002, I graduated with a Bachelor in Arts with honours endorsed in social work from the University of Canterbury, and in 2013, I completed a master’s degree in education with first-class honours that was focused on learning and applying the following evidenced-based counselling models:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy,
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy,
  • Motivational Interviewing, and
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples.

I continually participate in national and international trainer workshops, so my knowledge and methods are up to date and useful for assisting people to live a rich and fulfilling life personally, relationally, and at work.

I create a safe, and supportive atmosphere, where I can provide a highly personalised approach tailored to an individual, relationship, or workplace needs. I am committed to making your experience positive, informative, and successful. I will help to make the best use of your ability to fulfil your goals.

 

 

Areas I've Worked In:

  • Couple, marriage, and relationship counselling

  • Mental Health, anxiety and depression

  • Anger management

  • Workplace support (EAP)

  • Individual and family counselling

  • Group facilitation/education in prisons and the community

  • Supervision/coaching for managers, staff, and students to improve their workplace relationships and effectiveness

  • Conflict resolution within organisations and families

  • Parent education, migrant resourcing, parenting through separation, and healthy communication for men in relationships

  • Victim support work (Voluntary)

  • Lifeline counselling (Voluntary)

  • Youth groups (Voluntary)

Qualities I Bring: 

I am inherently optimistic, with a warm and friendly manner that provides a safe and secure environment for achieving your goals. I get to the heart of the matter and assist with an understanding of sometimes complex situations in a clear and concise manner. I am happy to refer people to another counsellor if we are not able to work well together.

 

Professional Associations I Belong To: 

  • International Center of Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
  • New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC)
  • New Zealand Community of Emotionally Focused Therapy (NZCEFT)

If you need someone to talk to, or you're ready to change the direction of your life, book a session with me today. 

 

Book a Session

 

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