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:
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Couple, marriage, and relationship counselling
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Mental Health, anxiety and depression
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Anger management
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Workplace support (EAP)
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Individual and family counselling
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Group facilitation/education in prisons and the community
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Supervision/coaching for managers, staff, and students to improve their workplace relationships and effectiveness
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Conflict resolution within organisations and families
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Parent education, migrant resourcing, parenting through separation, and healthy communication for men in relationships
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Victim support work (Voluntary)
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Lifeline counselling (Voluntary)
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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.
