Counselling
I am a grounded human to work things out with.
in person in Nelson, and Online.
About me
I am a second year counselling student at NMIT. My background is in community leadership and project management, including founding and managing Community Compost and a long career in joinery and construction.
I have worked overseas in diverse communities and am used to bridging cultures with respect. I bring empathic communication, attentive listening, and a steady, grounded presence. My hope is to support my clients to find the answers and pathway they want.
I strive to provide a culturally sensitive practice that honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the many different worlds people stand in.
I have particular interests in contact improvisation dance, somatic movement, nervous system health, nutrition and physical optimisation, learning languages (Catalan, Spanish, te reo Māori), new cultures and how human connection to community and land.
Who I work with
I currently work with:
Anyone who wants to sit or walk in peaceful, non-judgemental and positive connection
People navigating stress, burnout, life transitions, study or work pressure, climate anxiety, technology anxiety, conflict, isolation
People wanting to work on themselves and their relationships
People involved in community work, trades, environmental projects, or small business who want support without needing to “translate” their world
How I work
My approach is pluralistic and collaborative, which means we decide together what is most helpful for you. You might want me to just listen, you might want help finding your way out of a complex and painful situation - you lead.
I draw from a number of modalities and constantly research wherever my passion leads me. Here are some of the core skills I’m growing:
Person-centred and strengths-based approaches
Solution-focused and narrative therapy
Trauma-aware and nervous system regulation
Māori models of wellbeing, with cultural humility and willingness to learn with you
Where useful, I may offer simple tools such as mindful techniques, grounding exercises and helpful psychoeducation about stress, emotions, and the body. You are always in control free to say what does and doesn’t work for you.
Ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata!
When the land is well, the people are well.
What to expect in sessions
I am here for you, we start by clarifying what brings you here and we explore what you might need to support you.
I will ask you questions and we move at your pace in the direction you want to go. With regular check-ins about how the process is going for you we will work together to support you best.
You can bring thoughts, feelings, body sensations, relationships, work, family, culture, spirituality – whatever is alive for you.
I will be honest if something is outside my current level of training and, if needed, we can talk about referrals or additional supports.
Supervision
I work in-line with professional standards. Which means regular supervision through NMIT and an external supervisor.
I follow agency policies, NMIT requirements, and the NZAC Code of Ethics.
Supervision strictly confidential and is there to support ethical, safe, and effective practice. In supervision I may discuss aspects of our work to support the best outcomes for you.
Confidentiality, notes, and recordings
Your information is confidential, with some important limits.
I may need to share information if:
There is risk of serious harm to you or someone else
There is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult
I am legally required to disclose information (for example, by court order)
I keep brief notes as part of ethical practice. Notes are stored securely in line with policy and the NZAC Code of Ethics, and accessed only for care, supervision, or audit. You can request access to your notes at any time.
I will request audio recording of session for my training. This is always:
By your informed and ongoing consent
Recorded and stored securely
Used only for learning purposes
Deleted after the learning task is complete
Fees and availability
60 minutes
Free through NMIT
In person in Nelson and Online
We can meet in person at NMIT's Nelson campus (S Block, Level Two), online, or by phone - whatever feels most comfortable for you.
If it helps, we can also continue outside on the campus lawn once we've had a chance to get to know each other.
Getting started
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, you can email me here:
Book me here
Crisis and emergency support
I am not an emergency or crisis service.
If you are in immediate danger or feel you might harm yourself or someone else, please contact:
111 in an emergency
Your local mental health crisis team
1737 (call or text) to speak with a trained counsellor in Aotearoa
Or go to your nearest hospital emergency department
You can still contact me later to talk about ongoing support once you are safe.
