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Counselling

The New Zealand Association of Counsellors - NZAC - (of which Wayne is registered) describes counselling as "a professional, confidential, and supportive process where a trained counsellor helps people work through personal, emotional, psychological issues in a safe and non-judgmental environment. The aim of counselling is to help people better understand themselves, cope with difficulties, make positive changes, and improve their overall wellbeing".

WHY COUNSELLING?

Most people come to Counselling because they seek a deeper sense of fulfillment or because they are dissatisfied with certain areas of their lives. "Counselling involves talking openly about thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may be causing distress, confusion, or challenges in daily life. Counsellors listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and use proven counselling techniques to help people gain insight, develop coping strategies, and find their own solutions" (NZAC). This may be in the areas of work life, personal life, relationships, life balance, self-care, parenting, abundance, hobbies or spiritual life ....... whatever is calling for attention. Counselling can help you determine:

- What you want to bring into your life (get clear on your values, vision and goals)

- How you can make that happen (tools, strategies and resources)

- What obstacles may get in the way (unhelpful learned patterns, self-beliefs, lack of support etc).

WHO IS COUNSELLING FOR?

You. You are the expert on you, and your life. And you deserve a life that is full of meaning, joy and fulfillment. Counselling helps you tap into the uniqueness that is you - your strengths, desires, resources and dreams. They may challenge you at times but this is done to enhance your growth, to help you see things from a different perspective. Counsellors support you to be the best possible 'YOU' you can be. Counselling is a safe space that works at the pace you are comfortable with. Sessions are generally one hour and, while one-off sessions are available and helpful, it is generally recommended to dedicate at least four to six sessions for best results. This encourages commitment, deeper clarity and support for the changes you are making.

Counselling approaches that Wayne embraces:

Person-Centred Approach: Treating you as the expert in your own life. The therapist does not judge or direct you. Instead, they provide a safe space to help you grow and find your own answers.

Holistic Therapy: An integrative approach to health and healing that treats the "whole person"—addressing the interconnected mind, body, emotions, and spirit rather than focusing solely on isolated symptoms. Clients are encouraged to explore how somatic bodily sensations can provide awareness and insight into personal issues.

Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT): a form of psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral approach that helps you accept difficult thoughts and emotions instead of fighting them. Rather than trying to change or eliminate painful feelings, ACT teaches you to reframe your relationship with them and commit to actions that align with your personal values

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A structured, short-term talk therapy that teaches you to spot and change unhelpful thought patterns and actions. By understanding how your thoughts, feelings, and actions connect, you learn practical ways to handle stress, anxiety, and depression

Be patient with yourself.

Self-growth is tender;

It's holy ground.

There's no greater investment.

- Stephen Covey

SESSIONS

Wayne is based in West Auckland, New Zealand (NZ), and offers nationwide counselling online. He has clients throughout the country who access counselling from the comfort and convenience of their own home or office. The first session is about gaining clarity and awareness over what the issues and therapeutic objectives are. We will explore your values, what is important to you, and how this relates to your goals. We will look at the underlying beliefs and feelings you have around the issues, and how these impact you moving forward. The key principle is AWARENESS - with awareness comes CHOICE, and with choice comes EMPOWERMENT.