Bridget Leary

Counselling and Therapy Approach

Kia ora, my name is Bridget (she/her), and I am a therapist based in Wellington. I approach counselling as a collaborative process where we will talk about what is most important to you. I hold the assumption that people have many skills, abilities, beliefs, and values that can help them to reduce the influence of problems in their lives. The role that I take up is to ask questions that create distance between you and the problem, so that we can see it for what it is. In doing this, together we can find previously hidden, or new and preferred ways of experiencing your life and relationships.

My practice is primarily informed by Narrative Therapy. I also draw on my experience with Interactive Drawing Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and EMDR. I have experience working with people who are struggling with a wide range of difficulties, including trauma, PTSD, sexualised abuse, anxiety, and self-esteem.

Supervision Services

I take a narrative therapy approach to supervision. I work collaboratively with you to co-research your preferred ways of practicing and to generate new ideas and practices that may serve your work with the people who consult you. In this space it is possible to learn, develop and be accountable for your own practice while exploring ethical dilemmas when they arise.

Background & Experience

I am originally from the east coast of the United States, and I have lived in Aotearoa since 2015. I began my clinical training overseas and have since completed a Master of Counselling through Waikato University and a Master of Applied Social Work through Massey University. I have experience in counselling, social work, group facilitation, clinical leadership and management.