Christina Emery

Kia ora e hoa, Nau mai, haere mai.

I’m Christina Emery (she/her/ia), a qualified counsellor based in Whanganui. I offer counselling in person, online, and over the phone, providing a space that feels safe, genuine, and meets you where you’re at.

After three years of study, reflection, and personal growth, I’ve completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling, become a provisional member of the NZ Association of Counsellors (NZAC), and stepped into private practice.

As a neurodivergent, queer individual, I know how important it is to have a space where you don’t have to hide parts of yourself—a space where you can breathe out, be heard, and not feel like you need to explain everything. That’s the kind of space I aim to offer.

To learn more about me – check out my intro video HERE.

LGBTTQIA+ Advocacy and Support

Before becoming a counsellor, I spent several years advocating for the LGBTTQIA+ community. I’m a co-founder, former manager, and now chairperson of Pride Whanganui, a registered charity dedicated to uplifting rainbow voices and creating safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone.

That experience has deeply shaped how I work as a counsellor. It’s taught me the importance of safety, authenticity, and respect—values I bring into every session, regardless of what brings you to counselling.

Whether you’re here to talk about identity, relationships, stress, or anything else life throws your way, you’ll find a space where you don’t have to filter who you are. My commitment to inclusion means that all parts of you are welcome—your story, your culture, your challenges, and your strengths.

Neurodivergent-Affirming Counselling

As someone who is neurodivergent myself, I understand both the challenges and the unique strengths that come with living in a world not always designed for our brains.

I offer a supportive space for those who are:

• Newly diagnosed or exploring whether they may be neurodivergent,

• Wanting to understand their needs and patterns,

• Looking to develop strategies that work with their brain, not against it,

• Seeking self-acceptance and ways to thrive without masking.

Together, we can explore ways to make life feel more manageable, authentic, and aligned with who you are.

Te Tiriti Partnership and Cultural Respect

I strive to be an active Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner in my practice and in life. This means continuously learning, reflecting, and working to uplift and empower Māori voices, both within counselling and in the wider community.

In practice, this looks like honouring Māori worldviews, respecting the importance of whānau, whakapapa, and wairua, and recognising the strengths that come from identity and connection to whenua. My approach is guided by humility, openness, and a deep respect for the wisdom of tangata whenua.

My Approach

I work within a pluralistic framework, meaning I believe there’s no single way to heal or grow; each person’s journey is unique. Together, we’ll tailor the counselling process to fit you, drawing from approaches such as:

• Person-centered therapy – creating a genuine, empathetic space where you feel heard and accepted without judgment.

• Psychoeducation – understanding why we think, feel, and respond the way we do can be empowering and help build self-awareness.

• Collaborative exploration – working together to find what feels right for you, at your pace, and in your language.

Areas of Support

I work with adults experiencing a range of challenges, including but not limited to:

• Anxiety, depression, or burnout

• Addiction and recovery

• Relationship and communication difficulties

• Gender and sexuality exploration

• Navigating neurodivergence

• Life transitions and stressors

• Building self-worth and confidence

Most of all, I’m here to offer a space where you feel seen, respected, and supported as you move toward the life you want to live.

Counselling is not about being “fixed”; it’s about being understood, accepted, and empowered. If you’re ready to begin that journey, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you.