Misty Peoples

 I extend a professional invitation to adolescents and young adults, with a specialised focus on female clients aged 11 to 25. My therapeutic practice is dedicated to providing a confidential and supportive sanctuary where young individuals can navigate life’s complexities with guidance and support. The foundation of my clinical approach is built upon an integration of Person-Centred and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) frameworks, ensuring an intervention that is both deeply empathetic and pragmatically oriented towards positive change.

The Person-Centred framework posits that the client is the expert on their own life. I therefore cultivate a therapeutic environment characterised by unconditional positive regard, authenticity, and empathic understanding. This creates a non-judgmental space where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The Solution-Focused framework directs our collaborative work away from a deficit-based narrative and towards the identification of pre-existing strengths and future possibilities. Through strategic questioning, we will co-construct clearly defined goals and develop actionable steps to cultivate resilience, enhance coping strategies, and build a personalised toolkit for managing life’s adversities.

Recognising that an individual does not exist in a vacuum, my practice adopts a holistic and systemic perspective. I operate from the premise that wellbeing is multifaceted, encompassing emotional, social, and cultural dimensions. For many young people, particularly within the diverse cultural tapestry of Aotearoa New Zealand, cultural identity and familial values are integral components of the self-concept. I am committed to practising with cultural humility, intentionally creating space to understand and integrate these vital aspects of a client’s world into the therapeutic process. Where appropriate and with the client’s consent, this may involve engaging with family systems to foster a supportive and understanding environment that reinforces the therapeutic gains made during sessions.

Suppose you are a young person, or a parent or guardian seeking support for a young person, who is contending with issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relational conflicts, academic pressure, or identity formation. In that case, I invite you to reach out. My practice in Milford is dedicated to empowering you not only to overcome present challenges but also to build a foundation of self-efficacy and resourcefulness for your future. Please do not hesitate to contact me through this platform to enquire or schedule an initial consultation.