Janina Gould

Kia ora koutou,

I’m Janina, a Masters qualified counselling therapist based in Cromwell, Central Otago, offering in-person and online counselling across New Zealand.

I’m all about keeping conversations real, because life can be hard at times. Our work together is a collaborative process focused on understanding what’s really going on beneath the surface—whether that’s anxiety, overwhelm, or patterns that feel hard to shift – including how your nervous system reacts and protects you. Together, we explore practical and emotional ways forward, guided by what matters most to you.

I use a pluralistic counselling approach, which simply means there’s no one-size-fits-all method. Together, we find what feels right for you – combining evidence-based practices like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Person-Centred Therapy with culturally attuned perspectives.

My sessions are guided by open communication, shared decision-making, and collaboration. For me, counselling is about creating a safe, welcoming space where you can bring all parts of yourself.

Special Interests

• Maternal mental health
• Working with the Deaf individuals (I am hearing, and I am NZ Sign Language proficient)
• Adults and youth mental health (12+ years old)

I work with people who are experiencing

• Anxiety and overwhelm
• Low mood and Depression
• Relationship challenges
• Emotional regulation
• Grief
• Stress
• Burnout
• Identity
• Self-esteem
• Life transitions
• Trauma (mild to moderate)

Research

I recently published research focused on Deaf mental health, from the perspectives of the mental health professional, sign language interpreter and the culturally Deaf client, you can read more here:

• Full article: A qualitative synthesis of literature on mental health therapies for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people from multiple perspectives: the Deaf client, the mental health practitioner and the sign language interpreter

Get in touch for a free 15 minute video chat if you want to ask any questions