Life can be difficult at times, so having someone alongside you to support you in making change can make all the difference. If you want support to make positive changes to areas of your life that are currently causing you pain and emotional distress, I can help you create a life worth living.
I can help you with:
- addiction
- depression
- anxiety
- stress
- grief and loss, bereavement
- self esteem
- managing difficult emotions
- family dynamics
- parenting
- life transitions, migration
- guilt and shame
- relationships
- redundancy
- pet loss
The secret of happiness is freedom and the secret of freedom, courage.
-Thucydides
Counselling Services
Many people face challenging times in their lives, there may be situations you find more difficult to manage than others and feel in need of some support. You may find you are getting less enjoyment from life, wanting to isolate, avoid others, struggling with anxiety, depression and sleep. As we go through life, we develop different ways of coping such as talking to friends, family or we may turn to alcohol or drugs or other forms of addiction to get us through the difficult phases. However, there comes a time when this stops being helpful.
You may find it difficult to talk to people close to you about personal issues. This is where I can help. For me the ultimate goal of therapy is about creating a life worth living and not one just to be endured.
You have taken the first brave steps of looking for a therapist, which can be difficult, so congratulations. I look forward to helping you become your own therapist and find a new way forward.
The focus of my work is to support you in finding and making the most of your full potential enabling you to live your best life possible. It is especially important to understand and address the challenges you are facing without returning to old behaviour. This can lead to a rich, full and meaningful life. My collaborative approach to therapy supports you to reach your goals and to find balance in your life.
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
– Maya Angelou
My Counselling Approach
I provide a confidential, safe and supportive environment in which you can discuss difficult issues. I work at your pace with regular reviews of the work we are doing together to ensure we’re on track and focusing on all your support needs.
The approaches I use include:
- Motivational interviewing
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Client centered therapy
- Family work
- Mindfulness techniques
- Life skills counseling
- Compassion focused therapy
- Talking therapies
- Abstinence
- Harm reduction
- 12 step model
About Me
I have been working as a counsellor for 26 years starting in the UK where I completed my training. I worked in a private drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers as a therapist, working with individual clients and also facilitating groups, from here I went on to work with families who had been affected by other’s substance use.
After moving to New Zealand 20 years ago, I started working for the Salvation Army Bridge Programme as a therapist. My role was to facilitate a variety of different groups and see individual clients. I have experience working with a variety of populations which includes adults, adolescence, couples and groups.
I complete 18 years with Waitemata DHB Community Alcohol and Drug Services in November 2022 having started my own practice in 2020.
Since working in private practice I have worked with a number of different populations including children, teenagers, adults, couples, families and groups, covering issues ranging from bullying, school and social anxiety, school and exam pressure, relationships, life changes, anxiety, grief, loss and depression, etc.
Please feel free to get in contact. I look forward to hearing from you.
FAQs
Registrations and Memberships
- Registered Alcohol and Drug Clinician
- Practitioner Member of the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association of Aotearoa-New Zealand (DAPAANZ)
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Counselling (UK)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Health Science
Appointments
- Monday and Friday 9am - 5 pm
- Evenings and weekends always available but by negotiation
- please get in touch by using the email form or on WhatsApp +6421887614
Fees
- Individuals $150 for a 60 minute session
- Couples $200 for a 60 minute session
- Group sessions by negotiation
- payment can be made by cash or internet banking at time of session
- private medical insurance may cover your sessions on application and approval
Testimonials
Sally:
Maddy has been an incredible counsellor, from the initial call when I reached out, to years later when we no longer required frequent connection.
I reached out to Maddy in the lowest point of my life, and she has shown me tools to keep with me in all aspects of my life whether it is career, family, relationships and self.
I feel as though the stars aligned when we met, we had so much in common it helped me bond quickly and feel open to being vulnerable which in turn helped my growth.
Maddy gave me skills and explained things in a way I had never heard before that really clicked. I am in such a healthy place in my life that I couldn’t have envisioned for a while. She helped me to stop people-pleasing, to be self aware and label anxious thoughts, heal my inner child, to actively listen, and so much more.
I can’t summarise how great my time spent with Maddy was, I never felt pressure to move at a pace I wasn’t ready for, and for that I am greatful.
Matt:
Maddy is more than just a therapist. She’s a friend. Deciding to start therapy can be a big step for a lot of people, there is often a certain stigma attached. Sharing scary thoughts and addictive tendencies can be extremely hard.
Maddy makes this process easy, her gentle approach has allowed me to talk about some of the things I thought I’d never accept about myself or share with anyone. I was not judged, I was supported and respected.
Through Maddy’s guidance I’ve made massive leaps forward in my personal growth and development. I’m can firmly say that I’m a better person to myself and my community after working with here for 18 months.
They say what you resist, persists. If you’re struggling with addiction / mental health / obtrusive thoughts or just need a friend to bounce thoughts and feelings off then Maddy is your greatest ally.
Anna:
I have had the privilege of working with Maddy for several years, and the journey has been nothing short of transformative. Maddy's expertise and compassionate approach have been instrumental in reshaping not only how I view the world but also how I view myself. Through her guidance, I've developed a strong set of personal values and have seen remarkable improvements in my relationships with my husband, children, and those around me. Most importantly, I've cultivated a deeper, more understanding relationship with myself.
Maddy possesses a unique ability to steer you onto the right path, gently guiding you through the complexities of your thoughts and emotions. With her support, I've managed to untangle the web of my thoughts and gain clarity that I never thought possible. She doesn’t just offer solutions; she empowers you to find your own answers to the questions, doubts, and worries that you might be facing.
For anyone who feels lost, stuck, or just in need of a little guidance, I wholeheartedly recommend Maddy. Her impact on my life has been profound, and I believe she has the skill and empathy to make a significant difference in yours as well.
BK:
I had tried counselling a few times before but struggled to get the most out of it. It wasn't until I started my sessions with Maddy that I felt like I 'clicked' with a counsellor. She listens without judgement, and communicates with kindness, patience, and sincerity. I would leave each session filled with more courage and determination.
I learned that counselling is not just about talking - education is also important! The tools and techniques I've learned from Maddy have been invaluable and is knowledge I will keep for life. Reaching out to Maddy has been one of the best decisions I've made for my mental health. My journey with her has been incredibly fulfilling, I never imagined I'd be in such a positive place.
Read My Articles
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2 Glen road, Browns Bay,, Auckland
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April, 2024
Friday
August 26,2019
- Tuesday
- 9:00am - 10:00am
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