Sarah Zimmerman

Focus Counselling

I love to help others transcend the daily ‘noise’ and pay attention to what’s really happening. In the counselling room, I can help you to untangle what is causing you stress or pain, and together we can choose tools that feel right for you to build a path to a healthy, connected and ‘right’ life. I want to help you feel like yourself – and for that to be great.

You may be feeling overwhelmed and ‘stuck’, or experiencing a particular challenge, like grief, substance abuse, or increasing anxiety. Whatever you’re experiencing, you’re welcome to call me to see whether we would be a good fit.

I offer support with:

  • work stress
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • addiction / substance abuse
  • perfectionism
  • spirituality – particularly for those raised in a faith they’re having difficulty reconciling themselves with now
  • Feeling stuck and overwhelmed.

Counselling Approach

I utilise ‘person-centred counselling’; an approach forms the foundation for most ‘talking therapies’ today. The approach works from a set of basic principles rather than fixed techniques.

These principles include:

  • being real, authentic and honest with you, and seeking to understand what it is like to stand in your shoes.
  • valuing you for who you are. You are ok as yourself, whatever space you’re in.

I tie in tools from other modalities where that is helpful, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, internal parts work, and others. Our work is to collaborate to help you meet your goals.

Background and Experience

I studied counselling at the University of Auckland, and I have particular experience working with clients to make behaviour changes around substance use. I have undergone my own personal counselling throughout my life; I return to this as needed, to ensure I am ‘right’ enough with myself to be of service to my clients.

I am interested in helping others to make sense of their religious heritages and to navigate spiritual confusion. 

FAQs

Q Registrations and Memberships

Member of the NZ Association of Counsellors (MNZAC)

Q Qualifications

PgDip with Distinction, counselling theory University of Auckland
BA (Hons) Art History

Q Fees

- Sessions are $130/hr.
- I am registered with WINZ - you may qualify for funding.

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