Ben Burggraaf

Real conversations for authentic personal growth.

You’re here because you’re ready for something to shift — whether that’s finding relief from anxiety or stress, gaining clarity in your life direction, or reconnecting with your most authentic self. In our work together, you’ll find a warm, non-judgmental space where you’re safe to be yourself and explore what truly matters to you. Many clients find it liberating to speak honestly with someone who isn’t family or a friend, someone whose only agenda is your wellbeing.

I love helping people shift from dark places to somewhere worthwhile. Together, we’ll unpack the patterns behind anxiety, stress, and self-doubt. You’ll learn practical tools to build genuine confidence and self-compassion, improve communication and boundaries, and feel more emotionally grounded.

Sessions feel like down-to-earth conversations. I hold a Master’s in Counselling and have over 3,000 hours of experience working with individuals aged 18–45. Think of me as someone in your corner, here to help you reconnect with your best self. Together, change is possible.

FAQs

Q Accreditations

- Masters in Counselling (University of Waikato)
- Member Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMH)
- Provisional Member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (ProvMNZAC)
- Psychology Today Verified Counsellor
- Member New Zealand Association of Positive Psychology (NZAPP)
- Counsellor for I Am Hope (Gumboot Friday)
- Bachelor of Management Studies (Marketing Major BMS, Chairman’s Award Top Marketing Student)

Q How does counselling work?

In a counselling session we’ll sit across from each other. You will talk and I will patiently listen with empathy and compassion. Together, we’ll identify harmful thought and behaviour patterns. I will help you understand your lived experiences, thoughts, feelings, behaviours, beliefs and values. As we move through counselling, we’ll explore your past, present, and future, your hopes and dreams, as well as your fears and regrets.

Then, we’ll address strategies to help you regulate and control your thoughts and behaviours. Instead of fixating on your faults, you will learn how to be compassionate with yourself. You’ll learn how to be your most authentic self.

Expect to experience and begin to identify new feelings and emotions. At times, I will ask you to challenge the beliefs that do not serve you. The trust that we have established and your willingness to be open will allow transformative work to occur. You will be able to set clear wellbeing goals for yourself and construct a plan to achieve them.

Q How is my approach different?

Too often, clinicians will use a medical model that focuses on altering people’s behaviour without fully understanding what makes them who they are.

My approach is to take a whole-picture and whole-person approach. I will help you understand your lived experiences, thoughts, feelings, behaviours, values and beliefs that have shaped who you are.

That way, we can then create a tailored and personalised approach that fits your unique strengths, values and preferences instead of looking to fit you into a box.

I draw from Narrative Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and mindfulness based approaches.

Q Fees and working hours

- Appointments are 55-minutes and fees are $140 for individuals.
- Working hours: 10am – 4:30pm Monday to Thursday.

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