Francis Ah-Ken

Francis Ah-Ken is a qualified counsellor and a provisional member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. As the founder of Incourage Counselling, Francis believes everyone has the INNER strength and COURAGE to stand firm and say “I Matter”.

I can help you with

• Couples counselling
• anxiety
• stress
• depression
• life coach
• sports counselling
• grief and loss
• cultural/identity crisis
• self-harm
• suicidal ideology
• anger management
• men’s issues
• trauma
• self-esteem
• navigating life changes and more.

Counselling Services

Counselling and relationship are synonymous – Francis believes we cannot have one without the other in the counselling space. You will find Francis easy to talk with, because you will find him to be authentic, relational and eager to see you move forward from where you are.

In the current climate, life seems more uncertain. Our “normal” has almost reinvented itself and it isn’t necessarily a positive one. With that comes a new type of worry, a new type of living and from children to adults we’re trying to deal with it the best we can.
Life can be stressful, overwhelming and unrelenting, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Francis is here to listen, support and encourage a new way forward, and he will do this with you at the helm. You’ll work together with Francis by exploring the issues you present in counselling, and how various dimensions, such as home/work environments, relationships, covid – isolation can influence our behaviors.

The premise at InCourage Counselling is not only will you have more self-awareness, but you’ll also feel unburdened, supported, empowered and encouraged to pursue the changes you want for your life.

Counselling Approach

Francis considers himself to be a pluralistic counsellor utilising various ways of working with you. He does this by exploring what you would like to achieve from counselling and together you’ll work toward a solution that best suits you.

With various models such as Person Centered, Strengths Based, Narrative therapy and more Francis also incorporates diverse practices from both Māori and Pasifika and other cultural perspectives that embrace the whole person in their uniqueness.

Change can occur through small adjustments in our thinking, perceptions and actions but even more so, you will build and harness the courage on the inside, so you’re able to grasp and embody your best self on the outside.

About Me

Learning from personal hardships, chronic illness Francis has learnt inner resilience, courage, and grit to pursue the change he wants for himself, he would like to share these with you.

A background working in high-pressure corporate environments with first-hand experience of challenging team dynamics, constant change, moving deadlines and stresses that challenge our health and well-being, Francis will understand you.

From his personal life and vocational experiences, he understands that people want to be valued, heard and accepted. To share their story while feeling unjudged, embarrassed or taken advantage of – Francis feels like his own life has prepared him to become a counsellor and provide the space for you to talk safely.