Maree Burns

Counselling with me is a collaborative process where we will reflect on the ways you are being influenced by and are influencing the problems you experience. We will make visible and possible, alternative options and directions to support the change you seek.

I have experience working with problems such as:

• eating difficulties
• disordered eating
• restriction
• binge eating
• dieting and diet culture
• body image
• eating issue recovery
• intuitive eating
• health at every size
• identity
• life transitions
• health issues
• chronic pain
• chronic illness
• family issues
• women’s issues
• bullying
• parenting
• worry
• depression
• feelings of not measuring up
• relationship issues
• grief
• shame
• procrastination
• perfectionism

Counselling Services

Frequently people consider counselling when they feel that the problems they are encountering are stuck or overwhelming. Other times there is an issue that does not feel that big but is getting in the way of living a contented life. Often the attempts people make to cope with challenges have outlived their usefulness and these ‘strategies’ then invite problems of their own. Sometimes it can feel as if problems are inextricably entwined with who we are, rather than happening to us, making it hard to recognise our values, hopes, and resources and alternative options. Having a space to unpack your relationship with the difficulties you experience makes a difference.

What Can You Expect?

• Collaborative and respectful conversations which focus upon areas that are important to you
• Developing shared understandings of the ways in which problems have been sustained in your life (this can include an in-depth exploration of how disordered eating is impacting you or a loved one, and next steps)
• Examining and strengthening your commitments, hopes and values in order to change your relationship with the problem(s) and alter its influence in your life
• A greater sense of agency and personal influence
• A growing sense of preferred possibilities for yourself, and support to make these changes

Counselling Approach

Within narrative approaches ‘change’ begins as people examine the effects of a problem and their attempts to deal with a problem, on their identity, behaviour, and relationships. Unpacking and locating some of the taken-for-granted ideas people hold about themselves and the world, is key. To then consider the ways that power shapes these thoughts, feelings and practices as well as working to develop novel or previously unconsidered possibilities, enables us to envision and enliven a different kind of being in the world. People can look to the resources and values they already bring to bear (or would like to bring to bear), in ways that improve wellbeing. I consider it a privilege to be invited to work with you to facilitate a process of exploration and change.

Background and Experience

• Counselling at University of Auckland’s Health and Counselling Service 2011 – ongoing
• Consultative role in eating disorders recovery research (Massey University) 2020 – ongoing
• Private practice counselling in Auckland since 2007 – ongoing.
• Working for the Eating Difficulties Education Network (EDEN), an NGO, for 10 years including leading the agency for the last 3 of those 1999-2010
• Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling at Unitec in Auckland (2006-2008)
• Post-doctoral research (University of Exeter, United Kingdom) (2004-2006)
• PhD in psychology from Auckland University (2000-2004) including research publications