Matt Nicholson

Bays Counselling: together we can work towards the life you hope for.

I hold a strong belief in our capacity to pursue meaningful lives—both on our own, and alongside those we care about—in ways that are guided by our values, commitments, and hopes for the future.

 

Who I Help

I am passionate about working with individuals and families to create space from the challenges you face.

Life brings challenges, and relationships often stir up complexity. Things don’t always unfold in the ways we hope, imagine, or intend. Whatever you are dealing with it’s important to know that you don’t have to face these things alone, support can make all the difference.

I am experienced counselling for:

  • anxiety and depression
  • grief and loss
  • anger
  • substance abuse
  • coping with transitions in life stages
  • life beyond retirement.
  • issues with self-esteem
  • being in relationship with others
  • exploring your own identity
  • young adults facing struggles adjusting to the demands of life beyond school (work and relationships)
  • or any of life’s other challenges

 

My Philosophy in Counselling

Every person’s journey is unique, and I will work to meet your specific needs, goals, and pace.

In our work together, I will show up as a warm and active collaborator. Together we’ll explore the stories that have shaped your experiences, and what may be keeping you stuck. Together we’ll look for new perspectives and possibilities that move you to a place that better fits with your ideas of the person you would prefer to be, and the life you would prefer to live. A place where you can live in peace within yourself, and in your relationships with others.

Largely I work from the therapeutic perspective of Narrative Therapy. This means I will work with you to take control of your own stories, and re-create more meaningful, purposeful, and satisfying ones, freeing you from the limits of past experiences. Where helpful, I also use elements of Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Person-Centered Therapy.

 

About Me

I grew up, and now live and work on the North Shore here in Auckland.

I have had a few different careers (mainly in horticulture and then teaching), and many formative experiences and lessons. My life as a partner, parent and grandfather continues to teach me much. As a child I had a physical deformity which helped me to learn to be resilient, accepting, and compassionate towards others. Later in life I faced challenges associated with substance mis-use and the effects of that on my relationships with family and others. So I have learned a lot about managing change and conflict, and seeking ways of being a better, more fulfilled person.

I look forward to helping you.

FAQs

Q Registrations & Qualifications

- Provisional Member, Registered with NZ Association of Counsellors (NZAC)
- Bachelor of Counselling
- Bachelor of Eductation
- Diploma in Teaching

Q Appointments

- I have access to counselling rooms in the Central City, North Shore and Hibiscus Coast, but I also work widely with people online.
- Sessions are generally 1 hour, with the first session being an hour and a half, allowing people the opportunity to gain a sense of whether we can work together.

Q Fees

- At Bays Counselling I operate on a negotiated sliding scale depending on your circumstances (waged, unwaged, etc).
-
As a general rule fees are:
- for the first session 1.5 hours $120
- following sessions 1 hour $80 per hour for individuals
- following sessions when more than one person being worked with, $145
- these rates are negotiable

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