Robert Nelson

Offering psychotherapy and counselling with a depth psychological emphasis for treatment of depression, anxiety, grief, substance use disorders, dual diagnosis, self-harm and suicidality as well as personality disorders.

Areas of Special Interest

• substance use disorders
• depression
• anxiety
• suicidality
• self-harm
• grief
• life stages
• family
• couples
• personality disorders
• self esteem
• behavioural issues

Counselling/Therapy Services

My approach in counselling is person centered. Experience in providing counselling leads me to firmly believe that we inherently know the answers to questions that trouble us, and through dialogue and engaging in the therapeutic process, these solutions will emerge and make themselves known. As a depth psychological therapist I will often use myth, legend, and archetypes as a way to understand what we are experiencing, and to help you identify your personal journey by studying the markers of where you have been and reimagine where you may be headed. I also utilize acceptance and commitment t herapy, cognitive behavioral and motivational interviewing in session, and provide my clients with psychoeducation to help them develop useful tools to address their problems. I have worked with substance use disordered individuals, individuals with dual diagnosis concerns ,Bi-polar and major depressive disorders, life transitions, self-esteem, suicidality, anxiety, personality disorders, trauma, grief and dementia. I look forward to meeting you where you are at, and getting to know how best to deal with your concerns in a non-judgmental, safe and supportive therapeutic space.

Counselling/Therapy Approach

What assumptions are holding you back from the life you have imagined for yourself? What possible regrets do you wish to avoid by connecting more authentically with your true wants and needs? Our individual struggle may be recent and feel minor, or life-long, serious, and seemingly unsolvable. These struggles often show most profoundly in relationships with those closest to us, career difficulties, or a broader need to connect with meaning. No matter your circumstance, I humbly offer myself to you as a companion in your journey to explore positive change through therapy. With my approach, time is taken to ascertain your needs and instincts in how you wish change to occur, and we work collaboratively on your healing journey.

Background and Experience

My work in mental health field started some 12 years ago. As my personal life took major shifts, I found myself drawn to the mental health field. This lead to work as a crisis line handler and supervisor. This lead to taking a diploma in psychology through Massey University. Subsequent career development occurred in working with clients suffering with dementia, applied behavioural therapy with children on the autism spectrum, substance use counselling with individuals struggling with opiate addictions and dual diagnosis concerns. Most recently I have been working with client and families struggling with grief, loss, and end of life issues. I have now relocated back to my home town of Wellington to open an individual practice.