Shana Valente

Tēnā koe, my name is Shana, and it is an honour to work as a counsellor. I currently have space to see new people. 

Every person has a unique story and strengths. Counselling is a safe and confidential space to talk about personal challenges, relationships and difficult life experiences. In our work together, we can also explore your hopes, dreams, new perspectives and preferred ways of being. Ultimately, what we focus on is up to you and the process is led by you.  I am passionate about helping people find meaning in their lives and to develop a better understanding of themselves. 

Difficulties I can support you with:

• anxiety
• low mood and depression
• relationship difficulties
• self esteem
• grief and loss
• identity
• diagnosed mental health difficulties such as Bipolar Disorder, ASD, ADHD, and Posttraumatic Stress
• dealing with conflict
• effective communication
• change, life transitions
• clarity and decision making
• parenting struggles
• impacts of family violence 
• increasing coping skills
• dealing with stress
• employment
• general health and wellbeing

About me

I am originally from Canada but have called New Zealand home since 2012. I offer online sessions on request and in person sessions in Orewa on Tuesdays and Fridays. I am a māmā to two daughters, partner and cat, and I come from a large Italian Canadian family.  I love being in nature, being active, doing yoga, cooking and spending time with my whānau. I enjoy learning and am committed to ethical practice and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

My approach

It takes courage to open to someone about what is going on in your life. Talking to someone who is professional, neutral, warm, and engaging can help to process and work through some of life’s difficult times. Counselling can help you find clarity when making key decisions, assist with interpersonal challenges and self-awareness. Your feedback and input about what is working for you-or not, is helpful and valued. I offer a non-threatening and supportive space to discuss anything that is important to you. I tend to be flexible- as life is never static, so what we talk about will naturally change and develop in time as our relationship deepens. 

I tend to focus on current challenges, however we may from time-to-time talk about different events in your life and how this contributes to your current way of being. We may, for example, discuss how specific past events are impacting you in the present, and how you want things to be different going forwards. Pacing is important, in other words taking our time so that sessions feel manageable and also have a sense of being useful to you without being overwhelming. 

My experience

I have worked with individuals, rangitahi (young people) and whānau/families in different community and mental health services since 2003. I have training and experience in  providing Multi-systemic therapy and I practice using a Pluralistic approach (not a one size fits all, but using different ideas to consider problems in collaboration with you).

Change is not a linear process but with patience, honesty and self-compassion, I believe that growth is possible.