Tanya Newman

Life can be overwhelming and challenging at times. I’ll help you work your way through these situations and make sense of them, so you can move forward and make meaningful change, living a life that aligns with your true values.

Areas of Special Interest

• Child and adolescent behaviour, learning and development, family systems.
• Loss and grief, life and health transitions, addictions (alcohol, drugs and pornography).
• I have a particular interest and experience in cancer support, complementary approaches to health, plus mental health and nutrition.

Counselling Services

I offer either short or long term private and confidential counselling for every day challenges or more complex issues that may have existed for some time.

I have worked, and continue to work with young people of a variety of ages.

I create a space for you to reflect on what’s happened in your life and brought you to this point, think about the present and what you want to change moving into the future.

To provide skills to restore health and wellbeing, both emotional, physical and spiritual.  You will develop a greater understanding of yourself and align this to your personal strengths.

We’ll work together to connect you with your true values and strengths, and in doing so, discover new perspectives and ways of living  – not only with what’s troubling you but also with any changes you’d like to make moving forward.

I can work closely with outside agencies (e.g. secondary mental health agencies, health departments) and advocate on your behalf, with your permission, should this be required.

My aim is to help you (or your child) feel safe, valued, heard and understood, no matter what your background or current situation. I’m caring, kind, genuine, trustworthy and professional, with a good sense of humour.

Counselling Approach

I draw on a variety of methods and use a pluralistic approach which recognizes that each person has particular needs and preferences – I’ll share some ideas, practices and methods that you may like to consider, and through talking we will work together to create what will work best for you. As this may change we can adapt what’s working as your needs change.

Some of the approaches I have found effective over the years both personally and professionally and which I draw on are:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (A.C.T)
• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy(CBT)
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Restorative Practice
• Mindful self compassion

Background and Experience

Currently in private practice, I have worked for many years as head of department in an Auckland secondary school. My work there involved counselling students, their families, and staff. I also worked closely with a team of counsellors, nurses, social worker, and psychologist.

With a background in teaching, I have taught at both primary and secondary school levels over around 17 years in a variety of roles including teaching, and leadership positions. I’m trained in restorative practice. I have been a facilitator and instructor with the ‘Roots of Empathy’ programme in a variety of schools.

I’ve supervised intern and experienced counsellors for several years, and continue to do so.

Supervision Services

My aim as a supervisor is to build a supportive, authentic and collaborative relationship that assists you to:

• Reflect on your practice and personal & professional development
• Understand and explore the influence you have on clients and clients have on you
• Reflect on what you bring to the therapeutic and supervisory relationships from your background and past
  experiences
• Draw on evidenced based practice and explore this in the context of the work with your particular clients
• Create a safe space to explore the above, and maintain safety for you in your practice, plus safety for your clients.