Counselling
In counselling you are listened to and helped to explore the difficulties and concerns that you have. You are encouraged to make changes orientated towards healing and wholeness. At Te Whare Awhero all our Counsellors adhere to the professional code of ethics of the ANZASW, NZAC, and or NZCCA. Confidentiality is also important to us and all our Counsellors abide by and to the provision the Privacy Act 1993. We have available both male and female fully qualified and trainee counsellors. Our trainees are enrolled in a Tertiary Institute that are working towards a Diploma, degree or Masters in Counselling. The counselling provided by our Counsellors is monitored by internal and clinical supervision. Costs vary on a case by case basis, taking into account the situations and circumstances of those obtaining our services. Please contact us for more information.
Lyna Ruffell (MNZCCA)
Bachelor of CounsellingCounselling Coordinator and Qualified Counsellor
Lyna has a Bachelor of Counselling (Vision College) and is the Coordinator of our Counselling Team. My areas of interest include: developing personal and professional self-awareness including identity, and exploring relationship difficulties. I also have an interest in women’s issues and parent child difficulties. My passion is to help those in the helping profession and to see healing and restoration occurring in all our lives. I enjoy painting, going to the beach and relaxing.
June Zhu (MNZCCA)
Bachelor of CounsellingQualified Counsellor
June has a Bachelor of Counselling (Vision College) and a Diploma of Preventative Medicine (China). My areas of interest include personal growth and development. I am also passionate in working with women's Issues, multi-cultural and relationship counselling. I enjoy reading and walks in the park"
Sarah Walker (NZRCN)
Bachelor NursingCounselling Intern
I am currently completing a Diploma in Counselling, with training in the person-centred approach. I previously worked as a Registered Nurse, with over ten years experience. I enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, and offer a safe, supportive environment in which people can heal and grow. My areas of interest are parenting, relationships, anxiety and depression. In my spare time, I enjoy relaxing with family and friends, walking the dog, and playing the ukulele.
Christine Hopper
BA (Education)Counselling Intern
Christine is currently working towards a Bachelor of Counselling (Laidlaw College). I find it a great honour to walk with others as they journey through times in life that may be challenging, confusing and painful. I am married and have two adult sons and a teenage daughter. I love spending time with my family, friends and in the outdoors, and when I have time (and inspiration!) I love painting.
Katrina Jones
Bachelor Teaching (ECE)Counselling Intern
I am currently working towards a Diploma of Counselling (Vision College) and in my previous professional life I was an Early Childhood teacher for 13 years. After completing some Child Centred Play Therapy Modules, I followed my heart to re-train as a counsellor. In a busy world I endeavour to create a safe, non-judgemental, peaceful space for children and adults to explore life’s challenges. I have a particular interest in working with children and adults that are sensitive to their environments, both emotional and physical. I like to work creatively within a Person Centred Approach. I enjoy spending time with my partner, friends and family and connecting with nature and challenging my fitness levels on the Port Hills tracks with our much loved family dog. I have studied several areas of Art and Design, so spending time painting, printmaking and renovating our home are other areas of interest.
Fran Atkinson
BA EnglishCounselling Intern
I have almost completed a Diploma in Counselling, and also hold a BA in English. I am passionate about creating a safe, non-judgemental space where clients can self-reflect, and learn to heal. I am particularly interested in working with those who are struggling with mental health, stress management, and self care. In my down time I enjoy being immersed in nature, expressing my creativity, and learning about the world.
After Hours Counselling
In counselling you are listened to and helped to explore the difficulties and concerns that you have. You are encouraged to make changes orientated towards healing and wholeness.
Lukas Swart (MEdPsych), (NZPsS)
Registered PsychologistPsychologist
Lukas Swart is a Registered Psychologist with 20 years’ experience working in special education in New Zealand. Lukas spent several years as a classroom teacher and then lecturer and senior lecturer providing further training for teachers. He worked as a psychologist in private practice prior to coming to New Zealand in 1997. Lukas has a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology. His training had a strong emphasis on psychological assessments, behaviour and cognitive therapies and counselling. He also completed a residency in medical hypno-analysis at the Ohio Institute of Medical Hypno Analysis. Lukas is a behaviourist with a special interest in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT forms the basis for all his therapeutic interventions. Lukas is an excellent speaker and has presented on numerous occasions to small and large groups on topics related to special education and human development.
Lukas is available after hours 4pm-9pm Mon – Thursday & Saturday Morning by appointment. Counselling Fee $80 per session
Emma Christie
BA, Psychology & Education, Bachelor of Counselling, (MNZAC)Qualified Counsellor
I am passionate about working alongside young people to help them discover their full potential and work through tough issues that get in the way of living the life they want to live. With over 10 years experience working with youth in a variety of areas including mental health and youth work, I enjoy guiding young people through the areas of grief & loss, anxiety, depression, burnout, self-care and stress management. I enjoy spending time with friends and family and keeping active through running and crossfit.
Rebecca (Bex) Smith
Bachelor of CounsellingQualified Counsellor
I am interested in working with people of all ages with a particular focus on children and young people. The main modalities in which I use are Person Centred Counselling and Creative and Play therapies. I am passionate about providing a safe space where people can come and feel supported and understood. In my spare time I love doing anything creative, whether it’s painting and drawing, making things or being musical.
Cate Walton
NZRM, Plunket Cert, Dip Teach (ECE), MNQualified Counsellor, Masters of Counselling Intern
I have worked for many years as a Registered Nurse mostely with families of young children and I am also an Early Childhood teacher. These days I work as a counsellor and I am completing my Masters of Counselling at Canterbury University. I enjoy working with all people, from all walks of life and cultures. I particularly like to work with families with young children. I am the mother of four adult children, and I am married to Chris, and we live with our two dogs. I enjoy reading and wool craft.
Verona Naaido
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of CounsellingQualified Counsellor
People are very important to me and I’m passionate about seeing others succeed in life. My motto in life is: ‘May my everyday, be someone else's one day'. I am able to assist you in areas such as: Problem solving, decision making, developing tools and strategies to deal with challenging situations, enriching relationships, communication, parenting difficulties, stress management, and working with change. I enjoy reading, music and the theatre.
Sydney Erickson
Bachelor of Counselling, Diploma in Family SupportQualified Counsellor
Hello! I am an American who immigrated to New Zealand 7 years ago. It is a privilege for me to journey with others through the difficulties of life. I mainly work with children and young adults but I also work with some adults. In my free time I love coffee, catch up's, spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature and music.
Counselling Fees
If you are having financial difficulties or are in financial hardship we can negotiate with you a rate that makes your counselling affordable for you to attend sessions.
Our key Charitable Philosophy is to not exclude anyone who cannot afford counselling.