Our Counsellors

I am a third-year Bachelor of Counselling student who is passionate about creating a safe, warm, and accepting space where people feel comfortable being themselves. My aim is to provide a non-judgemental environment where you can feel heard, understood, and supported as you explore whatever has brought you to counselling. I believe every person has the capacity for growth and healing, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside people as they navigate life's challenges and discover their own strengths and way forward. My Person-Centred approach is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and building a strong therapeutic relationship.

Annekatrien enjoys the process of clients discovering who they are meant to be. She uses her understanding of psychology as well as various counselling methods with a base of Solution-Focused Therapy in her sessions.

I aim to support clients as they navigate the unique challenges on their journey by identifying strengths and building skills that foster growth and healing. Although the process can be tough at times, witnessing your growth and transformation is an incredible experience. Every person is unique and together we’ll explore a counseling approach that aligns with your style.

I see my role in supporting you through distressing times, and help you make informed and healthy decisions about yourself, your relationships and your future. I work with past trauma and its impact on today’s life, anxiety and depression, and feel passionate about relationships or parenting issues.

I provide a non-judgmental and safe environment, where we can explore issues, chosen by the client. The models I use in individual work are Narrative Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy. I often provide clients with psychological maps out of the Pattern System to help them orientate on their journey.

I also offer Couples Counselling, where I work in line with the Developmental Model, helping clients with practical guidelines that they can apply in challenging situations.

Tēnā tātou katoa, I am a second‑year Bachelor of Counselling student, training in Person‑Centred counselling. I focus on building a genuine therapeutic relationship grounded in empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard, allowing clients to feel deeply heard, understood, and supported. My role is to walk alongside the client following what matters to them, responding to their felt sense, and creating a relationship where their values, meaning, and hopes guide the direction of our work together.

I am passionate about my Māori heritage, and I whakapapa back to Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Kahungunu o te Wairoa. I can incorporate the Te Whare Tapa Whā model for those seeking a holistic approach to their healing, which honours wellbeing across taha hinengaro (mind), taha tinana (body), taha wairua (spirit), and taha whānau (relationships). I see these dimensions as deeply interconnected, and I can support clients to explore each in ways that reflect their identity, culture, and lived experience. 

He ara nui tēnei whakahokinga ki ōku tūrangawaewae, whānau hoki. Ka nui te oranga tōku nā tēnei mahi.

I am a thoughtful therapist with an interest in neuroscience and helping people to become their full selves . I seek to support the hauora or relationship/ cultural needs of the people I meet in a range of settings. The University of Canterbury was my last place of work and I still enjoy working with students. There are a range of clientele that I can work with from adults, adolescents and couples. I work from a collaborative therapist framework involving a range of approaches. 

Lesley provides a warm, safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment for clients to work through the difficulties they are facing. Grounded in the person-centred approach Lesley believes that change is possible when clients feel heard and accepted. Lesley attends to the whole person (body, mind and spirit) and enjoys using creative therapies with clients where appropriate.

Kia ora, I'm Linlin. I migrated to New Zealand 15 years ago and now call Christchurch home. As someone who has experienced the challenges and joys of settling into a new country, I understand the complexities of navigating different cultures, identities, and life transitions. I live in Christchurch with my husband and am passionate about supporting people on their journey towards healing and wellbeing.

My approach is holistic, collaborative and considers the many different aspects that contribute to your well-being. I believe growth happens in a relationship where you feel safe enough to be yourself. Rather than focusing on what is “wrong", I support you to reconnect with your strengths, build self-compassion, self-love and develop a more grounded and authentic relationship with yourself. I believe healing begins when we feel truly seen, heard, and accepted as we are.

I am particularly drawn to working with themes of identity, migration, cultural issues, stress, anxiety, depression, self-worth and relationship difficulties.

Lucille offers compassionate care and professional insight, providing a safe, nurturing space for individuals, couples, and families to heal and grow. As a qualified professional, counsellor with provisional membership in the New Zealand Christian Counselling Association (NZCCA), Lucille is dedicated to guiding personal and relational well-being. Using a diverse range of therapeutic approaches—including CBT, Narrative Therapy and Person-Centered Creative Therapies.

Mike has a background in pastoral ministry, military chaplaincy and working in social services. As a psychologist he has worked in addictions and has interests in grief, depression, anxiety, sexuality, supervision and mindfulness. His training includes Person-Centered counselling and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

Nancy Wu is a full member of NZAC (The New Zealand Association of Counsellors). She holds an MEd and has a career background in education. She also holds an additional MEd (cert Counselling) and is an NZAC-registered Supervisor. As such, she practises both as Counsellor and Supervisor. Nancy utilises an integrative/ eclectic therapeutic approach within a Person-Centred Framework. That broad approach allows for a range of modalities, including solution-focused and emotionally-focused modalities. In addition, her therapeutic kete is enriched with strengths coaching and trauma-informed approaches. Nancy's mahi includes working with tamariki (children aged 6 and above), rangatahi (teenagers and adolescents) and adults She works with individuals, couples and groups. Nancy enjoys working with varied personal contexts, including faith and cultural backgrounds. She also offers faith-based counselling on request.

Tessa works using a relational and trauma-informed approach to counselling, seeking to provide a safe space for exploration, healing, and growth. Her focus is on working with people to understand their unique selves and life experiences, and creating space for people to explore new ways forward. She is a full member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors.

Kia Ora, I’m Van and I’m currently completing my counselling training at Vision College. My main approach in counselling is Person-Centered Modality which focuses on assisting and walking alongside my client to explore their strengths and potential, with the belief that they are the expert of their own life. Each person is capable of making positive changes and living their fullest life.

I believe very strongly in the healing power of a relationship where a person is heard, understood and received with genuine care, acceptance, empathy and honesty - so that they feel safe to be their authentic self and facilitate personal growth in various aspects of their lives.