COUNSELLING
About
I specialise in assisting clients to navigate their relationships and to strengthen their positive sense of self.
I regularly assist clients to:
- Transform negative self-talk to kind self-talk
- Cope with different types of relationship challenges, whether they be intimate, parental or collegial
- Understand what went wrong after a relationship break up, so the same negative patterns are not repeated
- Understand how to deal with pressure from others
- Manage anxiety or low mood
- Manage addiction issues
- Set realistic goals in areas where they strive for perfection.
Why Work With Me
I bring a range of experience to my work, including a background in nursing, the performing arts and psychodrama. I have worked as a counsellor for over 8 years.
- My background in addiction services and mental health nursing means my approach is practical.
- My ‘previous life’ as an actor and performer has given me an awareness of body movement, which is useful in helping people cope with certain situations.
- My psychodrama training has taught me to genuinely ‘tune in’ to a client’s experience and work at a pace that suits them.
Overall, my approach is practical and creative. I focus on realistic strategies that will help you take your next step.
Like many counsellors, I have quite a few qualifications. However, I am a firm believer that what will assist you most in making the positive changes you need, is a counsellor with whom you have a positive connection.
I encourage you to ask questions and sound out a few different counsellors until you find a positive ‘fit’.
If you feel that you would like to work with me, email [email protected] or text me at +64 27 435 4699 to book a 15-minute phone conversation.
Vanesa is really good at helping clients to explore boundaries, free from judgement.
I felt as if I was all alone in a lifeboat with no oars or life jacket. Vanesa helped keep me afloat, find my life jacket and oars and helped me row back to shore.
Vanesa has supported me in working through personal and professional matters. She is warm, caring, respectful and professional.
I would happily engage her services again and refer family or friends to her.
Working with Vanesa has helped me to deal with stressful situations, difficult relationships and episodes of anxiety and depression. Her open style is very helpful. It means she can tailor each session to suit what I need, and she makes me feel comfortable and listened to.
In my work with Vanesa, I felt enabled to build the resiliency needed to redirect my perceptions and perspectives. Vanesa helped me set a new course of personal empowerment. She worked with me to create ownership of my counter-productive behaviours, and taught me the tools to make solid, positive personal change.
My councillor Vanessa was absolutely fantastic. I was very clear what I wanted to get from the Counselling and Vanessa delivered exactly this. She was practical and pragmatic and very connective. Vanessa made a suggestion at my request which has been transformative for me, a solution that was under my nose but without her I would not have noticed this. Very pleased.
Frequently Asked Questions
Therapy focuses on a client’s personal life and any negative patterns they may want to change or learn more about. Such patterns usually form at a young age and are rooted in the original family system.
Supervision focuses on exploring work situations and encounters. Among other things, it invariably involves reflection on what the supervisee did well and what they could do differently in the future.
Payment
Sessions cost $115 per hour, plus GST.
Availability
7:30 am to 7:00 pm
Monday – Friday.
Location
I am based in Avondale on the banks on the banks of the Whau River in Auckland.
Let’s Work Together
For more information about services or working with Vanesa, fill in the form below. We will get back to you as soon as possible.