Who am I?

My name is Nicola and I am a fully qualified and registered (NZAC) Counsellor with a Masters in Counselling from the University of Canterbury. As well as private practice I also work as a Counsellor with Encompass Health, helping individuals and families who are impacted by Cancer. I have an affinity with working with both children and adults, and also do some couples work. I love the area of North Canterbury and have lived here for most of my life. Currently, I live in Swannanoa with my family and an assortment of animals. I enjoy being in the outdoors, either on a bike, walking the dogs or in the garden (mainly sitting amongst the weeds!). Some of the values that are meaningful to me are connection, family, humour, curiousity, empathy and growth.

So now you know a little about who I am, what about the Counselling? The modalities of Counselling that I am trained in are Solution Focused and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, but also draw on other modalities depending on what suits the client so that the best outcome can be achieved.

My Counselling is focused on listening to the stories we tell ourselves and acceptance of the things that we can not change, but most importantly, working together to discover the strengths that exist already so that we can achieve the goals or live within the values that matter most to us. Relationships are very important to me so I look forward to meeting you and working collaboratively on our journey together. I identify as she/her and endeavor to honour the commitment made to Te Tiriti O Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) in my mahi (work)

Areas that I specialise:

  • Young Adults and Children
  • Anxiety and Depression
  • Grey Area Drinking and help with problematic behaviours
  • Stress and Burnout
  • Trauma and Loss
  • Interpersonal and relationship challenges
  • Identifying and achieving personal goals
  • Occupational Challenges

Contact me so we can book an appointment:

Qualifications and Registrations:

MCOUNS (distinction), GradDipECE, CAT, BA (Sociology) – University of Canterbury.

Full registration held with New Zealand Association of Counsellors and Teachers Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.