OTAGO COUNSELLOR.
Welcome. Haere mai.
I am a qualified and experienced counsellor based in Otago, offering a safe, compassionate space to help you navigate life’s challenges.
I see your pain and it's big. I also see your courage and its bigger. We can do hard things.
Seeking support is a courageous first step. My practice is built on kindness, deep professional knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to providing a safe, confidential environment where you can feel truly heard.
Whether you are dealing with a specific crisis or just feeling overwhelmed by life, we will work together at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Areas of Focus
I support individuals navigating a wide range of life challenges, with specialised experience in:
Grief & Loss – Navigating the painful, complex process of losing a loved one, a relationship, or a significant part of your life.
Anxiety & Stress – Finding coping mechanisms and relief when life feels overwhelming, tense, or uncertain.
Life Transitions – Managing big shifts, such as career changes, retirement, moving, or changing family dynamics.
All Life Issues – Providing an open, non-judgemental space for any personal struggles, emotional distress, or mental health challenges you are facing.
I use various modalities within art therapy, talk therapy or writing therapy. I work with the client navigating which suit best.
How We Can Work Together
To make support as accessible as possible, I offer flexible options tailored to your needs:
In-Person Sessions: Held in a quiet, private, and comfortable setting within Central Otago.
Online/phone Sessions: Secure and confidential video sessions from the comfort of your own home, anywhere in New Zealand.
Every standard session runs for 50-60 minutes. You do not need a referral to reach out.
Contact & Enquiries
If you would like to ask a question or explore working together, please feel free to reach out. There is no pressure or obligation.
Email: otagocounsellor@gmail.com
Phone: 0272644844
If you are experiencing an immediate mental health crisis, please contact the free national helpline by calling or texting 1737, or dial 111.
Reviews:
I appreciate all the support, guidance, and care you have given me throughout my healing journey. You have helped me through many difficult moments, and I am grateful for the time and effort you have invested in me. D.S.2026.
O.C. provided a space for me to talk through how I'm feeling with no judgement and allowed me to process my thoughts in real time. A lovely person to converse with. I rediscovered writing as a powerful outlet which I take forward into my life after my sessions with her.
Mirabel Gu, Brooklyn, 2024.
We found the experience really useful. You were so welcoming and a great sounding board for Scott. Stanley is a wonderful addition to the environment. Nikki Greenfield. Island Bay, 2024.
Beautiful and warm lady. Me and my children were very comfortable and felt welcomed and not judged; Stanley was very good support." Luana, Poriria, 2024.
O.C. has been an absolute Godsend for my daughter and myself. We are both finding the sessions helpful and her experience in addressing the concerns is phenomenal :) "Tania, Tawa, 2024.
O.C. was such a pleasure and a Godsend in helping my teenage sons. She has such a lovely & helpful manner and is easy to open up to. She is super skilled in techniques to implement in support of her sessions and offers such practical advice. I would highly recommend her." Gemma Miramar,2024.
I've had four sessions and I'm becoming myself again. It's been really nice to have someone to speak to and give me advice. I have learnt a lot to keep myself happy and have clearer thoughts. It's been really helpful." Brayden, Waiunomata, 2024.
Harrison (11), Mark and I built a genuine rapport with O.C. from our first meeting with her. She also sets out boundaries in a kind manner. Harrison and I met her and her companion dog. She broke the ice by talking about surfing, Harrisons favourite topic. He had been wary and indeed reluctant to go to counselling for a number of years. Even on the way there, he was dubious. However they soon started chatting like old friends. I returned an hour later to a son who was very comfortable and didn't want to leave O.C.'s companion dog. Son was happy to return to counselling the following week with Mark. Son enjoyed his sessions and would like to finish some in the future. This is a positive result for us.
Megan White, Ngaio, 2024.
Thank you for todays session. It was helpful- O.C. is a great counsellor who listens w empathy to understand complex situations. She expertly uses her own experiences in life to create an "I've been there too" connection with the children that gives them the understanding & empowerment to navigate the tough times. F. Pollock. Lyall Bay, 2024.
My daughter came to see O.C. at crisis point. It was really helpful to have an outsider of the family to work through that with. It was very beneficial at that point of time to give her new perspectives to reflect on. Thank you.' Katherine. Berhampore, 2024.
My son was super relaxed after he saw O.C. He felt heard and listened to. Thanks! Frances, Miramar.
It was nice to talk with someone and get some clarity on my thoughts and feel more empowered in my decision making. I feel less confusion and more confident going forward. You have given me strategies and strength to deal with anything that may come up in the future. I feel more positive, less bogged down, with more energy now. I am more happy. I am feeling good in myself. Thank you so much. It was/is a pleasure to know you. Emily, Miramar, 2024.
I was able to offload and clarify my thoughts, feelings and processes going on in my head and heart. I found my assertiveness and communication skils to work with people and issues in my life whereas before they were all beneath the surface as resentments, causing me depression, anxiety and relationship blocks. Thanks O.C. for encouraging me to be proactive in my life choices and friendships as I have had positive outcomes and now feel I know myself better and can handle life more overall. M.G.Brooklyn, 2024.
When my 9 year old son leaves counselling with O.C. he is more carefree and relaxed. It really takes a load off. He has opened up to me more and most importantly, the issues that brought us to counselling have stopped so it has been really useful. It has been a huge improvement, he is more in touch with his emotions, also better behaved and more respectful. Fran. Berhampmore, 2024.
O.C. has been a strong support during 2024 for myself. She has helped me work through many issues. I really don't know if I would be able to cope at all if I hadn't come to her. I am back to work, exercising & finding enjoyment in things in life whereas before I was in a dark hole. Mihi nui O.C. Mel. Newtown, 2024.
O.C. was super helpful with suggesting practical strategies and tips to help me navigate all of my life issues.
Thank you so much! Gia. Auckland, 2026.
When I first started counselling I was overwhelme with work issues but now see my way forward with a new hope and the knowledge I can create the better situation for myself. You listened, heard and gave great support and feedback to encourage me to move forward. Thank you! L.P. Northshore, Auckland, 2026.
You have been a great support for me helping me to remember my strength and capabilities. I'm grateful!
A.G. Orewa. 2025/2026.
I have been in negative work situaitions & O.C has helped me re build my strength & start going for what I want. I am now in a great role, my dream job with wonderful supports & am even helping my family navigate issues. Thank you O.C! G,M. Christchurch 2026.
You have been so amazing thank you O.C! Helping me with my lifes challenges to create a better life. Kel.I. Auckland. 2025.
I was going through a bad breakup and lost sense of myself. O.C helped me reclaim myself & victory in life.
S.W. Orewa 2025.
After a bad incident I needed support to start life again. O.C provided me with this. I am now back on track.
Nga mihi nui, D.S. Auckland West. 2025/2026.