Ben Burggraaf
About Ben
Mount Maunganui is home. Growing up here gave me a love of people, the ocean, and our laid-back way of life. It's a privilege to walk alongside people as they reconnect with who they are and what they truly want.
I looked happy and energetic on the outside as a kid – but underneath, I was navigating my own mental health struggles and some serious health issues that were, at times, life-threatening. I had to figure out how to make sense of things early. In a way, I became my own counsellor just to get through. Those experiences shaped my compassion and my drive to help others who feel overwhelmed, lost, or alone in their story.
Like most good journeys, mine certainly hasn't been a straight line! Before counselling clicked for me, I taught surfing (still one of the best jobs ever), then moved into the corporate world – marketing, sales, business development. I worked as the Microsoft rep for the region, and later with MediaWorks and Drake Recruitment.
But eventually, things came full circle. The spark I felt when I was young found its home in counselling after my Master’s in Counselling degree. I genuinely love this work and consider it a privilege helping people breathe a little easier. If we choose to work together, thank you for trusting with me your story. Eight billion different people on this planet, eight billion different stories…
My Approach
I work with overthinkers, anxious achievers, people pleasers, and ADHDers who look fine on the outside but feel worn out inside. In our sessions, you'll find a warm, grounded space where you can drop the mask and be yourself.
We'll unpack the patterns of anxiety, stress, and self-doubt. Maybe you've spent years managing others' emotions while your own needs got buried. You'll learn tools to feel more grounded and present, secure in your relationships, and genuinely confident. Together, we'll work toward your most authentic self – calm, compassionate, and confident. We'll get you back to actually enjoying life instead of feeling like you're just surviving.
Sessions feel like real conversations – warm and compassionate, yet honest. Sometimes I'm listening deeply, sometimes offering a fresh perspective, sometimes celebrating your progress. Clients often leave feeling lighter, like they can breathe easier again.
I take an evidence-based and holistic approach to well-being: mind, body, emotions, relationships, lived experiences – everything is interconnected. What’s most important thought is you feel genuinely seen, heard, and free to be yourself.
When I'm not working, you'll find me surfing, finding peace and joy in nature, travelling with my fiancée, enjoying music and books, or watching the sunset with a trusty cuppa tea.
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My method integrates evidence-based therapy with a whole-person perspective, which creates the conditions for a transformative experience. Counselling is tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness
Narrative Therapy
My fiancée and I love a good adventure. Photo taken during our 2023 “Eurotrip”.
Qualifications, Associations, Memberships, etc.
Master’s in Counselling (University of Waikato)
Member Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMH)
Psychology Today Verified Counsellor
Member New Zealand Association of Positive Psychology (NZAPP)
Counsellor for I Am Hope (Gumboot Friday)
Provisional Member Registered with NZAC
Bachelor of Management Studies (Marketing Major BMS, Chairman’s Award Top Marketing Student)
Ready to start?
You don't have to wait until you're falling apart to deserve support. If you’re ready to live life fully and compassionately, reach out.
Send me a brief email about what's going on for you right now. Even just a few lines is fine – we'll figure out the rest together.
Email: ben@chatwithben.co.nz
Location: 50B Campbell Road, Mount Maunganui or online.
