Ben Burggraaf
Ben’s counselling motto: Healing the past, enjoying the present, transforming the future.
Tired of feeling like you're just surviving instead of actually living fully?
I get it. Life has a way of throwing curveballs that can knock us completely off balance. Maybe you're dealing with anxiety that won't quit, depression that's dragging you down, or you're just tired of feeling like you're not living up to your potential.
Here's what I know — as long as you're here, change is possible. And that's exactly what we'll work on together.
In our sessions, you'll find a space where you can actually be yourself — no masks, no pretending everything's fine when it's not. I'll listen with genuine empathy and compassion, and together we'll start untangling whatever's got you feeling stuck.
We'll dig into what's really going on beneath the surface, figure out the root causes of your struggles, and then get you equipped with practical tools that actually work in real life. Instead of just focusing on what's "wrong" with you, we'll help you reconnect with who you really are — your most authentic, compassionate self.
I take an evidence-based, whole-person approach that's completely tailored to you. You're in the driver's seat here — I'm just the co-pilot helping you navigate toward where you want to go.
Interests:
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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:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness
Narrative Therapy
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
My story
"I believe in embracing every chapter of our story — the highs, the lows, and the lessons in between — because they are all threads in the tapestry of who we are."
The short version: Growing up in Mount Maunganui gave me a love of life, people, and our laid-back coastal lifestyle. I consider it the privilege of a lifetime walking alongside people as they come home to themselves, with over 3,000 counselling sessions and counting. When I'm not working, you'll find me surfing, exploring nature, travelling with my fiancé, reading, listening to good music, or just having a laugh with family and friends.
The real version: I was born and raised right here in The Mount, and while I was this happy, energetic kid on the surface, underneath I was wrestling with my own mental health challenges and some serious health conditions that were honestly life-threatening at times.
From pretty early on, I almost had to become my own 'counsellor' just to make sense of what I was going through and find a way to turn that suffering into something meaningful. Those early experiences lit a spark inside me that enhanced my compassion toward others who were struggling and inspired me to serve and help others.
However, like most good stories, mine definitely hasn't been a straight line! Before the lightbulb found the socket in counselling, I worked as a surf instructor (which was pretty awesome), then jumped into the corporate world doing marketing and sales. I was the Microsoft rep for the region, then moved into business development at companies like MediaWorks and Drake Recruitment.
Eventually though, the story came full circle, and the lightbulb found its socket in counselling. I genuinely love what I do now and honestly look forward to every opportunity to work with someone new. If you're thinking about working together, I'd love to chat. :)
My fiancé and I love travelling. This photo was 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 your journey?
If you're tired of feeling stuck and ready to create some real change in your life, let's have a conversation. No pressure, no judgment — just two people talking about what's possible. :)
Email: ben@chatwithben.co.nz
Location: 50B Campbell Road, Mount Maunganui or online.