Ben Burggraaf

About Ben

  • Hey, Ben here. Born and raised in The Mount, I enjoy living a simple, slow, and balanced life with my fiancée.

    I've had my own seasons of figuring things out – anxiety, depression, struggles with self-acceptance and self-worth, that damn pesky overthinking thing, health challenges. That's probably part of why I ended up here. Before counselling I worked in corporate roles for companies like Microsoft, MediaWorks, and Drake Recruitment.

    I inherently enjoy being. Some days that looks like cosy clothes, reading, gaming, watching a series in a day, meditation and stretching – quite happy just existing and chilling (why rush if you’re not from Russia?!). Other days it's surfing and sunshine, new places, new people, music, poetry, creativity, sunsets and stargazing and laughter – living life fully, out and about in the world. Perhaps some of this resonates with you too?

    Watching the journey of one returning to oneself – that's the work I enjoy most and what I’m here for.

  • Be kind. For everyone is fighting an invisible battle you know nothing about. – Unknown

    Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light. – Dumbledore

    Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I'll meet you there. – Rumi

    The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are. – Carl Jung

    The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom the emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead – his eyes are closed. – Einstein

    The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realise their oneness with the universe — and that its centre is really everywhere, it is within each of us. – Black Elk

    Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth you owe me. Look what happens with a love like that – it lights the whole sky. – Hafiz

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? – Mary Oliver

My Approach

I believe you already have most of the answers inside you. Sometimes you just need a space that's safe enough to hear them. And yes, sometimes I’ll chip in with some ideas of my own – you’re not alone.

In our sessions we strip it back to the basics – just two humans talking honestly, seeing what naturally arises, unhurried and connected. No need for either of us to be someone we’re not, just genuine presence and the openness to see where that takes us.

I work with people stuck in patterns of overthinking, people pleasing, and ADHD – people who look fine on the outside but who feel quietly exhausted and disconnected on the inside. Sensitive, creative, conscious sorts wanting to live with more authenticity, confidence, and ease.

I take an evidence-based, holistic approach – mind, body, emotions, relationships, lived experience. Everything is interconnected. What matters most is that you feel genuinely seen, heard, and free to be yourself.

This is the work I love most – watching someone come back home to themselves, feeling lighter and breathing a little easier, and living more true to who they actually are.

  • 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

    • Somatic-based body regulation – helping you get out of your mind and back into your body and your senses to regulate your emotions

    • Also influenced by buddhist, non-dual awareness, and jungian psychology ideas

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)

Book now

Ready to start?

You don't have to wait until you're falling apart to deserve support. If something here resonates, reach out.

Send me a brief email about what's going on for you right now – even just a few lines. We'll figure out the rest together.

ben@chatwithben.co.nz

“Reaching out was the hardest part. Everything after that was easier than expected.”
– CHRIS, 38