About counselling and therapy

Successful counselling is built upon a bedrock of confidentiality, empathy, and hope.

In a counselling session we’ll sit across from each other. You will talk and I will patiently listen with empathy and compassion. Together, we’ll identify harmful thought and behaviour patterns. I will help you understand your lived experiences, thoughts, feelings, behaviours, beliefs and values. As we move through counselling, we’ll explore your past, present, and future, your hopes and dreams, as well as your fears and regrets.

Then, we’ll address strategies to help you regulate and control your thoughts and behaviours. Instead of fixating on your faults, you will learn how to be compassionate with yourself. You’ll learn how to be your most authentic self.

Expect to experience and begin to identify new feelings and emotions. At times, I will ask you to challenge the beliefs that do not serve you. The trust that we have established and your willingness to be open will allow transformative work to occur. You will be able to set clear wellbeing goals for yourself and construct a plan to achieve them.

FAQ

  • Too often, clinicians will use a medical model that focuses on altering people’s behaviour without fully understanding what makes them who they are.

    My approach is to take a whole picture and whole person approach. I will help you understand your lived experiences, thoughts, feelings, behaviours, values and beliefs that have shaped who you are.

    That way, we can then create a tailored and personalised approach that fits your unique strengths, values and preferences instead of looking to fit you into a box.

  • No two people are alike, which is why I use a Narrative Therapy approach and incorporate techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and other modalities. By drawing from various methods, we can find the approach that best suits you. Rest assured, all conversations are confidential.

    You are in control, with me as your co-pilot, supporting you in achieving your goals.

  • Counselling is confidential. Counselling offers you a warm and safe atmosphere to be yourself, share your story and be heard with no judgement. Then, depending on what’s important to you, we can find a pathway forward towards being the best version of yourself and living a full life that works for you. That means we might talk about healing the past, enjoying the present, and transforming the future.

    Whenever there is anything that interferes with your happiness or prevents you from achieving your goals, I may be able to help.

  • Fees are $150 per 55-minute appointment.

    Financially assisted sessions:

    • I am a counsellor registered with I Am Hope (Gumboot Friday) – you may be eligible for financial assistance through this pathway if you are under 25.

    • If you receive a benefit you can apply through your GP for WINZ to subsidise your counselling with me.

    The number of sessions required will depend on your individual needs. Counselling may be short term (2-6 sessions) or longer term (12+ sessions). Consultations may be booked weekly, fortnightly or less depending on your goals – we will discuss what is right for you at your first consultation.

  • You are not alone. Counselling is for everyone. One in five people live with some form of mental illness, one in four young adults have suicidal thoughts every year, and 60% of people experience significant stress and worry every day. Click here for more mental health statistics in New Zealand.

    I have worked with a diverse group people from all different walks of life including people with different: ages, genders, ethnicities and positions in life.

    I have multiple years expertise working with a broad range of mental health difficulties with young people, adults and couples including: depression, anxiety, relationships, emotional regulation, stressful life events, communication and conflict resolution, motivation and self care, confidence/self-esteem, trauma, consciousness and mindfulness, suicidal thoughts, food allergies and health difficulties.

    Are you currently suffering and feel any of the following: alone, anxious, stressed, depressed, tired, not enough, helpless, hopeless, scared, stuck, uncertain, unsettled, frustrated, defeated, broken, or like your world has been turned upside down, like you can’t catch a break or like life has lost it’s colour and meaning? Then counselling might be helpful for you.

  • 50b Campbell Road, Mount Maunganui.

  • I offer in person and online counselling through Google Meet.

  • Around 20% of my clients opt for online appointments. Online counselling is becoming increasingly popular because it is easy and it works. New research shows that people express a 92% overall satisfaction when it comes to online counselling. A conversation is a conversation and the connection between counsellor and client is the number one factor that determines therapy success.

  • Under 48 hours cancellation notice will incur a 50% cancellation fee.

    Under 24 hours cancellation notice will incur a full charge.

Ready to start?

If you're 18-45 and feel like we could be a good fit – send me a brief email about what brings you to counselling and what you hope to get out of it. I'd love to hear from you. I'm usually back in contact with clients within one business day with options.

Email: ben@chatwithben.co.nz

Location: 50B Campbell Road, Mount Maunganui or online.

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