About counselling and therapy

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

In our sessions, you’ll experience a space where you can actually be yourself. You talk, I listen – with genuine empathy and without judgment. Together, we'll unpack the patterns of anxiety, stress, and self-doubt that keep you stuck.

We'll dig into what's really going on beneath the surface – your experiences, thoughts, feelings, the beliefs you've been carrying that might not even be true. We'll explore your past to understand how you got here, your present to see what's keeping you stuck, and your future to map out where you actually want to go.

Then we'll get practical. You'll learn tools to quiet the mental noise, regulate your emotions, and transform that harsh inner critic into something kinder. Instead of fixating on what's "wrong" with you, you'll reconnect with who you really are – your most authentic, compassionate, and confident self.

Expect to feel things shift. Sometimes I'll challenge beliefs that aren't serving you anymore. Sometimes you'll leave feeling lighter, like something just clicked. The work happens because you're willing to be real, and I'm here to walk alongside you. Together, we'll set clear goals and build a path forward that actually feels like yours.

FAQ

  • I'm a human first and a counsellor second. Sessions feel like real conversations – warm and compassionate yet honest. Most clients say I'm easy to talk to and that I just "get it."

    I'm not going to try to fit you into a box. My job is to walk alongside you as you reconnect with who you really are and what you really want.

    Think of it like growing flowers – you don't force them to grow, you create the right conditions. The right amount of sunlight, the right amount of water, and the right environment results in growth happening naturally. That's how counselling works. Through our mutual honesty, openness to new perspectives, and by patiently showing up and doing the mahi – progress and growth becomes an organic consequence.

  • My Master's in Counselling focused on Narrative Therapy, which is essentially all about identity. I also draw on other modalities such as CBT (understanding and changing how we think), ACT (learning to accept and embrace life's challenges while living in alignment with your values), and mindfulness (learning how to ground yourself in the present – a great way to get out of your head and back into life!).


    Integrity is one of my core values. I uphold the NZAC Code of Ethics and continually engage in regular supervision to ensure safe and ethical practice.

  • Fees are $150 per 50-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.

  • Sessions are held online via Google Meet.

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

    Under 24 hours cancellation notice will incur a full charge.

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