I am an experienced and well-qualified NZ Association of Counsellors (NZAC) registered counsellor, working in private practice in Kerikeri, Te Tai Tokerau. I  have worked as a counsellor, supervisor, and group facilitator since 1995. 

 

I was born in Wanaka in Central Otago. I am the middle child of 6 siblings. My father and mother had moved from Wellington in the mid 1960’s. On my mother’s side, our family is of English descent and through my father - Scottish and Danish. My Danish ancestor Bishop Monrad came to the Manawatu and was influential in the establishment of the Lutheran Church in Aotearoa.

 

Wanaka was a great place for kids to grow up with lots of outside play, a small town where everyone knew each other.  After my parents separated in 1976, my mother moved away.  It was rare in those times for the children to stay with their Dad, and certainly, our family was unusual in such a small town. My father remarried and we moved to Timaru for my teenage years.

 

When I was 17, I moved to the Bay of Islands in Northland. I lived there for the next 27 years.  I am a mother of 4 children, 3 sons aged 33, 32, 26 and a daughter aged 21, all who were born and raised in Northland.

 

I am passionate about my work, I believe in our capacity as human beings to grow and change.  Counselling is helpful to navigate the difficulties life throws us, increasing resilience and well-being.  As a counsellor, I receive regular supervision and adhere to the NZAC Code of Ethics and Practice.  

 

NZAC Code of Ethics Link:

http://www.nzac.org.nz/code_of_ethics.cfm 

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