Adoption Therapists in Whangarei
![Photo of Nicola Anne Hensley, MNZAC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43ba9334-07e3-4f81-98f0-36e3f758c23b/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have found fulfillment in working with children, teens, adults, families, and couples, empowering women, and aiding individuals in altering their behaviors and the belief systems that have trapped them in unhealthy patterns. This has allowed helped my clients to uncover previously unknown strengths, fostering hope and progress. I have a background in counselling, social work, community work, mediation, and facilitation, I have dedicated the past 13 years primarily to Not-for-Profit and community organisations & over five years in high schools and colleges supporting our youth who face a spectrum of issues.
I have found fulfillment in working with children, teens, adults, families, and couples, empowering women, and aiding individuals in altering their behaviors and the belief systems that have trapped them in unhealthy patterns. This has allowed helped my clients to uncover previously unknown strengths, fostering hope and progress. I have a background in counselling, social work, community work, mediation, and facilitation, I have dedicated the past 13 years primarily to Not-for-Profit and community organisations & over five years in high schools and colleges supporting our youth who face a spectrum of issues.
![Photo of Claire Thompson, MNZAC, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a106b8c3-2bd9-4608-8e20-077ec641258a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Face to face (Auckland), online and phone appointments are available NZ and world wide.
Face to face (Auckland), online and phone appointments are available NZ and world wide.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Lesley Gamlen, PBANZ, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73dcb834-eca5-4b76-9449-730b70bf3f1d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kia ora. Do you want to talk about your concerns? Thinking about making changes? Looking for a safe and accepting environment? I provide an opportunity for you to discuss your life openly, and to consider the influences of your thoughts and experiences with curiosity. You will explore new strategies, shape your ways of coping, and make choices about the direction you want your life to develop. During therapy, I encourage exploring ways to make sense of your life, past, present and future. Anyone can benefit from exploring and having more awareness of who they are. Knowing ourselves with love and respect enhances life immeasurably.
Kia ora. Do you want to talk about your concerns? Thinking about making changes? Looking for a safe and accepting environment? I provide an opportunity for you to discuss your life openly, and to consider the influences of your thoughts and experiences with curiosity. You will explore new strategies, shape your ways of coping, and make choices about the direction you want your life to develop. During therapy, I encourage exploring ways to make sense of your life, past, present and future. Anyone can benefit from exploring and having more awareness of who they are. Knowing ourselves with love and respect enhances life immeasurably.
I work with anxiety and depression and all sorts of trauma. We design together what you want to achieve from therapy. I don't discriminate and all are welcome.
I work with anxiety and depression and all sorts of trauma. We design together what you want to achieve from therapy. I don't discriminate and all are welcome.
![Photo of Andrew David Kirby, PhD, PBANZ, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a8d4079f-945e-4095-a9fe-b9109976f285/2/320x400.jpeg)
I assist people from all walks of life overcome barriers preventing them from achieving happier, healthier, and more productive lives. This may mean finding help to resolve a specific problem or learning more about yourself and others to manage your lives more effectively and maximise your potential. I strive to offer a quality service supported by experience and professional training, and work around the needs of each individual. I am here to assist and empower you on our unique journey.
I assist people from all walks of life overcome barriers preventing them from achieving happier, healthier, and more productive lives. This may mean finding help to resolve a specific problem or learning more about yourself and others to manage your lives more effectively and maximise your potential. I strive to offer a quality service supported by experience and professional training, and work around the needs of each individual. I am here to assist and empower you on our unique journey.
![Photo of Jo Harris - Connected Life, MA, AThR, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84bd90dd-0dbf-425d-b37d-9fe04bfbb6fc/2/320x400.jpeg)
Successful counselling is based on the quality of the relationship between myself (the therapist) and you (the client). My approach is based on deep respect and non-judgemental acceptance for all people I work with. Utilising an element of creativity within therapy enables you to speak through art making, and reflection, because sometimes spoken words don’t exist for your experience. In my practice I offer counselling and arts therapy, professional supervision and coaching, and career development.
Successful counselling is based on the quality of the relationship between myself (the therapist) and you (the client). My approach is based on deep respect and non-judgemental acceptance for all people I work with. Utilising an element of creativity within therapy enables you to speak through art making, and reflection, because sometimes spoken words don’t exist for your experience. In my practice I offer counselling and arts therapy, professional supervision and coaching, and career development.
![Photo of Simon Banks, MA, PBANZ, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4bd6b267-a5ee-47e4-ad0f-674011acd05d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Perhaps you have tried strategies that no longer work. Perhaps you have had support before and would now like to try it again or continue where you left off. Perhaps there is something specific that you would like to gain more insight into and healing from. Whatever your reason for coming, you will find a safe, non-judgemental and accepting environment where you will have a confidential space to bring whatever you would like to work through at a pace and depth that feels safe to you.
Perhaps you have tried strategies that no longer work. Perhaps you have had support before and would now like to try it again or continue where you left off. Perhaps there is something specific that you would like to gain more insight into and healing from. Whatever your reason for coming, you will find a safe, non-judgemental and accepting environment where you will have a confidential space to bring whatever you would like to work through at a pace and depth that feels safe to you.
![Photo of Marianne McGoldrick - Counselling Psychologist and EMDR Therapist, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0ca9fcd-aad5-4dcf-a72a-c27ae7564d15/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, I’m Dr Marianne McGoldrick and am a UK-trained, registered Counselling Psychologist. If you are feeling anxious or uncertain, low in mood or have found it hard to get past difficult experiences in your life or family of origin, I can help. I work with men and women who are experiencing difficulties such as stress or anxiety, depression, mood fluctuations, low self-esteem, anger, interpersonal issues or more enduring difficulties related to early life/attachment. I have a special interest in working with trauma and PTSD including neglect, abuse, child/adult sexual assault and Armed Forces veterans experiencing combat trauma.
Hi, I’m Dr Marianne McGoldrick and am a UK-trained, registered Counselling Psychologist. If you are feeling anxious or uncertain, low in mood or have found it hard to get past difficult experiences in your life or family of origin, I can help. I work with men and women who are experiencing difficulties such as stress or anxiety, depression, mood fluctuations, low self-esteem, anger, interpersonal issues or more enduring difficulties related to early life/attachment. I have a special interest in working with trauma and PTSD including neglect, abuse, child/adult sexual assault and Armed Forces veterans experiencing combat trauma.
![Photo of Joanne Wilkinson, MPsych, PBANZ, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8e631d63-3ff9-4d34-9a22-190793761757/3/320x400.png)
I will listen to you with sensitivity, warmth, thoughtfulness and compassion. Every person is unique and my therapeutic approach is tailored to suit your needs. Psychotherapy can help you to become more fully yourself, improve your quality of life and develop greater psychological freedom. I work with people suffering trauma, anxiety, depression, loneliness, physical illnesses, losses, life transitions, relationship problems, and a range of other distressing life experiences. I specialise in deeper explorations of the self, this can include meeting twice weekly if desired.
I will listen to you with sensitivity, warmth, thoughtfulness and compassion. Every person is unique and my therapeutic approach is tailored to suit your needs. Psychotherapy can help you to become more fully yourself, improve your quality of life and develop greater psychological freedom. I work with people suffering trauma, anxiety, depression, loneliness, physical illnesses, losses, life transitions, relationship problems, and a range of other distressing life experiences. I specialise in deeper explorations of the self, this can include meeting twice weekly if desired.
![Photo of Verena Boshra, PsychD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13bfbe7d-23a7-410e-a792-0f3e8cfb7dcb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to talk about what's going on for you to people in your life? Perhaps you don't feel comfortable sharing certain aspects of yourself with them or maybe there isn't anyone there you can actually trust/ talk to. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to curiously explore/learn more about yourself and whatever is troubling you, so that you can make the changes necessary to live a more fulfilling life.
Are you struggling to talk about what's going on for you to people in your life? Perhaps you don't feel comfortable sharing certain aspects of yourself with them or maybe there isn't anyone there you can actually trust/ talk to. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to curiously explore/learn more about yourself and whatever is troubling you, so that you can make the changes necessary to live a more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Amrit Kaur, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2f5a1093-52ce-45b5-9213-ac676268c3c4/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years experience, I work hard with my clients to understand and decode the language of emotions. I help with everything from "problems of living" such as workplace stress, challenges associated with injuries, relationship problems, grief and loss to more serious conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma and dissociations that require more advanced training. As an ACC therapist, I help people thrive after sexual abuse, childhood abuse or neglect, and family violence. I also enjoy working with private clients to navigate the challenges that come withprofessional and business success.
As a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years experience, I work hard with my clients to understand and decode the language of emotions. I help with everything from "problems of living" such as workplace stress, challenges associated with injuries, relationship problems, grief and loss to more serious conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma and dissociations that require more advanced training. As an ACC therapist, I help people thrive after sexual abuse, childhood abuse or neglect, and family violence. I also enjoy working with private clients to navigate the challenges that come withprofessional and business success.
![Photo of Julie Karen Butler, MSc, PBANZ, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/311bfc78-402a-4d13-922f-ae1787743784/1/320x400.jpeg)
My clinical background is in Psychodynamic psychotherapy with emphasis on Attachment theory and human development across the life span. Having an in-depth understanding of how our early beginnings impact our view of self, life, and relationships, assists me to support my clients toward developing empathy and compassion for themselves and others. I believe this can be an integral factor in the healing process and in attaining a sense of personal freedom.
My clinical background is in Psychodynamic psychotherapy with emphasis on Attachment theory and human development across the life span. Having an in-depth understanding of how our early beginnings impact our view of self, life, and relationships, assists me to support my clients toward developing empathy and compassion for themselves and others. I believe this can be an integral factor in the healing process and in attaining a sense of personal freedom.
![Photo of Brian Hughes, PBANZ, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d9ae8ee7-b60e-49a9-8cb3-50c0866e48fb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anxiety, depression and relationship problems can have us feel stuck and confused. It’s difficult to work out on our own why we do what we do, and how we can make things better. Sometimes we need a little help to create a rich and fulfilling life.
Anxiety, depression and relationship problems can have us feel stuck and confused. It’s difficult to work out on our own why we do what we do, and how we can make things better. Sometimes we need a little help to create a rich and fulfilling life.
![Photo of Svenja Koeslich, NZPsS Member, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fb1c5920-2229-4272-829c-1d78dcef2bef/2/320x400.png)
I specialise in memory and trauma reprocessing using EMDR to allow people to fulfil their potential and live their best lives. I also offer Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. I enjoy working with young people, adults, parents and couples from diverse cultural backgrounds and supporting them with their unique challenges. I use a holistic and individualised approach to support people to overcome past trauma and aversive life experiences. Personal challenges often occur in a context of difficult experiences (e.g., accidents, relationship break downs, spot injuries, birth trauma, and abuse) and therapy can help to overcome them.
I specialise in memory and trauma reprocessing using EMDR to allow people to fulfil their potential and live their best lives. I also offer Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. I enjoy working with young people, adults, parents and couples from diverse cultural backgrounds and supporting them with their unique challenges. I use a holistic and individualised approach to support people to overcome past trauma and aversive life experiences. Personal challenges often occur in a context of difficult experiences (e.g., accidents, relationship break downs, spot injuries, birth trauma, and abuse) and therapy can help to overcome them.
![Photo of Elaine Matthews Venter, AThR, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8bbab32-3e9c-4b42-8ae6-07e69f944845/3/320x400.jpeg)
If you are experiencing difficult emotions, finding it hard to express your feelings, feeling angry, stressed, depressed, or lonely, struggling in your relationships, telling yourself that you do not deserve happiness in life, failing to achieve goals in your life, or struggling with an eating disorder, or addictive behaviour, I can work alongside you to find ways to assist you to feel happier and more fulfilled, while leading a more meaningful and creative life.
If you are experiencing difficult emotions, finding it hard to express your feelings, feeling angry, stressed, depressed, or lonely, struggling in your relationships, telling yourself that you do not deserve happiness in life, failing to achieve goals in your life, or struggling with an eating disorder, or addictive behaviour, I can work alongside you to find ways to assist you to feel happier and more fulfilled, while leading a more meaningful and creative life.
![Photo of Fiona O'Neill - Pukatea Counselling, NZAC - Provisional, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/12a1d9ae-2cc3-40e8-a4b8-50f3959df545/2/320x400.jpeg)
When one person in the family/whanau is unwell, the whole family feels it. Their distress can be felt throughout the whole family/whanau. I work with children and adults in a full range of relationship and psychological problems, including conflict, child and teenager anxiety and stress, depression, anxiety and eating disorders, stressful events, death, loss or financial troubles. I view problems as separate from people and that people have skills, beliefs, values and abilities that will assist them on their individual journeys. I work in the Far North, Rawene, Kaikohe, Kerikeri, and cover all other areas of the Far North by zoom.
When one person in the family/whanau is unwell, the whole family feels it. Their distress can be felt throughout the whole family/whanau. I work with children and adults in a full range of relationship and psychological problems, including conflict, child and teenager anxiety and stress, depression, anxiety and eating disorders, stressful events, death, loss or financial troubles. I view problems as separate from people and that people have skills, beliefs, values and abilities that will assist them on their individual journeys. I work in the Far North, Rawene, Kaikohe, Kerikeri, and cover all other areas of the Far North by zoom.
See more therapy options for Whangarei
Adoption Counsellors
Does my adopted child need therapy?
Not every adopted child needs therapy. However, many can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioural or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss surrounding their birth parents, or find it difficult to establish an identity, a challenge that often becomes most apparent during adolescence.
When should adoptive parents seek therapy?
Prospective parents can benefit from therapy even before an adoption—for example, to voice worries and fears; to reconcile infertility struggles, if relevant; or simply to prepare themselves for parenthood. After the adoption, parents who are struggling to bond with their child; are unsure how to talk about adoption or related issues, such as race; or whose child is dealing with developmental, behavioural, or psychiatric concerns can address these and other issues with the help of an adoption-competent therapist.
Is family therapy appropriate for adoptive families?
Family therapy can be invaluable for strengthening the bond between adoptive parents and children, helping the latter feel more secure in their place in the family. Family therapy can also help adoptive families navigate complex communication issues—for example, parents who feel uncomfortable discussing race with their child, who in turn feels invalidated by their silence, or a child who has questions about his birth parents but avoids asking them out of fear of hurting his adoptive parents’ feelings.
What therapy is not appropriate for adoption issues?
A discredited therapy known as “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy” or “rebirthing therapy”) should not be used to treat adopted and foster children, though it was largely designed for this population. Attachment therapy involves restraining, coercing, and punishing the child in order for them to “release” negative emotions and attach to their new caregivers—techniques that are abusive and dangerous and have even proven fatal in some cases.