I have been an active member of New Zealand Association of Counsellors since 2002, working with a wide-range of complex and challenging clients. I consider myself to be a reputable and acknowledged professional with expertise and experience working with groups, families, couples and individuals, in both my previous role as a residential Addiction Manager/Therapist and also in my private practice. I have a genuine commitment and passion to continue to work in the field of Counselling/Therapy and Clinical Supervision. I work with the concept of contracting and goal setting. I believe that developing a therapeutic alliance through empathy, inquiry and attunement is critical for trust to develop in the relationship. Mindfulness and DBT homework tasks are useful tools to assist regulate emotions. Pacing the work to encourage resilience and yet avoid re-traumatising is vital to the health, wellbeing and healing of clients. To this end I have trained extensively (and continue this) in a wide range of counselling modalities through study, conferences and workshops- to ensure that I am equipped with the appropriate skill base to ‘make a difference’ for both my clients' and supervisees'. I work closely with community agencies and relevant service providers, including Maori and the Migrant Service. My enjoyment in life is enhanced by cooking, gardening, walking with friends in our beautiful Aotearoa; time with my family is precious to me, as are my friends. I enjoy reading, theatre and have become a keen line dancer (a work in progress!) which adds to my social network and life balance. I am a registered member of NZAC and Competent Practitioner/Clinical Supervisor of DAPAANZ Aotearoa. I live in Marlborough, NZ