Meet Anne
"Apart from my love for counselling, I am an enthusiastic gardener who enjoys incorporating elements of nature into my therapy sessions." – Anne.
Having grown up in South Africa, lived in Nigeria, and settled in New Zealand 18 years ago, I am a wife, proud mother to three accomplished adult children and multiple furry companions.
Growing up, my parents were missionaries who worked amongst the Bushman of the Kalahari Desert. This early exposure to different cultures instilled in me a sense of respect and empathy that I carry with me to this day.
I have found that people of all ages feel at ease in my presence and willingly share their experiences, even in the most unlikely places. This realisation inspired me to pursue a career in counselling, where I can lend a supportive ear and guide others on their life journeys.
I have a creative streak, although I sometimes struggle to find the time to indulge in it. Travelling is another passion of mine, and I am always seeking out new and beautiful places to visit, from soaring mountain peaks to the soft rustling of the ocean.
I like to think of myself as a positive, caring person who values honesty and live life according to my values. I am always striving to understand and empathise with others, and my clients often describe me as calm and thoughtful.
My career so far
I've worn many hats over the years, from teaching kindergarten and working as a recreational therapist for the elderly, to supporting children in sexual abuse cases and facilitating groups for women with anxiety and depression.
But despite these varied experiences, counselling has always been my true calling. I've had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life, and my passion for helping others has only grown stronger over the years. I spent several years as a school counsellor, honing my skills and gaining invaluable experience before pursuing post-graduate studies to further enhance my expertise.
More recently I worked for EAP, where I had the opportunity to manage a team of 11 counsellors, before launching Book My Therapy. It was an incredible experience, but ultimately, I knew that my heart lay in working directly with clients again. Today, I am proud to offer my services as a counsellor, bringing all of my unique experiences and skills to help people find peace and healing.
My qualifications
I hold:
A Bachelor of Counselling from WelTec
A Bachelor of Arts Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology and Education from Victoria University
A Master in Education from Victoria University
Certified EMDR Practitioner from Otago University
I have also completed a number of training courses to further advance my skills.
Therapeutic Techniques and Modalities
My training in counselling encompasses a range of modalities, and I would be happy to discuss the specifics with you at your convenience. Whether you're seeking cognitive-behavioural therapy, person-centered therapy, or something else entirely, I have the skills and knowledge to provide effective treatment.
As a generalist, I have the experience and expertise to help clients manage whatever issues they bring to the session. I believe in meeting my clients where they are, and tailoring my approach to their unique needs and circumstances. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or something else entirely, I'm here to help you find the support and guidance you need to move forward.
In addition to my general practice, I'm proud to be affiliated with Gumboot Friday/I Am Hope, an organization that provides free counselling services to teenagers. For anyone between the ages of 5 and 24, they offer two free sessions to help support mental health and well-being. It's a cause that's very close to my heart, and I'm honoured to be a part of them.
Volunteering
As a counsellor, my volunteer experience has been diverse and enriching. I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of populations and communities, offering my services as a counsellor and Crisis-Line Volunteer to various organizations.
One of the most memorable experiences I had was during my volunteer work with African Impact at Antelope Park in Zimbabwe. There, I provided humanitarian support to local clinics and elderly residents, while also working on conservation projects with wild African lions and elephants.
At two Wellington Aged Care Facilities, I facilitated support groups and acted as a Wish Granter for elderly residents, working with MPs, companies, and individuals to fulfil their requests. I also organised an Isolated Elder Awareness morning tea, collaborating with various agencies, churches, and community members to raise funds and ensure the event's success. Additionally, I initiated HIV awareness programs, a school feeding program for 200 children, and a support project for isolated elders.
As a supervisor at the Teddy Bear Clinic for Sexually Abused Children in Johannesburg, South Africa, I gained valuable experience working with a vulnerable population. I provided supervision and support to fellow volunteers and helped to provide much-needed resources and services to children in need.
Overall, my volunteer experience as a counsellor has allowed me to make a positive impact in the lives of others and has shaped me into the empathetic and skilled therapist I am today.
Book a session with Anne
When you step into my counselling room, you will be met with a warm and inviting presence that radiates kindness and respect. My goal is to create a comfortable and non-judgmental environment where you feel free to open up and share your story with me.
