About Us

Whanganui Counselling Services is a private, professional, and confidential service based in Whanganui, New Zealand. Established 2025. Built on over 30 years of lived experience and more than 15 years of leading a successful transcription business. Backed by proven skills in management, collaboration with like-minded professionals, people, and change leadership. Proudly supported by an experienced operations administrator - whose skills have reinforced our infrastructure, forming the backbone of our operations. She has our backs. We are not a non-profit organisation, charity, or a free service - but we are here.

Putting things on the table is often a gradual unfolding, and it takes time to see what matters most. Whanganui Counselling Services offers a safe, respectful space where we can make sense of what's going on - one step at a time, and at your pace. We focus on what's relevant, useful, and meaningful for you, rather than rushing or digging for the sake of it. As long as you feel comfortable and supported, you'll know you're in the right place - where we respect you, ourselves, and the work we're doing together.

You're welcome to come and see us to explore whether the way we work is the right fit for you and your specific needs. 

Meet Lenna K. Millar – Your Counsellor

Tools we use

Fees

Welcome to Whanganui Counselling Services

Kia ora! Nau mai ki Whanganui Ratonga Tohutohu! Good on you for taking this step.
Welcoming you is to help you feel more comfortable, informed, and prepared
as we begin our work together in the counselling space - "our space" .

What to Expect

A safe, confidential space to talk through what's going on for you - without pressure to have everything worked out. There's no right or wrong way to begin. Our first session is about understanding your situation, what you'd like support with, and how you'd like things to change. It's also a chance for both of us to see whether the way we work feels like a good fit for you. From there, we can look at what's most useful to focus on and what support might help you move forward. You're welcome to take time to reflect before deciding on next steps. Call us to book your appointment. 

We ask that you fill out our client intake form and send it to us. We will respond with an acknowledgement email - providing payment instructions. It saves a little time pre-session, but if all else fails, it can be filled out when you arrive at your appointment - to obtain basic information that will assist us in working together. All information on this form is treated with the same level of confidentiality and care as is everything we discuss in our sessions.

How We Work

I work in a practical, down-to-earth way - keeping things real, clear, and conversational. This is not a clinical or rigid space. It's a place to make sense of what's happening for you, focus on what matters, and gain clarity so you can move forward. Sessions are collaborative and guided. You bring your story and your questions; together we look at patterns, influences, and choices - often visually - to help you see where you are and where you'd like to go. The focus is on understanding, direction, and action, rather than digging for the sake of it.

I draw on a range of tools and approaches depending on what's useful for you, rather than following a fixed method. The way we work is shaped by your needs, your readiness, and what will genuinely help create change. Whanganui Counselling Services is supported by our Office Administrator, who keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes and is available when needed for practical support.

Your Rights as a Client

• To be treated with respect, dignity, and care

• To ask questions at any time

• To say “no” to any aspect of the process

• To withdraw from counselling at any stage

• To receive services free from discrimination

• To complain or offer feedback - you will be heard

• To receive clear information about fees and cancellations

• To request access to your personal notes taken during session.

Confidentiality
What you share with me stays between us, except in the following circumstances:

• There is a serious risk of harm to self, or others.

• There is disclosure of abuse or neglect of a child, or vulnerable person.

• Court subpoena or lawful authority legally compels me.

• You disclose intent to commit a serious crime, or I become aware of a crime that is being or is about to be committed.

• If you give written consent for information to be shared.
  

If anything like this comes up, I will endeavour to discuss it with you first wherever possible.

Record Keeping & Privacy

I take your privacy seriously and do not share your personal information with others. All sessions are confidential. As part of my professional practice, I engage in regular supervision. This is a confidential space where I reflect on my work to ensure I am offering you the best possible support. No personal details are discussed, nothing to identify you. Supervision is about me keeping in touch with myself, and is focused on my development.

Fees & Payment

• Sessions are $100 + GST for individual counselling, and have a duration of 60 minutes. For couples and other services, see our rates here.

• Payment in full is due prior to session commencement via online banking. Cash on the day prior to session is accepted.

• Details for payment are emailed to you upon receipt of client intake form, and a booked appointment.

• You will be emailed a Xero invoice showing a nil balance, payment received in full - or a receipt if paying in cash on the day.

• We don’t charge a late fee or penalties; we note it and others who are waiting will be given priority when booking.

Cancellations

Please give at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. We understand the unforeseen may occur. Please advise. Late cancellations, no shows, or no-comms, will result in the session time being offered to someone else who is ready and waiting to attend.

Health & Wellbeing Consideration
To maintain a safe and healthy space for everyone, I kindly ask that clients do not attend in-person sessions if they are experiencing cold, flu-like symptoms, or any contagious illness (e.g., fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose). If you are feeling unwell, please let me know as soon as possible and we can reschedule your appointment. Please discuss an alternative if you still require a session. Likewise, I will advise if I am unwell.

Complaints & Feedback

If you’re unhappy with any part of our work together, I invite you to speak up. I value and respect that. Knowing what is on your mind and addressing it is important. Alternatively, I would welcome your feedback about the service by way of a testimonial if you choose to. This helps me improve my practice and I believe it will inspire others who are searching for answers.

If you have questions, feel free to contact via phone or email:

Phone: 022 327 8194
Email: whanganuicounselling@xtra.co.nz

Ready to take a first step? - please read Informed Consent Agreement and fill out Client Intake Form

Reviews

“I have known Lenna since 2010, as a work colleague, and later as a close friend and mentor. Life became complicated over the years, and a variety of issues turned up for me. Lenna was always there to talk to. She helped me immensely with guidance through many of those issues – anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem, familial relationships, friendships, and life changes - always giving me a side of an issue which helped me to see things clearer and be able to work my way through.

She is a motivator, believes in me, and believes in bringing out the inner strength in me, which sometimes gets lost. She will always have an idea and will ask questions that make me think for myself and be able to reach an answer. She tells it like it is. Her input is invaluable, and I feel very lucky to know her and have her guidance whenever life takes a turn.” – Carole

★★★★★

This is the space where we are privileged to share client feedback regarding the services they have received, and how it has impacted their lives. We are grateful for them and humbled by the entire process. Let it be an encouragement to you, as we extend an invitation to you to leave your feedback.

“Lenna has been assisting me work through issues over the years. In more recent times when facing enormous stress, burnout, relationship issues, boundaries, and self-responsibility – she helped me to understand that my feelings are my responsibility and that someone else’s is theirs. When my brain was foggy, Lenna’s words helped me see clearer! If I was ever angry, she would give it to me raw and real – a real wake up call, moving me closer to my goals to take charge of my own thoughts, feelings, and actions.

I recently had the good fortune of entering Lenna’s new counselling space. I instantly felt calm and very comfortable when I sat down. A very calming space to be in.” - AMM

★★★★★

“I came to Lenna a few years ago with no transcription experience. She took me under her wing and provided me with encouragement, open communication, checklists, clear expectations – with a lot of support, and feedback. I appreciate her forthright, honest, and constructive feedback – which I believe contributed immensely to my professional development as a transcriptionist. She focused on my areas of strengths, also identifying several areas for improvement. She was supportive, understanding, and very patient throughout my training. There were many instances where I did not provide her with quality work, and Lenna used those challenging times as a training opportunity for my growth. I took them as my learning cues.

Lenna’s mentoring and coaching helped me both personally and professionally. It has helped increase my organisational skills, the effectiveness of my listening abilities. My level of editing became more proficient over time. My attention to detail has been honed and improved significantly – an area of weakness that I had to work on consistently. I have improved in a transcription profession and have grown as an individual because of Lenna’s guidance and support. I now work as a quality assurance specialist for an Australian Company, who outsource transcription services. I owe much of that success to Lenna.” - Zoteria Maka

★★★★★

Let’s Talk. No Pressure. You’re Here for a Reason.
No matter your walk of life, no matter your profession, or non-profession,
it matters not – there is room enough for all,
“Yes, and you too”.