Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

About How We Work

Kia ora! The following are some questions that people often ask. I've answered them honestly. I want you to hear from me, not a textbook or a template, so you can get a sense of who I am and where I'm coming from, and whether this space might be a good fit for you. Ngā mihi.

What happens at your first session?
At the beginning of a session, we take a few minutes to settle in and make sure you're comfortable. If you haven't already completed the client intake form from the website, we can do that together before we begin. We'll also go through informed consent so you know what the space is, how it works, and what your rights are. From there, the session is yours. You can bring what's on your mind, what brought you here, or what feels most pressing right now. There's no set script and no "right" way to begin.

My role is to listen, guide, and work alongside you in a practical and respectful way - helping make sense of what's going on and exploring where to from here. We work at your pace, keeping things real and focused on what matters to you.

How long is each session?
Sessions are 60 minutes in duration. It's important to arrive on time, as sessions will end on time. We understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur - communication is key if you are running late.

How many sessions will I need?
That depends on what you're wanting to work on and what you're hoping to get from the sessions. Some people come for a single session to talk things through, gain clarity, or make sense of a situation. Others choose to return for several sessions to work through specific issues or patterns over time. We check in along the way to make sure the work remains useful and aligned with your goals. There is no set number of sessions, and no obligation to continue. You are always free to decide what feels right for you.

What issues can I bring to session?
You can bring whatever feels most pressing or relevant for you right now. Some people arrive with a clear issue in mind; others arrive knowing something isn't right but not yet having the words for it. Often, as we talk and make sense of things together, underlying patterns or contributing factors become clearer over time. We don't need to uncover everything at once. We work with what's relevant and workable.

People commonly seek support around things like:

• stress, burnout, and fatigue

• anxiety or low mood

• relationship or family dynamics

• communication and boundaries

• life transitions and decision-making

• work or workplace pressures

• confidence, anger, frustration, or conflict

• health-related impacts

• court-related or high pressure situations.

If you're unsure whether what you're dealing with fits, you're welcome to get in touch and talk it through. Kei konei mātou tēnei. We are here. I work within my scope of expertise and will always be upfront if something sits outside that scope.

What kinds of work do you specialise in?

• individual support

• couples and relationship conversations

• family or small-group discussions (where appropriate)

I work in an honest, practical, and direct way - focusing on clarity, accountability, communication, boundaries, and self-understanding. I support people to know, see, and speak their truth, and to work out what to do with that insight.

Alongside individual and relationship support, I also offer:

• mediation

• mentoring

• business and workplace conversations (individual packages)

• support around business start-ups and communication

The common thread across all of this work is sense-making and direction.

Do you provide urgent court-related assessments and reports?
Yes, I provide a specialised, fast-response assessment and reporting service for people who are facing urgent court, sentencing, or other high-stakes situations. These reports are brief, relevant, and focused on:

• background and presenting circumstances

• insight into actions and responsibility

• current attitude and motivation

• willingness to engage with support

• available familial or community support

It is an essential service that we offer, learn more.

How do I know if you're the right fit for me?
The best way to know is to make contact and have an initial session. Through the website conversation, and time in the room, you'll get a sense of:

• how I communicate

• how the space feels

• how we work together

The first session is an opportunity to talk things through and see whether the way I work feels right for you. There's no obligation to continue. Fit matters.

What’s your approach or style of work?
I work in an eclectic and flexible way, drawing on a wide range of tools and approaches developed over many years. I’m not locked into one method or model. Listening is central - but so is helping make sense of what’s being shared. I often use visual mapping and practical tools to help clarify patterns, pressures, and direction. My focus is always on what will be most useful and appropriate in the moment - whether that’s gaining insight, naming patterns, or identifying next steps. I keep things honest, grounded, and respectful. This is a space where you can speak freely, feel okay about where you are, and work toward changes that make sense for you.

Are you a registered business?
Yes. Whanganui Counselling Services is a registered business in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our business number is displayed at the bottom of each page on our website for your reference. We are also a registered member of Business Whanganui Chamber of Commerce.

Are you ACC or NZAC registered?
No. I am not registered with ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) or NZAC (New Zealand Association of Counsellors). Whanganui Counselling Services operates as an independent, self-funded practice, supported by a strong professional infrastructure. This includes secure client management and filing systems, clear policies and procedures, regular external supervision, professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and robust accounting systems. These systems exist to ensure client safety, practitioner safety, and transparency in practice. They allow the work in session to remain focused, respectful, and grounded. Our clients self-fund their sessions. We recognise that access to support remains an issue for many, and we continue to explore ways this barrier may be reduced in the future.

Our core values: accountability, cultural safety, professionalism, and client-focused practice - are woven into everything we do. What sets us apart is that we operate independently, giving us the freedom to provide flexible and timely access to support, giving us the freedom to provide flexible and timely access to support, without unnecessary barriers. If you'd like to know more about how we work, please feel free to reach out with any questions or if you'd like more information about our services!

Other Practicalities

How do I book a session?
Clients often ring to book an appointment. You can also make contact via email correspondence and make a booking. And some clients prefer to text message, as this enables more accurate record keeping. We will be exploring online booking platforms to streamline the process and keep it central in one place. We will advise.

Do you offer online counselling?
No. If it is something we decide to consider, we will make it known on our website. I am aware platforms like Zoom, MS Teams, are currently being used. We will advise. We prefer face to face. Talk to us.

What is your availability?
Our current available days for counselling appointments are:

Monday, Wednesday to Friday, with the following hours:
10am-11am; 11.30am-12.30pm; 1.00-2.00pm; 2.30-3.30pm, 4.00pm-5.00pm.
Tuesdays 10-11am, 11.30-12.30pm, 1-2pm.
Our goal is to make counselling accessible to all. Contact us now to make an appointment.

Weekends, after hours, public holiday appointments will be considered upon request.

Where can I park?
There is plenty of free off-street parking outside the premises. You are welcome to use the driveway for closer access. The driveway has a slight slope and leads directly to front roller door. The Counselling Space is to the left, and front door entrance.

Please note: While the space is not fully wheelchair accessible (there is no ramp), but manageable with assistance. There is a small step up to the front entrance, and through the front door.

Payment and Policies

What are your fees?
$100 per hour session (including GST) for individual, couples, relationship counselling - mediation and mentoring. See details. No extra charges for after hours, weekends, or public holidays. Some clients prefer to meet after work hours or on weekends and they will also travel to see the right fit counsellor for them. Payment in full is required upfront before appointment, or in cash on the day.

Do you charge extra fees or have hidden costs?
No. Our fees are a fixed flat rate - no sliding scales, no add-ons, no surprises. We don't use Eftpos; payment is by cash or online banking. We're working to bridge the gap so counselling can become even more accessible in the future - that's our aim.

Do you use professional accounting services?
Yes. Our finances are managed using Xero Accounting and overseen by a registered Accountant. This helps ensure clean, accurate, and transparent financial records as part of our commitment to professional integrity. We are also supported by our Office Administrator, who plays a key role in the smooth day-to-day running of Whanganui Counselling Services, brings strong accounting skills, systems know-how, and a keen eye for detail – keeping everything humming behind the scenes with integrity and care.

How do I pay for my private sessions?
Payment is required prior to your appointment via online banking, or cash on the day pre-session. Once you have completed the Client Intake Form, you will receive an email with our bank details. We use Xero accounting and will email you an invoice stating payment has been made in full, showing a nil balance owing.

What is your cancellation policy?
We appreciate a 12-hour cancellation notice so we can make room for other appointments. We do not charge a late fee or a cancellation fee. What we will do is note it and others will have priority when booking for future appointments. If clients are late to sessions, the session will still conclude on time (1 hour) to make room for the next appointment. I am flexible if required.

Are you a free service? Are there other options available?
No, we are not a free service. It is a significant investment and not everyone is in a position to pay for services privately. We're working toward securing alternative pathways to change this. Until such time, all sessions are self-funded. We do not accept WINZ referrals, NZAC, ACC, or government-funded counselling pathways. We are proudly our own standalone service. We are here. If you have questions about our services, feel free to contact me!

Confidentiality and Ethics

Is what I say in sessions confidential?
Yes, what you say in session is confidential. Your privacy matters. It is not discussed with a third party. However, I am obligated and legally bound to disclose information pertaining to self, or other harm, and where abuse or harm to a child is disclosed. A Code of Ethics binds me. This is addressed in counselling by way of immediacy – pausing the counselling process and addressing the legal/ethical issue at hand.

Conflict of Interest
To protect the safety, neutrality, and integrity of the counselling space, I carefully consider any potential conflicts of interest. This may include situations where there are close or overlapping ties with family, close friends, or personal networks - even if indirect. If anything ever feels unclear, you're welcome to get in touch - I'm happy to talk it through. If anything comes up in session for either myself or a client, we will address it immediately.

Do you keep session notes?
As a counsellor, I may take some notes during our sessions (with discretion, and not to interrupt the flow). It assists with continuity of care. You have the right to access those notes, including any documents you contribute, upon request. However, please note that my personal session review notes, which I use for professional reflection and planning, are considered my private records and are not part of the material accessible to clients. They are stored securely in the counselling room. I am the only one who has access to client notes. It is always the client's right to access notes that are written about them, or anything they have said during session time.

Other Practicalities

Do you work with children, teens, families, couples, mediation?
We are broadening our scope of service in working with children and teens depending on age and the issues at hand. Peer pressure among young people is rampant, as is bullying at school, dealing with negative behaviour patterns as a result. It is powerful and a real issue that many teens and young adults are facing - even older adults.

Yes. We offer mentoring to the same; including mediation for small groups 2-3 people, four couples, any two-person relationship - whether that's a marriage, partners, family members, friends, or work colleagues.

As a professional, I know my limits and I take that responsibility seriously. If a case is outside my scope or expertise, I will be upfront about it. In those situations, I will refer clients to another counsellor or agency, and provide the relevant information upon request.

What if I’m in crisis or need urgent help?
We are not an emergency service but we can refer or recommend. Please see following list of emergency services in Whanganui region:

Emergency Services
Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) – 0800 653 358
Whanganui Hospital Mental Health Services – 06 348 1234
Whanganui Emergency Department – 06 348 1234
Police, Ambulance, Fire – Dial 111
Lifeline – 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Samaritans – 0800 726 666

Your Questions Answered.
Clarity and Confidence Before You Begin.