Frequently asked questions

Different with every person, because so much of it lives in the relationship we build. I listen closely and ask questions, and I also pay attention to what happens as we talk: a shift in your voice, a pause, a feeling that comes up in me. I offer what I notice, and you can always say no thanks. There is room for silence, for not knowing yet, and for bringing yourself as you are. You set the pace, and we check regularly whether the work is helping.

I spent twenty years in IT, so I am not anti-technology. AI can give broad answers and can help with general techniques and tools. What it cannot do is notice what is not said: a change in your tone, your face, the way you hold yourself. Nor can it notice what comes up in me as I listen, and bring curiosity to that. Those things happen between two people, and they are where much of the work happens.

Yes. A brief free 15-minute intro chat helps you ask questions and see if the fit feels right.

Sessions are 50 minutes. Some people come for a few sessions and others for longer. We review together regularly and adjust as needed.

I’m part of the rainbow community. I bring that lived experience to our work, without assuming your story is the same as mine. LGBTQ+ and takatāpui clients are welcome, as are adults from every background. Identity can be central to our work, one part of it, or not what we talk about at all.

Yes. Notes, scripts, stimming, silence, and camera-off are all fine, and you do not have to explain why you want any of them. I keep the process predictable, say what is happening next rather than leaving you to guess, and you can have anything important in writing.

Sessions happen over a secure Google Meet video call. Your calendar invite is anonymised, so nothing on your calendar names counselling. It simply says something like “Meeting with John”. You join from a quiet, private space, and we take it from there.

A computer, tablet, or phone with a microphone and a reliable internet connection. Earphones can help with sound and privacy. You can use video or keep your camera off, for an intro chat or ongoing sessions. Join from somewhere safe and private; we can talk through the setup together.

If the connection drops and we cannot reconnect, I will phone you on the number you have given me so we can finish the session. Phone is only a backup; sessions themselves are by video. This is part of keeping the work predictable, so you are never left mid-session without a clear next step.

Yes, with legal and ethical limits. I explain these clearly before we begin and revisit them as needed.

I am not an emergency service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111. For free 24/7 support in NZ, call or text 1737.

I have completed my Bachelor of Health Science in Counselling at AUT. I am a Student Affiliate member of NZAC, awaiting provisional membership, with over 200 hours of clinically supervised counselling experience. I receive 1 hour of supervision for every 10 hours of client work.

No. I work within a counselling scope and do not provide diagnosis or medical advice.

If your needs sit outside my scope, we can discuss supported referral options so you can access the right level of care.