	Counselling Island Bay - Wellington 4080 The Esplanade Island Bay 6023 Wellington
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✓ I also offer online therapy

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Ngairini | Counselling

Counselling Island Bay - Wellington

Haere mai, Hi, my name is Ngairini. I'm an experienced Kaitohutohu/Counsellor in Island Bay, Wellington. I run "Island Bay Counselling'. I also am a "Guidance Counsellor" i.e. Kaitohutohu ārahi. My ancestors are a mix of Maori and Pakeha, so although I am not full Kaitohutohu Maori (as you can see from my photo) I am culturally aware, respectful and honour the Maori and Pacific Culture. It is the culture that is home to me. My name is from the Pacific Islands (Maori). I do not speak fluent Maori but understand some of it (same with French, Italian and Spanish), and am learning more of it all the time. I have been in Australia for most of my life with only short trips to New Zealand but have lived here permanently since 2022. I have images of Maori Art that I have created in my home and I understand the culture, so if you are Maori or Pacific Islander you would be most welcome. If you are Pakeha or of another culture I would respect you and your culture also and would be culturally appropriate.

On a waiting list elsewhere? Why wait? I can see you now! I'm here for you to support children, young people, adults, elders, couples, families, and with groups in schools on issues affecting the youth, for awareness, counselling & strategies to assist with these. to work towards a more fulfilled life using any modalities in my list, for any of the issues that they face.

I work with my Comfort/Service dog Stanley who is totally peaceful and safe with children and all humans. He provides great comfort for children and all ages (if you like dogs). He is clean, vaccinated, healthy (& non-smelling). He is open for pats during the session if in person. If you are allergic, or scared or just don't like dogs, I can put him in another room while the session is on or we can do online on Google Meet.

I have a commitment to my wellbeing also, do professional development, supervision & follow standard ethical guidelines for counsellors (e.g. Therapy Counsellors & NZAC). I have around 400 hours logged.

My sessions are generally one hour however this can be negotiable, as in an hour and a half or two hours at a time if needed. It is a comfortable, clean, private & safe space. You will have confidentiality (informed consent). I am always aware of ethical situations and will follow them to the letter.

If you want to know more or make an appointment, feel free to contact me.

Mihi aroha,

Kindest regards,

Ngairini.

Please see below some reviews I have received:

"Beautiful and warm lady, Ngairini. Me and my children were very comfortable and felt welcomed and not udged; Stanley was very good support." Luana, Poriria.

"Ngairini has been an absolute Godsend for my daughter and myself. We are both finding the sessions helpful and her experience in addressing the concerns is phenomenal :) "Tania, Tawa.

"Ngairini was such a pleasure and a Godsend in helping my teenage sons. She has such a lovely & helpful manner and is easy to open up to. She is super skilled in techniques to implement in support of her sessions and offers such practical advice. I would highly recommend Ngairini." Gemma. N. Miramar.

I've had four sessions and I'm becoming myself again. It's been really nice to have someone to speak to and give me advice. I have learnt a lot to keep myself happy and have clearer thoughts. Its been really helpful."Brayden, Waiunomata.

"Harrison (11), Mark and I built a genuine rapport with Ngairini O'Kell from our first meeting with her. She also sets out boundaries in a kind manner. Harrison and I met her and her companion dog. She broke the ice by talking about surfing, Harrisons favourite topic. He had been wary and indeed reluctant to go to counselling for a number of years. Even on the way there, he was dubious. However they soon started chatting like old friends. I returned an hour later to a son who was very comfortable and didn't want to leave Ngairini's companion dog. Son was happy to return to counselling the following week with Mark. Son enjoyed his sessions and would like to finish some in the future. This is a positive result for us'.
Megan White, Ngaio.

"Just wanted to say thanks for the session earlier. I feel very encouraged and hopeful.'Kyra, Tawa.
'Thank you for todays session. It was helpful- Ngairini is a great counsellor who listens w empathy to understand complex situations. She expertly uses her own experiences in life to create an "I've been there too" connection with the children that gives them the understanding & empowerment to navigate the tough times." F.P. Island Bay.'

"We found the experience really useful. You were so welcoming and a great sounding board for Scott. Stanley is a wonderful addition to the environment.
Thanks again". Nikki. Brooklyn.

'My daughter came to see Ngairini at crisis point. It was really helpful to have an outsider of the family to work through that with. It was very beneficial at that point of time to give her new perspectives to reflect on. Thank you Ngairini.' Katherine. Berhampore.

'My son was super relaxed after he saw Ngairini. He felt heard and listened to. Thanks!' Frances. Miramar.

"It was nice to talk with someone and get some clarity on my thoughts and feel more empowered in my decision making. I feel less confusion and more confident going forward. You have given me strategies and strength to deal with anything that may come up in the future. I feel more positive, less bogged down, with more energy now. I am more happy. I am feeling good in myself. Thank you so much. It was/is a pleasure to know you." Emily, Miramar.

Online therapy

I use Google Meet for online therapy. Sessions would be an hour (negotiable). A five minute introduction, then we would talk about the presenting problem, your goals in therapy and life and I will offer some tools/interventions to use to work with in life. Once we agree a time and date, I would send the invite on Google Meet. I would confirm with you the day before and/or on the day of the appointment. There is a cancellation fee of the session cost if you cancel on the day of the session or no show on the day. Lets work together and get your life how you would like it! We can decide how many sessions would benefit you and book ahead or go session by session. Same for face to face or phone sessions.

Qualifications and registrations

I possess a Diploma in Counselling and a Masters in Counselling and the Arts. Included is some subjects in Art Therapy for the Masters of Art Therapy and Fine Arts.

I have a Graduate Diploma of Teaching and a Bachelor of Visual Art. I have a Certificate IV in the Diploma of interactive digital technology.

I've been a Counsellor for a relationships company in Australia and in New Zealand I have counselled and been a Teacher in both countries for twenty-three years. I've been a Mentor for youth at risk and a Youth Worker.

I'm a member of NZEI Te Riu Roa, full member of the QCT, a practicing member of ANZACATA, a full member of NZ Teachers Council and PPT. I am about to be a member of NZAC. I'm fully registered in Australia and New Zealand in the above groups. I'm an Art therapist and Teacher/ Lecturer as well as a Counsellor.

Registrations

I offer therapy in

✓ French

Specialisations

1. Anxiety
2. Burnout
3. Depression
4. Grief
5. Loss
6. Stress
7. Youth issues
8. Identity
9. Catholic Counselling
10. Self esteem issues

Specialisations and Expertises

I work with all of the modalities as below.

Most common issues I support people with:

Loss, grief, trauma, youth issues, anger management.

Therapies offered

Areas of counselling I can help with

Fees

Cash/bank dep. No ACC/WINZ. Adult$135, Couples$144, Child$72, Students$90, Whanau$153, Group sessions 3-10pax$199, group sessions10-25 pax$207, Adult 10x $1215, Child 10x $648, Whanau 10x$1377. Once paid, the session is booked. No show/same day cancellation is normal fee. 24 hours notice of change is no fee. You get 10 sessions for the price of 9 if you do the bundle. One session is free!

Once payment is received, the session can go ahead. I would appreciate it by the day before the session so it can be cleared in time for the session. Payment confirms the appointment and we can then commence the session. Cash/bank deposit. No ACC/WINZ sorry. Once payment's received, the session is booked. No show/same day cancellation incurs full session cost. If you are financially struggling still talk to me, we can probably work something out.

Availability (Opening hours)

Monday	9am-9pm
Tuesday	9am-9pm
Wednesday	9am-9pm
Thursday	9am-9pm
Friday	9am-9pm
Saturday	9am-9pm
Sunday	N/A

Photos

Location

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