Counsellors and Therapists in Private Practice
Finding a therapist can be complicated. You might be wondering about what type of therapist to go to, what kind of therapy approach to try, and how to find a therapist in your area. This section of The Community Resources Directory shares a bit of information to help get you started along with links to national directories and local Auckland counselling and therapy services.
What type of therapist to go to?
Psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists deliver many of the same talking therapies and differ mainly in their level of qualifications and training backgrounds.
- Counsellors ideally hold Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees, and are trained to facilitate the safe expression of current problems and explore ways of understanding and responding to them.
- Psychotherapists hold Master’s degrees, make sense of mental-health problems through a psychodynamic, relational lens and adopt insight-based approaches that focus on understanding how you operate in the world today in relation to your early experiences.
- Psychologists who work as therapists tend to be Clinical Psychologists or Counselling Psychologists. Clinical Psychologists hold Master’s or Doctorate degrees, define themselves as scientist-practitioners, and are specifically trained to assess and treat clinical mental-health problems.
Make sure you check your therapist is a member of the appropriate professional body.
- Counsellors do not have to be registered as this is not a protected professional title covered by the HPA Act but it is recommended to see counsellors who have voluntarily registered with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).
- Psychologists should be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board (NZPB).
- Psychotherapists should be registered with the Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa NZ (PBANZ).
Some registered social workers, occupational therapists, and nurses hold additional qualifications that allow them to specialise in mental health and offer specific therapy modalities as well.
What kind of therapy to try?
Many therapies have been shown to be effective for a range of different problems and some are better suited to specific issues. Look for someone who has experience with your area of difficulty, is trained in a therapy that has been shown to help with this kind of difficulty, and offers a therapy that you would like to try.
Common therapies available in New Zealand include Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT, pronounced like the word ‘act’), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), Family Systems Therapy, and more.
Research suggests the most important factor in any effective therapy is the quality of your relationship with the therapist themselves. It can take some time to find just the right person and approach for you. Don’t be afraid to ask your practitioner for the kind of approach and style of interaction you want or feel you need. This is something most therapists greatly appreciate. If you want more of something, or less of something else, let them know.
Where to look?
If you experience severe mental-health difficulties you may be able to access talking therapy alongside multi-disciplinary support through your local publicly-funded community mental health centre for adults, for children and adolescents, for infants, for mothers, or for older people.
You can also access talking therapy within the community. This will usually involve paying a fee but some counselling and therapy services have funding to provide their services free or at low-cost. You might be able to get funding to cover at least part of the cost (see; Funding Your Treatment). There are also several community organisations that provide access to counselling free of charge for people from different groups (see the section on Community Support Services for more information).
Explore the options below to find counsellors and therapists who work in private practice.
Nationwide
ACC Registered Trauma Therapists
There is an extensive list of psychologists, therapists and counsellors across New Zealand on the ACC website for people who have experienced sexual trauma and assault.
www.findsupport.co.nz
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa
Free in-person and online counselling for LGBTQI+ people and people living with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS.
0800 802 437 | www.burnettfoundation.org.nz/get/get-counselling/
(The) Child Psychology Service
The Child Psychology Service is a team of experienced child and adolescent psychologists, located throughout New Zealand.
https://thechildpsychologyservice.co.nz/
Find a Clinical Psychologist
The NZ College of Clinical Psychologists provides a directory that allows you to search for a clinical psychologist by region, speciality, and therapy approach. This directory lists only college members who elect to be included.
https://nzccp.co.nz/for-the-public/find-a-clinical-psychologist/
Find a Psychologist at the NZ Psychological Society
An online directory of psychologists held by the NZ Psychological Society. Psychologists have to pay to list themselves, so it isn’t a complete list, but it’s a good place to start. Visit the Psychologists, Counsellors and Psychotherapists section of The Community Resources Directory to find more psychologists in your area.
www.psychology.org.nz/public/find-psychologist
Positive Mind Works (Online Psychologists)
Online therapy with registered psychologists offering CBT or ACT via secure webcam and instant messenger. Enquire for therapists who are experienced with adolescents.
http://positivemindworks.co | 0800 327 477
Talking Works Directory
Talking Works is a website where psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors across New Zealand can list their services.
www.talkingworks.co.nz
Auckland
Anglican Trust for Women and Children
ATWC’s Family Services include Therapy Services for women and children, and Granger Grove, a residential care parenting programme for mothers and their children based at their Otahuhu headquarters.
www.atwc.org.nz | St Mary’s Centre, 10 Beatty St, Otahuhu, Auckland | (09) 276 3729 extn 208 | info@atwc.org.nz
Anxiety New Zealand Trust (formerly The Phobic Trust)
Private therapy and workshops with registered therapists who specialise in working with anxiety disorders.
www.anxiety.org.nz | 77 Morningside Drive, St. Lukes, Auckland | (09) 846 9776 | Anxiety Helpline: 0800 269 4389
Auckland Psychology
A group of psychologists offering private psychological assessment and therapy services across the wider Auckland area. They have a good list of questions to ask prospective therapists.
www.aucklandpsychology.co.nz
Auckland Therapy
A collective of registered counsellors and psychotherapists providing therapy for everyday challenges and serious mental health problems from all across Auckland.
www.aucklandtherapy.co.nz
Auckland University Psychology Clinic
Access to 12-weeks of cheap therapy with a trainee clinical psychologist under supervision of a registered clinical psychologist. Currently, they can see only a small number of clients each semester. They negotiate fees with clients. The fees are reasonable and much less than people would pay to see a private practising clinical psychologist.
www.clinics.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/home/about/ourclinics/services-1/psychology-2/ourservices-3
Change It: Psychology Auckland
Dr Mary Grogan is a clinical psychologist who offers private therapy for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress and eating issues as well as enhancing wellbeing.
www.changeit.co.nz | (09) 361 2303 | 021 978 352 | 53 Fife Street, Westmere, Auckland
Clayburn House (Glen Eden)
Clayburn House has a team of psychotherapists and counsellors who are experienced with young people. Visit their website to choose a therapist and request a booking with the therapist of your choice.
www.clayburnhouse.co.nz/| Phone: (09) 818 7324 | 10a Clayburn Road, Glen Eden
Counselling Services Centre
CSC provides support for people affected by trauma through a professional and culturally appropriate crisis response service, social work support, and ACC accredited and other counselling services within a safe, supportive and respectful environment.
http://cscnz.org.nz/ | 22 Alexander Ave, Papatoetoe, Manukau City | Phone 09 277 9324 | admin@cscnz.org.nz
Crossroads Psychology
A collective of psychologists who provide therapy across Auckland. Contact details for each psychologist are listed on the website.
www.crossroadspsychology.co.nz/
Family Action
Family Action provides counselling for children and young people affected by family and sexual violence, abuse, or trauma, with a clinical team of qualified and experienced social workers, counselling psychologists, counsellors, psychotherapists and art therapists. Anyone can self-refer. Their main office is based in Henderson but they provide some services to people in other areas of Auckland too. Contracts with ACC, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Development and Oranga Tamariki enable them to offer their services at little to no cost to clients.
www.familyaction.org.nz | 13 Edsel Street, Henderson | 0800 326 327 | office@familyaction.org.nz
Fresh Minds
A private practice service offering psychologists, counsellors and nurse specialists in Ellerslie, Manukau and Rosedale in partnership with Pro-Care Health Services.
www.freshminds.co.nz/
HELP Auckland
Counselling and therapy for adults and youth who have been affected by sexual violence and abuse, including individual and family therapy options. Fees are set on a sliding scale.
www.helpauckland.org.nz/therapy |0800 623 1700 (24/7 help line) |office: (09) 623 1296 | info@helpauckland.org.nz
Home and Family Society Inc. Counselling Services
Home and Family Counselling, established in 1893, is a not-for-profit agency with a dedicated team of experienced women and men counsellors who provide a professional confidential service. They promote the safety and well-being of all individuals, irrespective of culture, ethnicity, sexuality or age. Payment for each one hour session is by donation on a sliding scale according to income, and is tax deductible. They also have some fully funded options for specific groups. www.homeandfamily.org.nz| 344 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden | (09) 630 8961 |info@homeandfamily.org.nz
(The) Grief Centre
The death of a loved one shifts the whole foundation of our lives. The grief centre offers support, counselling, groups, family services and information for people who have been affected by grief and loss. Counselling available in Auckland in Birkenhead, Henderson, Remuera, Pakuranga, Manukau, and Orewa. Skype sessions can also be arranged.
www.griefcentre.org.nz | (09) 418 1457 (24-hours) | info@griefcentre.org.nz
Lister Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling
The Lister Centre has been established for over 25 years. They offer counselling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis and clinical supervision.
www.listercentre.co.nz | 233 Mount Eden Road, Mt Eden |09 623 1916 | lister.centre@xtra.co.nz
Illumen Psychology
Illumen is a group psychology practice based in Grey Lynn. They offer psychological assessment and a range of different therapies.
https://illumen.nz/ | 412a Richmond Road, Grey Lynn | 09 973 5187 | info@illumen.nz
Monarch Psychology
Monarch Psychology is a group practice that offers neuropsychological assessments, psychological assessments and therapy.
www.monarchpsychology.co.nz/ | 176 Green Lane West, Greenlane | 09 520 3834 | admin@monarchpsychology.co.nz
New Zealand Eating Disorders Clinic (NZEDC)
NZEDC provides specialist evidence based treatment for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and avoidant food intake disorder (ARFID) in both adults and adolescents. They also offer treatment for less severe forms of disordered eating, including compulsive eating, and body image concerns. NZEDC is the only private provider in New Zealand offering Family Based Treatment (FBT) by certified FBT therapists.
www.nzeatingdisordersclinic.co.nz/ | 52 College Hill, Freemans Bay | 09 962 6236
New Zealand Society of Clinical and Applied Hypnotherapy
Find a registered NZ Hypnotherapist near you.
http://www.nzhypnotherapists.co.nz/ | (07) 9280288
Practice 92
Private psychiatrists and psychologists.
www.practice92.co.nz | 1 St Albans Ave, Mt Eden | 09 638 9804 | admin@practice92.co.nz
Practice 371
Practice 371 is a team of clinical psychologists, health psychologists and counsellors offering specialist treatment for adolescents and adults struggling with eating disorders, eating-related difficulties and body image concerns, plus support services for family and friends.
www.practice371.co.nz/contact-us | 371 Parnell Road, Auckland | admin@practice371.co.nz
(The) Psychology Group
The Psychology Group provide therapy for individuals, couples, and families, DBT Groups, and sensory processing assessments and interventions. They have offices in Howick, Highbrook, and Pukekohe.
www.tpgroup.co.nz/ | Head office: 43 Moore Street, Howick | 09 5356624 | hello@tpgroup.co.nz
Pūkenga Psychology
Pūkenga Psychology is the private practice of Dr Jessica Gerbic, a clinical psychologist who provides Māori psychological services online from her office based in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland.
www.nzccp.co.nz/psychologist/1231 | pukengapsychology@gmail.com
Resilience Clinical Psychology
A group private practice based in Ponsonby.
www.resiliencepsychology.co.nz/ | 89a College Hill, Ponsonby | 09 390 0040 | admin@resiliencepsychology.co.nz
Robert Street Clinic
The Robert Street Clinic is a group private practice offering individual, couples and family therapy for children, adolescents and adults with a team of psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, and psychiatrists available. They offer DBT and addictions specialists as part of their services.
https://robertstclinic.co.nz/ | 37 Robert Street, Ellerslie | 09 973 5950 | info@robertstclinic.co.nz
Te Aho Tapu
Maori psychological services – Individualised, specialist treatment and support for Maori by Maori in the South Auckland region. www.teahotapu.com | Massey Homestead, 351 Massey Road, Mangere | Phone: 09 275 5610 | info@teahotapu.com
Thrive Psychology Centre
A group private practice based in Takapuna that provides family therapy, diagnostic assessments and a range of individual therapies for children, adolescents and adults.
https://thrivepsychologycentre.com/ | 16 Byron Avenue, Takapuna | 09 218 2516 | admin@thrivepsychologycentre.com
(The) Vagus Centre
The Vagus Centre provides a FREE counselling service to Chinese individuals and families having difficulties in relationships and parenting issues. Their mission is to promote the psychological and mental health wellbeing of individuals through the development of a healthy and functional relationship between the individuals and their families.
www.cmh.org.nz
Totally Psyched
Private psychological and psychiatric services for children, youth and young adults in Takapuna including family therapy. www.psyched.org.nz/ | 51 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna | referrals@psyched.org.nz
West Auckland Psychology
A group private practice based in New Lynn providing services for individuals, couples, and families across the wider Auckland region. ACC and EAP services available. www.westaucklandpsychology.co.nz/ | 13A Totara Avenue, New Lynn | Ph 021-089 65378 | info@westaucklandpsychology.co.nz
West Wellness
A group private practice based in Henderson with a team of psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists. www.westwellness.nz/ | 104 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson | Ph 022 538 4471 | jill@westwellness.nz
Youthline
A wide range of different forms of help for all ages (not just youth) including action education, support groups, a phone-counselling line, a text counselling service, a face-to-face counselling service and more.
www.youthline.co.nz | 0800 376 633 (Helpline) | Free text: 234 | (09) 376 6645 (office)| talk@youthline.co.nz
