About Mel Zajkowski – Counsellor & Couples Therapist in Tauranga

I'm Mel Zajkowski, a registered counsellor, couples therapist and EMDR-trained practitioner based in Tauranga.

 

I offer individual and couples counselling, with a particular interest in supporting people affected by trauma, relationship difficulties and challenging life experiences.

 

I believe that while our past experiences can shape who we are, they don't have to define our future.

 

My aim is to provide a warm, safe and non-judgemental environment where you feel heard, respected and supported as we explore what's happening in your life.

 

A little about me

I originally come from Wellington and moved to the Bay of Plenty around 20 years ago.

 

I'm married and have a son and three grandchildren. Family is an important part of my life, and I enjoy spending time with the people close to me.

 

Before becoming a counsellor, I worked in a variety of roles in management and sales while also raising my son.

 

Although my professional background was quite different, becoming a counsellor had been a long-held ambition.

 

I'm grateful to have followed that path and to now be doing work that allows me to support people through some of the challenges and changes they experience in life.

 

Outside my counselling work, I enjoy reading, watching movies, keeping active, spending time with friends and family, eating out and walking in nature.

 

My journey into counselling

My earlier work and life experiences have given me an appreciation of the different pressures, responsibilities and relationships that shape our lives.

 

As a counsellor, I recognise that everyone brings their own history, circumstances, strengths and challenges to the counselling process.

 

Sometimes we find ourselves struggling with patterns that are difficult to understand or change. At other times, unexpected events or painful experiences can leave us feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about the future.

 

I believe that counselling offers an opportunity to explore these experiences in a supportive environment, understand ourselves more deeply and discover new possibilities.

 

My role is not to tell you how to live your life, but to work alongside you as you explore what matters to you and what you would like to change.

 

My areas of special interest

I have a particular interest in trauma counselling and supporting people affected by distressing or overwhelming experiences.

 

Trauma can influence how we feel about ourselves, how safe we feel in the world and how we relate to others.

 

My approach is gentle and trauma-informed, with an emphasis on building trust and working at a pace that feels right for you.

 

I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), an evidence-based therapy used to help people process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact.

 

Another important part of my work is couples counselling.

 

I have undertaken training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples, which focuses on understanding the emotional patterns that can contribute to conflict and disconnection between partners.

 

I also have experience supporting people with anxiety, depression, addiction recovery, grief, stress, burnout and other personal or emotional concerns.

 

My approach to counselling

I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to counselling.

 

Everyone comes with different experiences, needs and hopes for the future. I therefore adapt my way of working to suit you as an individual or couple.

 

Depending on your circumstances, I may draw on several therapeutic approaches, including:

 

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Exploring the connections between thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and identifying patterns that may be contributing to difficulties.

 

• Narrative Therapy: Helping you explore the stories and meanings connected to your experiences and consider different perspectives.

 

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Supporting you in responding differently to difficult thoughts and emotions while moving towards what matters to you.

 

• Solution-Focused Therapy: Identifying practical steps, achievable goals and opportunities for positive change.

 

• Strengths-Based Therapy: Recognising and building on the strengths, abilities and resources you already have.

 

• EMDR Therapy: Helping you process distressing memories and experiences where this approach is appropriate.

 

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples: Supporting partners in understanding emotional patterns and developing greater connection.

 

Some people benefit from practical strategies and clear goals, while others need time and space to explore deeper emotions or experiences from their past.

 

Together, we can find an approach that suits your needs and circumstances.

 

Qualifications and professional development

I hold a Bachelor of Counselling degree, which I completed with distinction.

 

I have also undertaken postgraduate training in working therapeutically with trauma, along with specialist training in EMDR therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples.

 

My qualifications and professional training include:

 

• Bachelor of Counselling (with Distinction)
• Postgraduate training in trauma counselling
• EMDR training
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples training

 

I am a full member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC).

 

I am committed to ongoing professional development and regular clinical supervision as important parts of maintaining safe and ethical counselling practice.

 

What you can expect from me

I understand that deciding to begin counselling can feel daunting, especially if you're dealing with experiences that are difficult to talk about.

 

You don't need to have everything worked out or know exactly what you want to say before your first session.

 

I aim to create a comfortable, confidential and supportive environment where you can talk openly without fear of judgement.

 

I believe that feeling genuinely heard and understood is an important part of counselling.

 

Whether we're exploring a specific difficulty, working through past experiences or looking at patterns in your relationship, my approach is collaborative and guided by your needs.

 

Together, we can explore what's happening, recognise your strengths and consider practical ways of moving forward.

 

Counselling in Tauranga and online

I offer face-to-face individual and couples counselling in Tauranga, as well as online counselling for individuals and couples throughout New Zealand.

 

Whether you're seeking support with trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties or other personal challenges, you're welcome to get in touch.

 

Would you like to know more or make an appointment? Please feel free to contact me.

 

Mel

Counsellor & Couples Therapist

Registered with NZAC

Also listed on

You can also find my profile on the following platforms:

• Therapycounselling.net
• Therapycouples.net
• Anxietyfearphobia.net