Would you prefer to speak with a counsellor from the comfort of your own home? Perhaps you live outside Tauranga, have a busy schedule or simply find it easier to attend counselling online.
I'm Mel, a counsellor and couples therapist based in Tauranga. I offer online counselling for individuals and couples throughout New Zealand, providing a supportive, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about what's happening in your life or relationship.
Whether you're seeking help with personal difficulties or looking for relationship counselling together with your partner, online sessions offer a flexible way to access professional support without travelling to a counselling practice.
Online individual counselling
Online counselling can be helpful when you're experiencing emotional or personal difficulties but would prefer to attend sessions remotely.
I support people with a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety and depression: Persistent worry, panic, low mood, emotional exhaustion and difficulties managing everyday life.
- Stress and burnout: Feeling overwhelmed by work, caregiving responsibilities or other pressures.
- Grief and loss: Coping with bereavement, relationship changes or other significant losses.
- Addiction recovery: Exploring patterns involving alcohol, drugs, gambling or other addictive behaviours.
- Self-esteem and confidence: Working through self-doubt, negative beliefs and difficulties recognising your own strengths.
- Life changes and personal challenges: Adjusting to difficult circumstances, relationship changes or uncertainty about the future.
My approach is tailored to your individual needs. I draw on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Strengths-Based approaches to help you understand your experiences and develop practical ways forward.
I aim to provide the same warmth, understanding and personal attention online as I do during face-to-face sessions.
Online couples counselling and relationship therapy
I also offer online couples counselling for partners who would like to work on their relationship together.
Perhaps you and your partner are struggling with recurring arguments, finding it difficult to communicate or feeling less emotionally connected than you once did.
You may be experiencing trust difficulties, challenges with intimacy or uncertainty about the future of your relationship.
Online couples counselling can provide a supportive environment where both partners have an opportunity to express their feelings, listen to each other and explore the patterns affecting their relationship.
I have undertaken training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples, an approach that helps partners recognise the emotional patterns underlying conflict and disconnection.
Rather than focusing on who is right or wrong, we can explore what's happening between you and how you might begin responding to each other differently.
My aim is to help you develop greater understanding, improve communication and consider ways to rebuild trust and emotional connection.
Where appropriate, online counselling can also help couples who are uncertain about staying together explore their options in a respectful and supportive environment.
How does online couples counselling work?
Online relationship counselling works in much the same way as face-to-face sessions, except that we meet through a video connection.
Both partners can participate in the conversation, and I help create space for each person to share their experiences and perspectives.
Ideally, you'll attend from a quiet, private location where you can speak openly without interruptions.
If you're attending together, it's helpful to have a comfortable space where you can both see and hear the screen clearly.
We can discuss the practical arrangements before your first session so that you feel comfortable with the process.
Online couples counselling may be particularly convenient if you live outside Tauranga, have work or family commitments, or find travelling to appointments difficult.
A personal approach to online counselling
I believe that feeling comfortable with your counsellor is important, whether you're meeting in person or online.
My approach is compassionate, collaborative and guided by your needs.
I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Some people benefit from practical strategies and achievable goals, while others need time and space to explore deeper feelings, experiences or relationship patterns.
Together, we can consider what you're hoping to gain from counselling and how I can best support you.
For people seeking support with trauma or distressing past experiences, we can also discuss which therapeutic approach and session format would be appropriate.
What are the benefits of online counselling?
Online counselling can offer several practical advantages:
- Counselling from home: Attend sessions from a private and comfortable environment.
- No travel required: Access counselling without needing to visit a practice.
- Greater flexibility: Fit appointments around work, family and other commitments.
- Access throughout New Zealand: Work with a counsellor based in Tauranga even if you live elsewhere.
- Individual and couples sessions: Receive personal support or attend counselling together with your partner.
For many people, online counselling is a convenient and comfortable option. Others prefer meeting face-to-face.
We can discuss your preferences and circumstances to find an arrangement that suits you.
Online counselling throughout New Zealand
I offer online individual counselling and couples counselling to clients throughout New Zealand.
My face-to-face practice is based in Tauranga, but you don't need to live nearby to work with me.
Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, grief, stress, addiction recovery or relationship difficulties, you're welcome to get in touch to discuss online appointments.
Would you like to know more or make an appointment? Please feel free to contact me.
Mel
Counsellor & Couples Therapist
Registered with NZAC
