Are you struggling with something in your life but finding it difficult to explain exactly what's wrong? Perhaps you're feeling stuck, lacking confidence, experiencing difficulties in your relationships or simply wanting to understand yourself better.
I'm Mel, a counsellor based in Tauranga. Alongside my work with trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction and relationship difficulties, I also support people with a wide range of personal and emotional concerns.
I believe that you don't need to have a particular diagnosis or a clearly defined problem to benefit from counselling.
My aim is to offer a warm, safe and non-judgemental space where you can explore what's happening in your life and consider what you'd like to change.
Other issues I can help you with
People come to counselling for many different reasons. Some are dealing with a particular difficulty, while others want to understand recurring patterns or make positive changes in their lives.
I can offer support with concerns such as:
- Low self-esteem and confidence: Feeling not good enough, doubting yourself or struggling to recognise your own strengths and abilities.
- Anger and emotional difficulties: Finding it hard to manage frustration, anger or strong emotional reactions.
- Boundaries and assertiveness: Difficulty saying no, expressing your needs or standing up for yourself in relationships.
- Body image and eating concerns: Struggling with how you see yourself, your relationship with food or feelings about your body.
- Loneliness and isolation: Feeling disconnected from others or finding it difficult to develop meaningful relationships.
- Perfectionism and self-criticism: Placing high expectations on yourself or feeling that nothing you do is ever good enough.
- Life changes and personal challenges: Adjusting to separation, family changes, career difficulties or other important transitions.
- Personal growth and development: Wanting to understand yourself better, develop healthier patterns or find greater meaning and direction in life.
These concerns can sometimes overlap or be connected to earlier experiences, relationships or ongoing pressures.
Whatever brings you to counselling, we can begin by exploring what's most important to you.
Understanding yourself and finding a way forward
I believe that our past experiences can influence how we see ourselves, relate to others and respond to difficult situations.
Sometimes we develop ways of thinking or behaving that once helped us cope but no longer serve us well.
In counselling, we can explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion rather than judgement.
I draw on approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Strengths-Based Therapy, depending on your needs.
My aim is to help you recognise your strengths, develop greater self-understanding and find practical ways of making changes that matter to you.
Counselling in Tauranga and online
I offer individual counselling in Tauranga, as well as online sessions for people who prefer to attend remotely.
You don't need to know exactly what kind of counselling you need before contacting me. We can start by talking about what's happening in your life and what you're hoping to gain from our work together.
Would you like to know more or make an appointment? Please feel free to contact me.
Mel
Counsellor
Registered with NZAC
