Relationship Counselling
Counselling relationships will vary according to need but generally involves exploring relational issues that are impacting on the health and strength of the relationship.
Such issues may involve:
Such issues may involve:
- Improving communication
- Improving emotional connection and support
- Issues relating to sexual intimacy
- Parenting
- Stereotypical gender expectations
- Managing finances and decision making
- Unresolved conflict
- Identifying unhelpful patterned behaviour from previous relationships
- Working through hurt and guilt regarding affairs and infidelity
- Enabling addictive behaviours.
The Counsellor's Role
The counsellor’s role is to facilitate the client's work in opening up and scaffolding conversations between the two of you about the things you want to talk about.
This is done in a safe and respectful way that is consistent with your values, personal resources and capacity for self- determination.
When conducting relationship counselling it is important you both understand you are my clients. I cannot and do not act as one person’s counsellor simultaneously.
Counselling is a voluntary process so your coming to counselling is your own choice. You may withdraw at any time and this will in no way affect any other continuing health care you may be engaging in.
This is done in a safe and respectful way that is consistent with your values, personal resources and capacity for self- determination.
When conducting relationship counselling it is important you both understand you are my clients. I cannot and do not act as one person’s counsellor simultaneously.
Counselling is a voluntary process so your coming to counselling is your own choice. You may withdraw at any time and this will in no way affect any other continuing health care you may be engaging in.
Confidentiality
All conversations had with me are kept totally confidential.
However, if under the Privacy Act 1993 I believe your life or health is at risk, or you are a risk to other people, I may consult with my Supervisor, and may disclose information about you to a nominated family member, your doctor, the Crisis Team or the Police.
I will let you know I am going to do this.
However, if under the Privacy Act 1993 I believe your life or health is at risk, or you are a risk to other people, I may consult with my Supervisor, and may disclose information about you to a nominated family member, your doctor, the Crisis Team or the Police.
I will let you know I am going to do this.
Case Notes
I will record brief case notes which assist me in monitoring your progress towards your counselling goals.
These are recorded on my computer which is password protected and in a specific password protected counselling software programme.
All information stored on this programme is encrypted to meet Privacy Act 1993 specifications.
These are recorded on my computer which is password protected and in a specific password protected counselling software programme.
All information stored on this programme is encrypted to meet Privacy Act 1993 specifications.
Fee Structure
Relationship Counselling is $130 including GST payable at completion of the session. EFTPOS facilities or electronic banking available.
If you hold a Community Services Card I can support you in applying for funding from WINZ to help subsidise your counselling.
If you hold a Community Services Card I can support you in applying for funding from WINZ to help subsidise your counselling.
Sessions
Sessions are 50 minutes and we agree to meet either weekly or fortnightly for either an agreed number of sessions, or have the ending open so you can cease counselling when you feel ready.
If you choose to leave counselling you may do at any time but I ask that we meet for at least one session following your decision.
This is important and necessary in order to have a proper ending and to determine progress made or recommend alternative support/referral if necessary.
This is also an opportunity for you to evaluate the outcome of your counselling.
If you choose to leave counselling you may do at any time but I ask that we meet for at least one session following your decision.
This is important and necessary in order to have a proper ending and to determine progress made or recommend alternative support/referral if necessary.
This is also an opportunity for you to evaluate the outcome of your counselling.
Extra Support & Crisis Situations
I am only able to offer you limited support outside of session times. I am willing to make extra appointments as my schedule permits.
It is okay for you to email or phone me during normal work hours, if you can make contact with me, but I may not be able to talk long or may be in a session with another client in which case you may go to my voice message service.
While I do clear this frequently, it may be some time before I can get back to you.
In a crisis situation I encourage you to make use of the public crisis services such as:
It is okay for you to email or phone me during normal work hours, if you can make contact with me, but I may not be able to talk long or may be in a session with another client in which case you may go to my voice message service.
While I do clear this frequently, it may be some time before I can get back to you.
In a crisis situation I encourage you to make use of the public crisis services such as:
- Lifeline (0800 543 354)
- Need to talk 1737 (1737) or
- Your local Community Mental Health Team which is Te Haika for the Wairarapa, Hutt Valley and Capital & Coast( 0800 745 477).
Cancellations/Changes To Appointments
Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you wish to cancel or change your session. This allows sufficient time to re-book your session. Failure to do so will incur a 50% charge.
Complaints
I am a NZAC (New Zealand Association of Counsellors) Registered Counsellor and am bound by their Code of Ethics and practice and subject to their Complaints Procedure.
I am also a NZ Registered Social Worker and belong to the ANZASW (Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers) and am bound by both their Codes of Ethics and subject to their Complaints Procedure.
I take all complaints very seriously. Please feel free to raise any concerns with me in the first instance.
If you are not satisfied with my handling of your concern, you may lodge your complaint to either of the above-mentioned professional bodies.
I am also a NZ Registered Social Worker and belong to the ANZASW (Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers) and am bound by both their Codes of Ethics and subject to their Complaints Procedure.
I take all complaints very seriously. Please feel free to raise any concerns with me in the first instance.
If you are not satisfied with my handling of your concern, you may lodge your complaint to either of the above-mentioned professional bodies.
