Child and Adolescent Counselling
Work with children and adolescents must take account of their age and stage of development. A different process is needed and a specialised room is used. Play is a child’s language and so materials are provided to allow children to express their concerns in a way that is comfortable for them. The counsellor joins them in their world and is able to assist them to clarify their thoughts and feelings and help them identify answers or new information.

Some of the things that bring people to counselling are:

- depression
- grief
- stress or anxiety
- relationship difficulties
- self esteem concerns
- life transitions
- anger management
- coping with chronic illness
- eating disorders
- sexual abuse
- parenting concerns
- work related problems
- supervision

We do not specifically work with addictions, although they  often arise as a side issue.  We recommend that people look for specialist agencies such as CADS if this is the major issue.

Relationship Counselling
People come to Relationship Counselling for many different reasons.  Sometimes it is because they have ‘fallen out of love’, or because they are always bickering.  Sometimes there is an imbalance of power in the relationship, or perhaps one or both partners have behaviours which are difficult for the other to live with.   Some people have already decided to separate, and want to do this with dignity and minimal distress to the children. 

Wendy has many years experience in working with couples.  She can help you to identify the issues and guide you through the process of rebuilding a healthy relationship.  Sometimes this includes talking about sexuality,  which will be approached with a down-to-earth no-blame approach.  Parenting  styles can also be addressed.   Wendy is also contracted to provide Family Court subsidised counselling.  Most couples are eligible for six free sessions.

Supervision
Both Moira and Wendy provide supervision for others in the helping professions.  Supervision provides a safe place to discuss factors that impact on your work, an opportunity to build skills and resources, and receive confidential feedback on areas of concern to you.  We encourage supervisees to develop their potential and build on their achievements.  If you are looking for supervision you may find it useful to read our individual pages to decide if we can be helpful to your practice.

Adolescents have a choice in which room they prefer but most find drawing or sand tray helpful.  Work remains confidential but parents are regularly informed of progress and of any concerns, with the child’s or young person's knowledge.

An initial meeting with parents is essential to provide important background information.
Sometimes working with parents and the young person is the best way to proceed. All this can be discussed at the first meeting. 

Moira has worked with children and young people for over twelve years.  She works with the family to increase options, improve communication and address the specific concerns of the parents, child or adolescent.


Counselling for Sexual Abuse
Many people who have experienced unwanted sexual contact develop symptoms which may include nightmares, anxiety and panic attacks, trust and relationships issues, depression and low self esteem.  Moira and Wendy are both experienced in working with these issues.  Some people may qualify for assistance from ACC to pay for their counselling.  We are happy to discuss this with you.