Meet Our Therapists

North Auckland and Online:

Sophia Elise

Sophia Elise

Relationship Therapist

CURRENTLY FULLY BOOKED AND UNAVAILABLE                                            I’m a Registered Counsellor and specialised Relationship Therapist who enjoys working with both individuals and couples. I’m passionate about working with people who experience challenges with relationships, and I will work with you to help identify the issues you’re facing and determine what you’d like to improve. I use a variety of approaches to help you repair your relationships, rebuild intimacy and connection with each other, improve your communication, increase your understanding of yourself and your partner, resolve conflicts and build a stronger, more resilient relationship to take you into the future.  I’m passionate about helping people turn their vision for their future into reality and to live the best life possible.

My counselling approach is based in Collaborative therapies drawing from Narrative and Solution Focused Brief therapy and incorporating the Developmental Model and Gottman method when working with relationships. I’m passionate about learning and undertake regular supervision and training to ensure I deliver the best care I can to all my clients.

My Background

Master of Applied Practice
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling
Diploma in Nursing
Advanced Training in The Bader Person Developmental Model of Couple Therapy
Training in Gottman Method of Couples therapy
Full member Registered with NZ Association of Counsellors (MNZAC)
Supervisor Registered with NZAC and NZCCA

Appointments: CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE
9am-5pm Monday-Thursday 
Phone or text: 0276301810

Email: sophia@sophiaelise.co.nz  FULLY BOOKED

Location: All appointments are online via Zoom 

Fees:                                                                                                                                Individuals: 60 minutes $184  
Couples: 90 minutes $288                                  

Supervision: $174 

 

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Perry King

Perry King

Relationship Therapist

I work as a Relationship Therapist with couples and individuals, supporting them to find their way through life’s challenges and the difficulties they face in relationships. I assist clients to develop their goals for therapy, find long-term solutions to their problems and explore new possibilities as they move into preferred ways of being. By employing a variety of approaches I help people re-engage and connect with each other, improve their communication skills, develop emotional and sexual intimacy, repair relationship hurts and build stronger more sustainable relationships.

What you can expect:
A collaborative, relational and solution focused approach, guided by the principals of Narrative Therapy and implementing the Bader Pearson Developmental Model of Relationship Therapy providing a proven methodology for effective interpersonal development.

I am passionate about relationship therapy and will provide a safe environment for you to talk about your situation, support your understanding of the issues you face and find meaning and hope in your experience.

In addition, I also offer a 12-week program for women, called ‘Relationship Ready’.  A skills-building course designed to complement and support your couple therapy or individual counselling. For more information go to www.inrelationship.co.nz

My Background:
Advanced Training in The Bader Person Developmental Model of Couple Therapy
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling
Bachelor Degree from Auckland University
Registered with NZ Association of Counsellors (MNZAC)
Committed to ongoing development and training in all areas of relationship therapy

Appointments: 
Available  Online (zoom) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

Please phone, text or email for an appointment:
Phone or text: 021 778 392
Email: perry@inrelationship.co.nz
Web: www.inrelationship.co.nz

Fees:
Individuals: $200 incl gst) per hour
Couples: $240 (incl gst) per hour session, 1.5 hour session ($360) available on request.  Payable at the end of the session. 

Please provide a notice of at least two working days in the case of cancellation. Cancellations of less than 24 hours and failure to attend will incur the full appointment fee.

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Sue Nicholls

Sue Nicholls

Relationship Therapist

I am a counsellor and family therapist and have been in private practice in Orewa and Warkworth for the past 23 years.

I am particularly passionate about working with the challenges relationship brings. I work collaboratively with couples who want to make their relationships more connected by achieving goals which help create the desired changes.

I help them discover new ways of communicating and relating to each other, develop a deeper awareness of themselves and their partner, and support their growth both individually and together. I provide a safe and reflective environment for couples to share their vulnerabilities and hurts so they can deepen their trust and intimacy on every level and therefore build stronger more fulfilling relationships.

I work with a combination of approaches including the Developmental Model of Bader Pearson Couple Therapy and I also draw on The Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy to assist my clients and my practise. I undertake regular supervision, and continually invest in my professional development.

Registered Member of NZAC
Bac
helor of Counselling 

Appointments:                                                                                                              Monday and Thursday Orewa House
Wednesday The River Room Warkworth
Phone, text 021 767657 or email suenicholls@thepractice.net.nz
web: talkingworks.co.nz

Fees: Individuals $160 inc GST for 60 min session
Couples $185 inc GST for 60 min session
Payable at end of session with either eftpos or internet banking

Cancellations: Please provide two working days notice for cancellation. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged at the full rate

Christine Kalin

Christine Kalin

Registered Psychotherapist

Registered Psychotherapist (MNZAP)
Certified Transactional Analyst (ITAA)
Registered Alcohol & Drug Practitioner (DAPAANZ)
Diploma in Management
MBA

I am a registered psychotherapist and operate a private practice by zoom/telehealth offering both individual and couple therapy.  Having worked in senior clinical roles in adult, youth, mental health, and addiction services during my 30-year career, I have broad experience of working across a wide range of service delivery models, including community counselling and psychotherapy services, hospitals, and specialist family support programmes.

In addition to my clinical qualifications I completed a MBA and worked as the CEO of Odyssey House Trust and Auckland SPCA.  Combining a robust clinical background and extensive experience as a CEO of major public sector organisations I am able to offer clients unique insights and knowledge.

Difficulties with relationships can seriously affect every part of your life, including work, family, social and alone time.  I am passionate about working with couples and assisting them to reach better levels of communication, trust and intimacy. I am trained in The Bader Pearson Developmental Model of Couple Therapy.

The purpose of therapy is to create positive changes, to enhance one’s sense of self and to find manageable and empowering solutions to life’s challenges. As a therapist I work alongside my clients in a direct, focused, and insight oriented way.

Please phone, text or email for an appointment: UNAVAILABLE AT PRESENT FOR NEW CLIENTS
Please contact me by email (christine@turn.nz)
or phone me directly (027 2345 038).

I am not often able to answer calls immediately so please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible.

Fees:
Fees are $200 (incl gst) Individual Session per hour, Couples $240 (incl gst) per hour.  Clincial Supervision $200 (incl gst). Fees are payable at the completion of the session.
Eftpos is available.

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Central Auckland and Online:

Paula Dennan

Paula Dennan

Clinical Psychologist

I work as Clinical Psychologist and have over 25 years of experience working with individual wellbeing, couple relationship concerns, and specialize in sex therapy and sport psychology. I enjoy working collaboratively developing goals for therapy whilst appreciating the unique history of experiences and skills that each person brings.

I am passionate about relationships given the importance and impact they have on our lives. My therapy style is to work alongside you as part of your relationship team to support both individual and relationship development. I work in an open, honest, direct way challenging issues and supporting change.

I have trained widely in Couple Therapy and Sex Therapy with sexual and emotional intimacy issues. I am an approved Australasian Couples Institute Trainer for The Bader Pearson Developmental Model of Couple Therapy and provide training, supervision and consultation for relationship therapists.

Appointments:  CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE FOR NEW CLIENTS

Please contact me by email (pdennan@hotmail.com) or phone 0272821940 to leave a message or txt.  

I offer appointments on M -Th 8am-4pm when available.  I currently offer both zoom/telehealth and in-room consultations when available.

Fees:
Fees are $240 + gst ($276 incl gst) for Couple/Sex Therapy consults of 1hr (1.5hr couple consults are preferred and cost $360 + gst ($414 gst inc) payable after the session. Cash or direct banking payment methods are accepted and invoiced accordingly. There is no eftpos or credit card facility available.

If you need to cancel or change an appointment please provide at least two working days notice. Sessions not attended or cancelled within 24 hours incur the full fee. Non paid invoices may be subject to debt collection and incur associated costs.

Please note that I cannot offer an after-hours, immediate response or crisis service.

If you are concerned for your own or any other person’s safety, contact the emergency services (dial 111) or use one of the crisis services listed on the following web page: http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/in-crisis/

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Adrienne Bartle

Adrienne Bartle

Clinical Psychologist

I am a registered Clinical Psychologist with a wide range of experience in both community mental health services and private practice.   Alongside a number of modalities for individual therapy, I am trained in the Developmental Model for Relationship Therapy and have a particular interest in re-partnering and blended families as well as sexuality issues.   I use a collaborative, relational approach tailored to meet the specific needs of my clients to help them navigate the inevitable, on-going stressors of our modern-day lifestyle.

I am passionate about working alongside couples, helping them discover constructive ways to may remain connected. This includes helping them identify unhelpful patterns of behaviour and their source, develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their partners, discover new ways of communicating and relating to each other and support their growth both individually and together. I provide a safe, accepting and reflective environment for couples to share their vulnerabilities so they may deepen their trust and intimacy and by so doing, build a stronger, fulfilling relationship.

I am a full member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists, the New Zealand Psychological Society, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, ACC registered and adhere strictly to the Code of Ethics.

Appointments:

Please contact me either by email:

a.bartle0@outlook.com;

or text/phone: 0274944412 to leave a message.

 

I offer appointments on Monday to Thursday 8am -6.00 and Saturdays by arrangement.  My room is based in Mt Eden, 465 Mt Eden Road, Auckland.

 

Fees:
Fees are $200 (incl GST) for Couple Therapy and $185 (incl GST) for individual therapy consults of 1 hour, payable at the completion of the session. Cash or direct banking payment methods are accepted and invoiced accordingly. There is no EftPos or Credit Card facility available.

If you need to cancel or change an appointment, please provide at least two working days’ notice. Sessions not attended or cancelled within 24 hours incur the full fee.

 

Ric Church

Ric Church

Registered Psychotherapist

CURRENTLY UNAVAILABE FOR NEW CLIENTS

I am a registered psychotherapist with 16 years’ experience working with couples and individuals. I have an empathic and direct approach to my work and am focused on getting the results you need.

In couples work, it’s not just about getting your relationship back to where it was, but making it even better.

It may sound unusual to say, but conflict in relationships is not only inevitable, it is necessary. It is about how we manage conflict internally and externally, in a way that brings about a more intimate connection.

Conflict comes in many forms such as infidelity, miscommunication, work/life stress, raising children, depression, anxiety and anger, to name but a few. While working with me you, and your partner, will come to understand that being able to tolerate and take action around conflict is key to all long term, committed relationships. I can adjust my therapy to incorporate these kinds of issues.

I have trained under Nic Beets and Paula Dennan in the Developmental Model of relationship therapy and my particular experience is in anger management, depression, anxiety, and addiction issues like drugs alcohol and pornography.

If you believe any of these issues are part of your relationship, or if you’d like to have a chat about other particular areas, please call me free on 0508-636782 or email admin@talkcounselling.co.nz

Fees:
My fees are $250 per hour (incl GST) and I usually spend 1.5 hours with couples for their sessions where possible.

Phoenix Norden

Phoenix Norden

Counselling Psychologist

Your intimate relationship is in some ways the biggest investment you will make in your life. And when things are not going as we would have expected, it can be really hard to find information you can trust that will tell you what to do.

I work with couples to understand how and why things went off track and offer practical tools to support them to get to where they want to be.

I am a registered Counselling Psychologist working in private practice in Auckland with both couples and individuals, either face-to-face or online. I work within the developmental model of relationships framework and relish in the flexibility this offers to bring in other modalities e.g., ACT or DBT skills as matched with the client’s needs.

I take a client-centred, holistic approach to therapy, with each session being tailored to you and your presenting needs. I provide a confidential and non-judgemental environment and my authenticity and warmth aim to create a strong therapeutic relationship to assist clients in feeling safe to bring their genuine selves to therapy and work through what is important to them.

I am in a long-term heterosexual relationship with my partner, and I’m no stranger to the idea that sometimes this can be somewhat of a rollercoaster, full of highs and lows. Therefore, I have some insight into challenges that couples may face, not only from a therapeutic, theoretical space but also from lived experience.

In my spare time you cannot keep me away from the ocean, whether this is walks on the beach, boating, fishing or swimming.

I also enjoy connecting and spending time with those close to me, either eating good food or attending concerts and events, sharing a laugh, and making memories.

Couple session (80-90mins) $300 + GST = $345 total

Individual session (50-60mins) $200 + GST = $230 total

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Anna Drijver

Anna Drijver

Registered Psychotherapist

I am passionate about working with couples who are looking to put their relationship back on track by facing into what stops each of them creating deeper intimacy with self and the other. The courageous conversations and honest self-reflection of either individual in the couple brings about a stronger more enriching relationship.

Over the years I have studied and practiced various couples therapy models but none as comprehensive as the Bader Pearson Developmental Model.  This approach lends itself beautifully to addressing any difficulty in the relationship. In this model the therapist is pro-active and gets to the crux of the difficulties efficiently so that the couple can learn effective ways to negotiate life together.

I am a registered Psychodynamic Psychotherapist with over 20 years’ and have worked in senior clinical roles in private practice and a variety of national mental health services. I encourage a safe and reflective therapeutic environment where clients can work towards a more fulfilling relationship.

Please phone or txt for an appointment (021-1651711)

I am not always able to answer my phone so please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible.

I offer in-person and/or zoom appointments.

Fees:

Individual session $190 (incl GST) for 55 min

Couples sessions $225 (incl GST) for 55 min

90 min sessions available by request

Cancellations of less than 24 hrs and failure to attend will incur the full appointment fee

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Nancy Cooper

Nancy Cooper

Registered Psychotherapist

I am a registered Psychotherapist with 30 years’ experience facilitating learning, growth and change in a wide variety of professions including teaching, training, coaching and psychotherapy.

When working with couples I strive to help them develop intimacy and connection by improving their self-awareness, communication, conflict resolution, resiliency and empathy. I have a holistic, relational approach that looks at the couple and the individual in the context of their past, present and desired future relationships. I provide a safe and supportive environment in which I work alongside you both to help you become aware of your own unique patterns.

Our busy lives can keep us locked in old and destructive cycles of behaviour which no longer support our well-being and begin to limit our potential. I can help you to identify these limiting behaviours and develop new healthier patterns to strengthen yourself and help you create the relationship you desire.

I draw on a variety of approaches including the Bader-Pearson Model of Couples Therapy and Psychosynthesis Psychotherapy. These approaches share a focus on developmental and attachment-based models. I also work with ACC Sensitive Claims which is heavily trauma focussed. I enjoy working with a diverse base of clients and have a particular interest in working with infidelity, addiction, same-sex couples, polyamory, immigration and ACC trauma.

My Background
M.A. Psychology
Diploma in Teaching
Diploma in Counselling
Post-Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy
Training in Bader-Pearson Developmental Model of Couples Therapy
Registered Psychotherapist
Member MNZAP

Appointments
Monday to Friday
Phone, Text (021818648) or Email (nancyfitstop@hotmail.com) for an appointment. In-person (Stonefields, Auckland) and online sessions are available.

Fees
Individuals: 50 minutes $160 (GST included)
Couples: 60 minutes $ 200 (GST included). 90-minute appointments available.
Cancellations of less than 24 hours and failure to attend will incur the full appointment fee.

Dr Allyson Waite

Dr Allyson Waite

Clinical Psychologist

I am a  Registered Clinical Psychologist trained in the UK and have worked in mental health services as well as private practice.  I work with couples and individuals and specialise in couple and sex therapy.  My approach is to work collaboratively and relationally towards assisting individuals and couples to make changes and enhance wellbeing.  In particular, identifying negative interactional patterns between partners, enhancing emotional connection and communication and facilitating the development of new ways of relating.

In couple therapy I am trained in differing models including The Developmental Model and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) as well as Cognitive Analytic Therapy.  I am also a Sex Therapist and co-director of Sex Therapy New Zealand providing therapy for individuals and couples experiencing around sexual and intimacy concerns.  I have a strong interest and specialist experience in working with older clients and the issues presenting in later life as well as in working with complex trauma.

I am a member of the New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPS) and College of Clinical Psychologists (NZCCP).

Please phone, text or email for an appointment:
Please feel free to contact me on 021 060 4992
or at allywaite@xtra.co.nz to discuss an appointment.

Fees:
$260 (incl gst) per session for couple therapy.

Email Phone Website

Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Online and Intensive Retreats

Dr Jan Brassington

Dr Jan Brassington

Clinical Psychologist

I am a NZ-trained & registered Clinical Psychologist with 25+ years’ experience working with mental health and relationship issues across the life span – children, adolescents, and adults; specializing in working with couples for the past decade.

My couple therapy approach has been significantly influenced by the Bader Pearson Developmental Model of Relationship Therapy due in part to its dual focus of assisting individuals to understand and engage in their own personal growth, alongside the couple work of assisting insight, understanding, capacity, & skill development for enhancing relationship trust and intimacy. Long-term intimate adult relationships provide valuable and meaningful opportunities for growth if we choose to explore them and be open to feedback. In my experience, resources (e.g., time, energy, money) invested working within a couple therapy framework have the ability to offer greater returns in a timely manner than individual therapy aimed at addressing relationship concerns. Given this, I am highly motivated to assist couples to make the most of the opportunity they are presenting with, working together to achieve growth for both parties and, if they choose, an enhanced connection with each other.

Qualifications: Ph.D., PG.Dip(Clin)Psych.

Professional Membership: full member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists (NZCCP).

I am located in Hamilton, and provide in-person and on-line appointments, depending on availability.

Appointments: Wednesday (afternoons only), Thursday and Friday.

Please e-mail with your enquiry to jan@psychologyconsultants.co.nz , or leave a message on my confidential answer phone (07) 855 8135.

Fees: (payable on day of appointment via cash or internet banking. No EFTPOS or credit card facilities available).

Couple sessions (90-minutes in length) – $300 incl. gst

Individual sessions (60-minutes in length) – $200 incl. gst

If you need to change or cancel an appointment, please provide at least 2 working days’ notice. Sessions not attended, or cancelled within 24-hours, incur the full appointment fee.

Please note that I cannot offer an immediate response or crisis service.

If you are concerned for your own or any other person’s safety, you should contact emergency services (dial 111) or use one of the crisis services listed on the following web page: http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/in-crisis/

Nic Beets

Nic Beets

Clinical Psychologist

I am a Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist in my 50s who has been in private practice since 1996.  For the last 15 years I have specialised almost solely in relationship therapy.  I have had some training in all the major models of couple therapy and have qualified as a “Master Mentor” in the Developmental Model.  I have developed a reputation as a “straight talker” and as someone who is able to cut to the heart of difficulties.

Since 2004 I have been doing couple therapy by teleconference as a means to follow up on the week-long therapy intensives I have been offering.  As a result of my experience during the Covid-19 lockdown, I have decided to shift ALL my sessions (apart from the intensives) online. 

As well as my therapy work, I offer training and supervision in the Developmental Model to other therapists as a Director of Relationship Therapy Inc.  I also support other therapists as the coordinator of the “Sex Therapy Interest Group”, a network of over 200 health professionals across Australia & New Zealand.

I am married to and work alongside, fellow psychologist Verity Thom, and we have two young adult children.  We have been together for over 40 years and are still learning, so I have a strong personal interest in making relationships work well.

You can contact me at nic@relationshipwork.nz or leave a message at 021 27 55 799

Fees:
Couple appointments are for 90 minutes and cost $375 ($431.25 incl GST)
Individual appointments are for 60 minutes and cost $250 ($287.50 incl GST)

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Nathan Gaunt

Nathan Gaunt

Registered Counselling Psychologist

I enjoy my practice as both a Registered Psychologist and Registered Counselling Psychologist. I have experience in working with a wide range of relationship and sexuality issues, and am comfortable and familiar with working with heterosexual, same-sex (homosexual), and with ‘untraditional’ relationship dynamics.

I am particularly interested in helping people in relationships to

  • Conceptualise issues and problems within the relationship
  • Recognise and address unhealthy styles of conflict
  • Address issues of betrayal or detachment
  • Improve and regain intimacy and communication
  • Develop stronger and more robust relationships
  • Work through relationship related dilemmas and challenges
  • Navigate effective and respectful endings to relationships (if necessary).

Some of the issues that I work with which often impact on and affect personal relationships, include

  • Sexual orientation and sexual identity.
  • Compulsive (“Addictive”) or problematic use of pornography,
  • Infidelity and “Affairs”
  • Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation, and Performance anxiety
  • Polyamory, and “Open relationships”,
  • Problematic use of sex workers
  • Issues with Fetish and Paraphilia
  • Issues with sexual offending and harmful and/or compulsive sexual behaviours

Appointments:
I am available for online (zoom) consultations during business hours, Monday to Thursday.  To discuss making an appointment, please call me directly on 021 121 2024

You can email me at email@nathangaunt.com

Fees
One hour Relationship Therapy sessions cost $220 (gst incl) (longer sessions times are sometimes available). Fees are payable at the completion of the session by cash or cheque, or you can be invoiced via email if you wish to pay by online banking. Unpaid invoices may be subject to debt collection and incur associated costs.

Cancelation Policy
Sessions not attended or cancelled within 24 hours will incur the full fee.

Please note that I cannot offer an after-hours, immediate response or crisis service.

If you are concerned for your own or any other person’s safety, you should contact the emergency services (dial 111) or use one of the crisis services listed on the following web page: http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/get-help/in-crisis/

Email Phone Website

Verity Thom

Verity Thom

Psychologist MNZPsS

I have been working as a psychologist for  34 years now and am a dedicated relationship specialist and sex therapist.  I work with individuals and couples online using Zoom to help them with any type of relationship problem they are experiencing.

If you want to work with me face to face I also offer couple therapy retreats – these can be anything from one weekend, two long weekends or 5 days (Mon-Fri). Each couple sees me on their own – this is NOT a group programme.  Follow-up therapy is then offered online.

I work at RelationshipWork alongside Nic Beets who is also my husband of 40 years. I have focused on working with relationship problems for 23 years now and I love to make a difference in this important area of people’s lives.

I work with the full range of relationship issues: Conflict, communication, infidelity, loyalty, step parenting, difficult exes and extended family, life challenges (stages, transitions, grief, loss and illness), parenting issues, impact of alcohol, drugs, gambling, any sort of sexual issue (desire issues, pain, arousal problems etc).

I am known for my forthright and down to earth attitude to working with relationship issues.  I work with focus and intent and my clients say they appreciate how actively I guide them rather than just let them do all the talking.  I have a map and I like to offer that understanding and guidance.

I have trained to an advanced level in the Crucible or Passionate Marriage approach with David Schnarch and Ruth Morehouse in America and have extended this with my training with Nic Beets and Paula Dennan in the Developmental Model of relationship therapy.  This has added so much to my toolkit for helping my clients resolve their difficulties and make the changes they want in their relationships.

Fees:
My hourly rate is $250/hour (287.50 incl GST).  I normally see individuals for either an hour or an hour and a half.

Couple sessions are usually an hour and a half and so the fee for that is $375 (431.25 incl GST).  For people with a sense of urgency or a big problem to solve I also offer 3-hour sessions or two sessions a day.

Couples also have the option of working with me in person in a 2- 5- or 6-day Intensive Couples Retreat at the beautiful Waihi Beach.  Costs for this vary depending on what you are looking for.  Please contact me to discuss.

Online Appointments:
Monday to Thursday in working hours – first appointment 9 or 9.30am, last appointment 4.00pm

Contact details:    Verity Thom
Email: verity@relationshipwork.nz
Phone: 021 27 55 799  (confidential voice message system)
Website: www.relationshipwork.nz

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