Book a Consultation
Therapist and Counsellor in Wellington
Supporting change, healing, and growth
Compassionate, trauma-informed counselling in Wellington to help you navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. In-person and online counselling sessions are available for clients throughout New Zealand.
About me
Hi, I’m Fiona
I specialise in mental and physical health and in wellbeing – I’ve spent my career caring for others as a midwife and a health improvement practitioner and bring all those skills into my counselling business.
This gives me a unique perspective on health and wellbeing, one where I’ll walk alongside you to get you where you need to be.
You can count on me – but when we’re done, you’ll be walking on your own – believing in your own self-determination.
Together we’ll delve into the real issues that will help you move forward and make the sustained changes you’re looking for.
Choose Change provides counselling and therapy support for anxiety, stress, addiction, birth trauma, grief and significant life changes.
Call Us Anytime
021 2324503
Email Us Anytime
fiona@choosechange.co.nz
How I Can Help
Everyone’s journey is different, but you don’t have to go through it alone. I offer support in the following areas:
Life can present many challenges—stress, anxiety, low mood, or simply feeling overwhelmed. Counselling offers you a dedicated space to pause, reflect, and work through whatever you’re experiencing.
With my experience in both mental and physical health, I take a holistic approach to wellbeing—supporting you as a whole person, not just focusing on symptoms.
Addiction can affect every aspect of life—but recovery is always possible with the right support. Whether you are struggling with substance use or behavioral addictions, I provide a safe, confidential space where you can begin to regain control.
My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and focused on understanding the root causes behind addictive behaviours. Together, we will work at your pace to create meaningful, lasting change.
I am here to support you with feelings of powerlessness, lack of control, confusion, anger or disappointment that you may have surrounded your birth experience. Traumatic experiences can impact how you feel about yourself, your partner and the bond you have with your baby.
I can also support you with trauma around loss and parenting. This includes stillbirth, trouble conceiving, miscarriage and abortion.
My strengths in supervision lie in my genuine, open approach and the connection I build with the person in front of me. I am committed to supporting you as a professional—so you can provide the best possible care to others, while also looking after yourself.
Outside of work I enjoy barre and walking my dog for fitness. I started doing ballet last year! I like going to quiz night, movies, and connecting with family and friends.
Coaching will help you achieve those goals and desires that you just can’t seem to grasp.
Change is often the catalyst that drives people towards coaching. That could be a change in your work situation, finances or family situation. It could be the death or illness of a loved one.
It might not be about change that has already happened – it might be about change that you want to make – it could be about any aspect of your life.
Three Stage Process
Working together
DISCOVERY
Counselling incorporates a holistic view of yourself, that’s mind, body, spirit, whānau.
STRATEGY
Now that I’ve gotten to know you, we work together to explore and stretch your world view, by holding space for your own self-discovery.
IMPACT
Counselling with me unlocks your potential. This is the stage where i support you to improve your confidence and performance.
Testimonial
What my clients have said
Funded Counselling Pathways in NZ
Accessing counselling support can sometimes feel financially challenging. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for free counselling in NZ or subsidised counselling in NZ through Victim Support, Gumboot Friday or Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ).
Victim Support
I am an approved counsellor with Manaaki Tāngata/Victim Support NZ.
If you have been affected by crime or a traumatic event, including as a whānau member or witness, you may be eligible to access free counselling through Victim Support funding. To learn more about Victim Support counselling, visit their website or call 0800 842 846.
Once your counselling funding has been approved, you can let Victim Support know that I am your counsellor of choice, and we can begin working together.
Before starting counselling, you are welcome to meet with me or talk over the phone for a free 30-minute introductory session.
Gumboot Friday
Gumboot Friday counselling provides two free counselling sessions for New Zealanders aged 25 and under.
You can visit the Gumboot Friday website, access my profile and select me as your counsellor of choice. This service can be a helpful option for young people looking for accessible and free counselling in NZ.
Winz
WINZ counselling funding may be available if you have a disability or health condition that is expected to last for six months or longer. Counselling may be partially or fully funded for up to 10 sessions, and your health practitioner may be able to apply for further funding when required.
Eligibility is based on financial and personal circumstances, with income thresholds applying. Existing clients receiving a Disability Allowance can complete a Disability Allowance application form. Those who are not already receiving a Disability Allowance may also need to complete a Disability Certificate – Counselling form with their health practitioner.
To qualify for this form of subsidised counselling in NZ, you must be aged 16 or over and be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. Full eligibility requirements and application forms are available through the Work and Income website.
Crisis Support
Please note that I am not a crisis or emergency service.
For any mental health crisis, or physical health emergency, or immediate safety concern, please refer to the crisis support options below.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, unsafe or in a life-threatening emergency, please reach out to the appropriate service that can support you now, they are available 24/7.
Healthline : 0800611116
Need to Talk? : Txt or call 1737
Emergency : 111
Mental Health Crisis Team
Wellington, Hutt Valley or Kapiti – 0800745477
Wairarapa – 0508432432
For other local crisis services, youth services, sexual harm support, family violence support, and mental health services across Aotearoa, please see page ten of the Mental Health Foundation National Helplines Directory.
Frequently asked questions:
Find answers to common questions about counselling, sessions, and how I can support you.
Who do you work with?
I work with adults, young people, and families who are navigating a wide range of challenges.
This includes people experiencing:
- Anxiety, stress, or low mood.
- Addiction or problem gambling.
- Life transitions or feeling “stuck”.
- Birth-related trauma or difficult birth experiences.
- Behaviour change challenges.
- Difficulties with emotional regulation or relationships.
- loss and grief
I also have a strong interest in supporting youth and women’s wellbeing, particularly around birth and postnatal experiences.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is about getting to know you and understanding what has brought you here.
We’ll talk through:
- What’s been going on for you.
- What you’re hoping to get out of counselling.
- Any goals or concerns you might have.
There is no pressure to share everything at once. We go at your pace, and the focus is on making sure you feel safe, comfortable, and heard.
What can I expect from counselling sessions?
You can expect a supportive, confidential, and non-judgmental space where you can speak openly.
My approach is:
- Gentle and respectful.
- Focused on what matters most to you.
- Practical as well as reflective.
- Tailored to your needs and pace.
Together, we work towards understanding patterns, building coping strategies, and creating meaningful change.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed. You can contact me directly to book an appointment.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Everything you share is treated as confidential, in line with professional ethical standards.
The only exceptions are if there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, which I will always aim to discuss with you openly if it ever arises.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. I offer both in-person sessions (Wellington-based) and online counselling sessions, so you can choose what works best for you.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your individual situation and goals.
Some people find a few sessions helpful for short-term support, while others prefer longer-term counselling to work through deeper patterns and experiences. We will regularly check in on progress together.
What makes your approach different?
My work is grounded in both professional training and real-world experience in midwifery, mental health, and addiction support.
I bring a trauma-informed, person-centred approach, using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing and counselling principles to support practical, meaningful change.
I aim to meet you as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms or problems.
How do I book a session?
You can book a session by contacting me directly through the website contact form or by email. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible to arrange a suitable time.