Counselling Christchurch

Creating a space where you feel genuinely safe

I am a registered counsellor with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC)

Kia ora.

My name is Cam, and I am a registered counsellor with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) to view my registration click here. I specialise in Solution Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and well-being.

My style of working is based around no problem is too big or too small. I believe people are the experts in their own lives. I work with teenagers and adults, I will help you create a new prospective with yourself and others, finding unique solutions to your difficulties and personal challenges.

I believe that engaging in the counselling process within a safe environment can support you to live the life you want and deserve. I am friendly and outgoing; I am committed to supporting you though your counselling journey.

My Areas of Specialisation Include:

Relationships and Interpersonal Difficulties
Communication
Anxiety, Depression
Grief and Truma, Family Conflict, Self-Esteem
Disability, Body Image, Learning Difficulties
At-Risk Youth, Rainbow Teenagers and Adults
Wellness & Wellbeing

My private practice is located in Somerfield, Spreydon. I work from a purpose-built office in my front garden, it is a private, friendly and inviting atmosphere.

My style of work

I believe people are the experts in their own lives. Furthermore, no problem is too big or too small. In my experience, often the biggest problem is simply starting therapy. My commitment to my clients is to sit alongside you and create a space where you feel genuinely safe and supported. I’ll help you find solutions that are already inside you, we will work together to co-construct your best life, your preferred future.

I am a father of two boys, a husband, a karateka, a sailor, a chess player, a movie buff, I also like to relax over a coffee. I live with a physical disability and use a wheelchair and crutches for mobility. I have had to overcome many difficulties in my lifetime.

I currently work part time as a guidance counsellor at Riccarton High School and am a reliever at St Andrews College. I have spent over 20 years working with people with disabilities, at-risk young people, adults navigating tertiary education, families under pressure, teenagers who have felt lost or invisible who are trying to find their place in the world. I also work with members of the Rainbow community.

My Counselling Qualifications

Master’s Degree Counselling, University of Canterbury, Christchurch. (2023)
Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling Studies (2021)
Post Graduate Diploma of Teaching and Learning (Secondary), Christchurch College of Education, Christchurch (1999)
Bachelor of Arts Degree, University of Canterbury, Christchurch. (1998)
Membership: NZAC
WINZ Registered

What Is Counselling, and Why Might You Seek It?

Engaging with a counsellor does not mean that you are broken or that something is wrong with you. In reality, many individuals who seek counselling are highly resilient people who have been carrying significant emotional or psychological burdens over time. Counselling can assist you to find out who you are,w and what you might need to live your best life. For many people, choosing to pause, reflect, and seek support is a constructive and often courageous step.

Counselling is a professional, collaborative process in which a trained practitioner works alongside a client to explore thoughts, emotions, experiences, and life challenges. It is grounded in a confidential and non-judgmental relationship, where individuals can speak openly and safely. Confidentiality is not simply a courtesy—it is a core ethical responsibility that underpins effective therapeutic work.

People seek counselling for a wide variety of reasons. Some arrive with clearly defined concerns that have developed over time, while others may be responding to a specific life event. Many individuals simply experience a sense of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, without being able to clearly identify why. All of these are valid reasons to seek support. If something is affecting your wellbeing, it is worthy of attention.

Accessing counselling should feel straightforward and approachable. Often, the most difficult step is making the initial contact, and it is important that this process feels as accessible and supportive as possible.

Therapeutic Approach

My primary modality is Solution Focused Therapy (SFT).

SFT is a practical rather than theoretical framework, based on a set of assumptions or a way of working rather than a theory. Emphasises is placed on maintaining a future focus, reframing problems and problem talk, amplifying positive change and exceptions, and believing that the client is the expert in their life. I will work alongside you to create a future without the problem following you around all the time, a future that is more problem free.

In SFT I am not the expert, you are. We will work together to find your strengths, and a wisdom and skills to help you live your best life, a life of meaning.

This approach does not dismiss the importance of past experiences or difficult emotions. Instead, it prioritises building solutions and fostering progress in the present. Clients are supported to clarify what they want their lives to look like and to begin making meaningful changes from the outset. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who feel overwhelmed or uncertain, as it provides a sense of direction and momentum early in the process.

In addition, I integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach that supports the development of psychological flexibility. ACT helps individuals learn how to respond to difficult thoughts and emotions without becoming dominated by them, while also committing to actions aligned with their personal values. This approach is especially effective for concerns such as anxiety, depression, and chronic stress.

I work in a holistic way; I utilise many modern wellness techniques which put the whole person at the centre is central to my work. Mental health is closely interconnected with emotional and physical wellbeing. Working with you I will fine tune your lifestyle, relationships, to enhance your well-being and sense of purpose, to assist you to live a rich life, a life of meaning.

Supporting Anxiety And Depression

Anxiety and depression are among the most common reasons individuals seek counselling, yet they are often misunderstood. Anxiety extends beyond everyday worry, and depression is more complex than simply feeling sad. Both can affect emotional, cognitive, physical, and relational functioning.

Common experiences may include persistent overthinking, disrupted sleep, irritability, low motivation, emotional numbness, or a loss of interest in previously meaningful activities. These patterns can make even routine daily tasks feel overwhelming.

Counselling provides a structured and supportive environment to better understand these experiences, identify contributing factors, and develop practical coping strategies. The goal is to create sustainable changes that make daily life feel more manageable, meaningful, and aligned with personal values.

Importantly, individuals do not need to reach a crisis point before seeking help. Early support can be highly effective in preventing difficulties from becoming more entrenched.

Grief, Trauma, and Family Dynamics

Grief is a natural yet deeply personal process that does not follow a predictable timeline. It can arise from a range of experiences, including loss, life transitions, or unmet expectations. Counselling provides a space to process grief in a way that honours each individual’s experience.

Trauma, whether from a single event or ongoing circumstances, can have lasting effects on both mind and body. Therapeutic support focuses on helping individuals process these experiences safely and develop strategies to regain a sense of stability and control.

Family relationships can also present challenges, particularly when communication breaks down or expectations differ. Counselling can support individuals in understanding relational patterns, improving communication, and navigating conflict in more constructive ways. If needed I will work with you, your family and significant others to get the outcomes you desire. I am committed to helping you work through your grief, trauma or family dynamics, to help you flourish, while acknowledging your past.

Self-Esteem and Relationships

Self-esteem plays a fundamental role in how individuals relate to themselves and others. Persistent negative beliefs about self-worth can influence communication, boundaries, and relationship dynamics.

Developing healthy self-esteem involves exploring the origins of these beliefs, evaluating their accuracy, and gradually building a more balanced and compassionate self-view.

Relationship difficulties are often rooted in patterns of communication and unmet needs. Counselling supports individuals in recognising these patterns and developing more effective ways of relating to others. I will help you improve your communication style, find your voice, create, effective, meaningful and sustainable boundaries that will keep you safe and allow you to be the person you are, or want to become.

My Experience Living With A Disability, Identity, And Body Image

My lived experience has taught me the skills and aptitude needed to overcome my disability. I appreciate that living with a disability often involves navigating not only physical challenges, but also complex emotional and social experiences.

These experiences often include dealing with grief, frustration, self-esteem and identity questions, which for some can lead to feelings of isolation. Such experiences are frequently under-recognised and unappreciated and underrepresented in society.

I will assist you to accept your disability or impairment, reach your goals and flourish despite the challenges that the world often puts on our way. I will help you with your body image or self-esteem issues if needed. With my life experience I will help you find solutions that enhance your well-being and quality of life.

How I Work With Young People

Supporting young people has been a central focus of my professional work for over two decades. Adolescence is a period of significant development, often accompanied by intense emotional experiences, social pressures, and identity formation.

Young people today face a complex range of challenges, including academic expectations, social media influences, peer relationships, and family dynamics. For some, these pressures can lead to disengagement, risk-taking behaviours, or mental health difficulties.

Counselling offers young people a space where they can be heard without judgment or criticism. It provides an opportunity to explore their experiences, develop coping strategies, and build a stronger sense of self. For parents and caregivers, counselling can also offer guidance and reassurance in supporting their child.

My Inclusive and Affirming Practice

I work with an inclusive and affirming approach, alongside members of the Rainbow or LGBTQI+ community. I have personal experience within my family that have opened my eyes to the unique challenges to the members of this community. My commitment to you is to help you find your inner strength, your beauty and uniqueness. If needed I will support you to achieve acceptance, and belonging within your family, social structure or community setting.

Counselling in this context prioritises respect, validation, and understanding. It is not about questioning or changing identity, but about supporting individuals to navigate their experiences with confidence and self-acceptance. Creating a safe and affirming therapeutic environment is essential for all members of our community and nation.

Learning Difficulties and The Emotional Impact

I have worked extensively with people who experience learning difficulties such as, dyslexia and ADHD. I am aware how living with a learning difficulty can affect your self-esteem and sense of self.

I will support you to overcome these challenges, whether at school or at work. In my experience, engaging in counselling can help individuals reframe these experiences, recognise their strengths, and build confidence in navigating systems that may not have previously supported them effectively.

My Holistic Approach To Wellbeing

Not all difficulties stem from major life events. Often, individuals experience a gradual accumulation of stress, fatigue, and disconnection. This can result in a sense of functioning without truly thriving.

A holistic approach to wellbeing considers lifestyle factors, personal values, and daily habits. Small, sustainable changes can lead to meaningful improvements in overall quality of life.

Mental health is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing process that benefits from regular attention and care.

Practical Information

Counselling is accessible without a referral, and sessions are tailored to individual needs. The number of sessions varies depending on personal goals and circumstances, with some individuals benefiting from short-term support and others engaging in longer-term work.

The first session focuses on establishing rapport, understanding your goals, and determining whether the therapeutic relationship is a good fit. Confidentiality is maintained in accordance with professional standards, with clear explanations provided regarding any necessary exceptions.

Taking The First Step

Price Per Counselling Session

My fee ranges from $100 per hour session, to $120 per hour session, depending on your circumstances. This can be negotiated with me when we meet.

My account details

I use the Henry accounting software app for my private practice. All I require is your name and email address. I will set up a payment option once we begin our sessions. My payment details are here.

People Who Access my Service

I work with people who live in Cashmere, St Martins, Wolston, Somerfield, Spreydon, Addington and surrounding Christchurch communities.