Kia Ora! I’m Chris.
Allow me to introduce myself.

My personal beliefs and values which inform my work with my clients:

I believe first and foremost that we all should have the right to think and believe what we want to. That no-one has the right to inflict their will and beliefs and ideologies on another human being. But with these personal belief systems and values comes a responsibility to society to ensure that we do not harm our fellows, that we obey the laws of the land that we have a duty to help our fellow man if they ask for it. This is where I am guided by the NZAC code of ethics guidelines.

I also believe we have a collective responsibility to the planet we live on to ensure we treat it with respect. By learning to understand nature and respect it. To try and understand the energy, rhythms and ecological systems to not harm what is our home. This might not have much to do with my clients but my beliefs about caring for the planet may influence my client not to chop down a forest.

The world is made up of human beings and no man is the same. We are all unique as individuals. We are all raised in families that are all different. We have different thoughts, beliefs, ideas, passions, yearnings, fears and doubts, in other words emotions.

I believe that the complex human systems are multi-level including biological, psychological, spiritual and social and as counsellor I am interested in all these levels.

Life is not free of tensions, hardship and suffering and that we may at certain times experience grief anxiety sickness fear physiological pain trauma and many more negative emotions, but I believe we all have the capacity to live the majority of life feeling joy and contentment fulfilling our dreams.

My theoretical approach which inform my work with my clients:

My approach to counselling and how I attend my sessions is dependant on the presenting issues my client brings. Some of the modalities which I have studied and are competent in are trauma which includes neglect and abuse and understanding the effect it has on our minds and the body.

  • Psychodynamic counselling

  • Cognitive therapy

  • Addiction issues

  • Anxiety, depression and personality disorders

  • Narrative therapy

  • Bi-cultural and multi-cultural awareness

I will sit with my clients and discuss with them how we might approach their issues and that they feel comfortable and okay going forward.

Chris’ Background

Chris grew up in Australia. He moved from New South Wales across to Nelson, New Zealand to pick tobacco for a season in the 1970s. The beauty of the land and the people, in particular the warmth of Maori culture, was enough for him to decide this is where he wanted to settle to raise his family.

Chris brings a broad life experience to his work as a counsellor. Post tobacco picking days he worked in the printing and trucking industries. He later owned and operated a large air conditioning installation company involved in major building projects. This background of strong work ethic renders him understanding of the pressures in todays society, in particular men - and makes him readily available to relate to people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.

It was through experiencing hardships through his own life, that Chris found his ability to enjoy everyday life impacted. He sought help. By listening to trained and skilled counsellors and attending therapy sessions, he learned from specialists in the field to understand what was causing his dysfunctions.

Reflecting on this time as being deeply affirmative and life changing, Chris was able to start living life in a much more functional way. It was something decided to learn to do himself, in order to help others.

Chris resides on the beautiful North Shore of Auckland, taking in the waves of Takapuna beach. He is a father to five children. Chris is passionate about what he can do to help people. He considers himself down to earth - ‘not a sugar-coater’ - he is someone who has lived a ‘full’ life, making his experience invaluable in relating to each of his clients.

Specialising in Trauma • Fear • Depression • Anxiety • Grief • Change

“Pushing through fear is less frightening than living with it.”

Professional Experience

Chris has completed a minimum four years training with the Human Development & Training Institute of New Zealand (November 2011).

This includes the following:

  • 300 hours of courses on Counselling Skills,
    Self Awareness, and Practicum

  • 66 hours of Growth Group

  • 36 hours of Group Skills

  • At least 380 hours of courses on:

    • Addiction Issues

    • Anxiety, Depression, Personality Disorders

    • Bi-cultural and Multi-cultural Awareness for Counsellors

    • Couple Counselling

    • Grief Counselling

    • Healing issues of Shame

    • Human Development

    • Legal Issues for Counsellors

    • Narrative Therapy

    • Neglect, Abuse and Trauma in Childhood & Adolescence: Understanding their effects on Adults

    • Psychodynamic Counselling

    • Recognising Mental Illness

  • At least 200 hours of counselling clients

  • At least 40 hours of supervision

  • At least 36 hours of personal counselling

  • Completed three 10 minute written verbatim
    and three 50 minute video tapes

  • Case Study

  • Displayed competency in a live demonstration with client