The Ultimate Guide to Finding a Counsellor in New Zealand
The Ultimate Guide to Finding a Counsellor in New Zealand
Are you confused about knowing who to turn to for support?
If you are struggling with mental distress, feeling stuck, or simply seeking guidance to improve your overall well-being, knowing who to turn to can be challenging. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. There are many different types of therapies and therapists including psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, counsellors, life coaches and health coaches.
Alongside this - it may feel strange, awkward or uncomfortable to approach someone for the first time to ask for help, but finding the right support is crucial for navigating life's challenges.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the differences between therapists, counsellors, and coaches, and how to find the best fit for your needs, with a special focus on the holistic approach offered by One Life.
Normalising counselling in every day life could be life saving.
Understanding the Difference: Therapists, Counsellors, and Coaches
Therapists, counsellors, and coaches each play distinct roles in supporting individuals on their journey towards mental and emotional wellness.
Therapists: Therapists, often referred to as mental health professionals, are trained to diagnose and treat various mental health conditions. They may hold degrees in psychology, psychiatry, social work, or counselling, and use evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), or solution-focused therapy (SFT) to address clients' needs. Therapists may include:
Psychologists: Psychologists are mental health professionals who specialize in the study of human behavior and the mind. They assess, diagnose, and treat various mental health issues using evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and behavioural interventions. Psychologists help individuals address a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and stress management. Consider seeing a psychologist if you're experiencing persistent emotional distress, struggling with interpersonal relationships, or seeking guidance for personal growth and self-improvement.
Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. They can prescribe medication to manage symptoms and some psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy. Individuals experiencing severe or complex mental health issues, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist for evaluation and medication management.
Psychotherapists: Psychotherapists are trained mental health professionals who use talk therapy and other therapeutic techniques to help individuals improve their mental and emotional well-being. They work with clients to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, identify patterns, and develop coping strategies to address challenges and achieve personal goals. Psychotherapists may have different specialties or approaches, such as psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, or family therapy, and often tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Consider seeing a psychotherapist if you're struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or relationship difficulties and would benefit from a supportive therapeutic relationship to facilitate healing and growth.
Counsellors: Counsellors provide guidance and support to individuals facing challenges in their personal or professional lives. They typically focus on helping clients develop coping strategies, improve communication skills, and explore personal growth opportunities. Counselling sessions may cover a wide range of topics, including relationships, career transitions, and mental well-being.
Life Coaches: Life coaches are professionals who specialize in helping individuals clarify their goals, overcome obstacles, and achieve personal and professional success. Unlike therapists or counsellors who focus on addressing mental health issues, life coaches primarily focus on empowering clients to make positive changes in various areas of their lives, such as career, relationships, health, and personal development. Life coaches typically work with clients on setting and achieving specific goals, developing action plans, and providing support, accountability, and encouragement along the way. They may use a variety of coaching techniques, including questioning, active listening, and visualization exercises, to help clients unlock their potential and create fulfilling lives.
When to See a Life Coach: People seek out life coaching for a variety of reasons, including:
Clarifying Goals: If you're feeling unsure about your direction in life or struggling to identify your priorities and aspirations, a life coach can help you clarify your goals and create a roadmap for achieving them.
Overcoming Obstacles: Whether you're facing challenges in your career, relationships, or personal development, a life coach can provide guidance, strategies, and support to help you overcome obstacles and navigate life's transitions more effectively.
Improving Confidence: If you're lacking confidence or struggling with self-doubt, a life coach can help you build self-esteem, cultivate a positive mindset, and develop the self-belief needed to pursue your dreams with courage and conviction.
Maximizing Potential: Whether you're looking to advance in your career, improve your health and well-being, or enhance your overall quality of life, a life coach can help you tap into your strengths, talents, and resources to maximize your potential and achieve greater fulfilment and success.
Accountability and Support: If you're struggling to stay focused, motivated, or disciplined in pursuing your goals, a life coach can provide accountability, encouragement, and constructive feedback to help you stay on track and maintain momentum toward your desired outcomes.
Ultimately, life coaching is about empowering individuals to take proactive steps toward creating the lives they want and deserve. If you want personal growth, to make positive changes and unlock your full potential, working with a life coach can be a valuable and transformative experience.
Getting the right support from the right person is important as part of the healing process.
Why Choose Life Coaching with One Life
Helen from One Life has a background in holistic mental health and psychiatry, Helen takes a comprehensive approach to well-being, addressing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Her expertise in modalities such as DBT, IDT, and SFT allows her to tailor her coaching sessions to each client's unique needs, providing practical tools and strategies for achieving lasting change. One Life offers online life coaching services tailored to individuals throughout New Zealand. As a registered nurse and experienced life coach, Helen brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice, helping clients navigate challenges related to mental distress, low motivation, depression, anxiety, and feeling stuck or unhappy. By incorporating holistic principles and evidence-based techniques, Helen empowers her clients to achieve greater balance, fulfilment, and resilience in their lives. You can find out more about One Life by taking the FAQ section on this website
How to Find the Right Support
It's essential to choose the right mental health professional based on your specific needs, preferences, and what you want to achieve. Word of mouth is a great reference - so do ask around family and friends - however - as we are all individuals - what’s right for your cousin - may not be right for you. Consulting with your general practitioner (GP) or seeking a referral from a trusted source can help you decide on the type of professional best suited to support you on your journey to better mental health.
Most importantly - if you don’t click with your coach or therapist within the first couple of appointments - don’t hesitate to find someone else who is right for you. Not getting results is disappointing both for you and the therapist!
When searching for a counsellor or coach, consider the following factors to ensure a successful and rewarding experience:
Credentials and Experience: Look for professionals with relevant qualifications, experience, and specialised training in areas relevant to your needs.
Approach and Philosophy: Consider whether the therapist or coach's approach aligns with your values, goals, and preferred methods of working.
Accessibility and Convenience: If location is a barrier, explore online options for convenient and accessible support from anywhere in New Zealand.
Compatibility and Rapport: Trust your instincts and choose someone with whom you feel comfortable, understood, and supported.
Finding free or low-cost counselling
There are various ways you may be able to get counselling for free. If you work with a large organisation - chances are they have an EAP service (Employee Assistance Program) such as Clearhead, OCP, EAP, or Ignite. You will be able to access services from these providers for free through your workplace.
Your GP may be connected with a counselling service provider such as Procare - which will offer 3 - 6 free sessions.
If you are under the series of WINZ - you may also apply for funds to support you in obtaining counselling.
You may be able to access funding through ACC - especially if you have had an accident which relates to your current state or if you have experienced sexual abuse (sensitive claims)
Most schools and universities will have counsellors attached to their services.
You can also try services such as Youthline, Depression Helpline and various online apps which can offer free support.
Start Your Journey to Well-being Today
Whether you're seeking therapy, counselling, or life coaching, remember that help is available, and you don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. Take the first step towards a happier, healthier life by reaching out, whether it’s to me here at One Life or someone else that you trust for personalized support and guidance.
It can be the best thing you do today for the rest of your life!
If you are too nervous to speak to someone one-on-one, or feel that the cost is too prohibitive - you can do an online course such as:
Helen is a registered nurse, specialising in mental health from a holistic perspective. She is passionate about supporting people to have optimal mental health and well-being.
Based in New Zealand, Helen is available for speaking, education sessions and one-on-one appointments.
