What is in-person counselling?

Everyone has difficult experiences or feelings at some point in their lives, and it isn't always easy or useful to try to deal with them alone. Seeing someone in person who can work with you in a confidential and safe environment can help you to better understand yourself, discover your strengths, make decisions, deal with difficult life events both present and past, cope with difficult feelings, improve your relationships and improve self-esteem.

​You don't need to be in a dark and scary place to work with a counsellor. 

​If your region isn't listed on this page, check out our Services Directory for more information about counselling available in your area, or call 211 to speak with a friendly team member who can help you find information about options where you live. 

Here are answers to some common questions we receive about our counselling services. Specialties and techniques vary region to region. Check out the region specific information below to learn more about the counsellors available in your area. 

What kind of counselling do you provide?

We provide counselling for all kinds of people of all ages.

​This includes:

• Individual counselling
• Couple counselling
• Family therapy and support
• Pregnancy counselling (Auckland only)
• ACC Sexual Abuse Counselling (Auckland only)

What can I Expect when I contact you?

When you contact us we will ask you a few questions to match you with a counsellor who is right for you, and go through what is called an initial intake assessment. The assessment is a broad conversation about areas of your life that you might be seeking support for from counselling, and any sources of strength you have currently. 

We will then match you with an appropriate counsellor.

The next person to get in touch will be your counsellor who will book the first appointment with you directly.

What kinds of things can you help with? 

Our approach to counselling is tailored to each individual. We are client-centred and strengths based. 

Our team of counsellors specialise in a range of issues, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationships and family
• Bullying
  
• Sexual abuse and violence
• Identity and purpose in life
• ​Self-harm and suicidal feelings or thoughts
• Drug and alcohol concerns
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Communication skills
• Life transitions or change
• Grief and loss
• Loneliness and isolation
  
• Anger management
  
• Sexual orientation or gender identity (LGBTQI)
  
• Body image or weight concerns
  
• Eating disorders
  
• Mental health issues 
  
• Emotional or psychological abuse
  
• Physical abuse and violence
  
• Domestic violence
  
• Financial stress or unemployment
  
• Miscarriage support and pregnancy support
  
• Post-traumatic stress

What techniques are your counsellors trained in?

Our teams are trained in a number of therapeutic techniques including:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (including Trauma Focused CBT)
• Dialectic Behavioural Therapy
• Ego State therapy
• Solutions-focussed therapy
• Narrative therapy
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy
• Gestalt therapy
• Sand tray and interactive drawing therapies
•  EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

How long until I can see a counsellor?

Each centre has varying wait times. We will let you know the first time we contact you​

How much will it cost?

ACC sexual abuse counselling is free.

The initial assessment for intake to counselling is free of charge. Contributions to the cost of the other counselling services are determined on a sliding scale ranging from $40 to $120 per hour.

​Please contact your local team if you need financial support to see a therapist; we have a range of options we can explore with you and we don’t want money to be a barrier to seeking help.

 

Auckland

We provide services for individuals, young people, couples and families - all ages welcome. Our team specialises in a range of issues and will tailor their approach to your needs. Our counsellors are professionally trained and supervised. Youthline Auckland is an approved and audited service under S. 403 children, young persons and their families Act 1989.

In Auckland we also provide free ACC counselling and assessment for anyone who has experienced sexual abuse. Learn more about our counsellors and services. 

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Palmerston North

We currently offer individual counselling in Palmerston North for people who are 12 to 24 years old. We believe everyone has the right to feel listened to and supported, so that they have a voice in their lives and in the community.
 
You can personally contact us and ask to attend our services or be referred by a doctor, your school, family member or another agency. Our service is friendly and confidential, and we welcome new clients. Click the button below to learn more about our counsellors and services.

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Waitaki

Our face to face counselling services are available in Oamaru and Palmerston. We provide individual, couple and family counselling on certain days. All our practitioners are qualified through the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. Learn more about our services and availability. 

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Dunedin

We provide counselling at the Youthline Office in the city, and through the Otago University Students Association Student Support Centre. Our practice is for individuals, couples and families, and specifically for students through the university. Learn more about our services and availability. 

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