Kia ora; nau mai, haere mai. Hello, and welcome.
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” ~ Mary Oliver
Just as a riptide can pull us away from shore, anxiety, stress and low moods can pull us away from what matters most.
Therapy offers a space to pause, step back, and understand more about what you’re struggling with. At a pace that you set, you can learn new, skilful ways to untangle from tricky patterns, thoughts and feelings. Building steadiness and psychological agility, you can free yourself to begin shaping a life that feels intentional, alive and joyful. Even during difficult times.
A little about me
My homeland is South Africa. Following a long chapter in Australia, my life and work are now in Taranaki, Aotearoa (New Zealand). I practise with respect for tangata whenua and the land that holds this work.
I’m Catharina, a New Zealand registered counselling psychologist, with nearly 30 years in this mahi. My biggest teachers are the clients I have the privilege to work with, life experience and ongoing training.
My approach
I draw mainly from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based and practical approach that can help with a wide range of issues - from building new health and wellbeing habits, to navigating chronic health conditions, stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions and grief.
At the heart of my work is a deep belief that there is always, always possibility, and hope; and that every person has within them an immense strength and healing capacity.
Working together
I value making therapy accessible, and, especially while working only online, am keeping my fees as low as possible.
At present, all appointments are online (phone or secure video); the fee is $120 per session. A referral is not required to access private psychology appointments, although I accept a range of referrals.
In the near future, I’ll be offering walk-and-talk therapy and in-person counselling in New Plymouth. If you’re interested, you’re welcome to email me or sign up for the newsletter below to be kept informed.
We can also work together through Clearhead’s online EAP services.
I prefer rainy days and dramatic skies to heat and sunshine, and don’t do too well with small talk. A few of my favourite things ~ walking in New Plymouth’s breath-taking nature with my husband and golden retriever, spending time with our 3 children (all grown up), reading and big mugs of tea.
A next step
If it sounds like this work may be helpful, you’re welcome to get in touch via email, text or call,
026 686 5609
New clients can book a free 15 minute korero (chat) - a starting point to ask questions, talk things through and see if this might be the right step for you.
Ellies are known to gather when one of the herd is struggling, to help and support. I sometimes say to clients, “it’s time to gather your elephants”. Your outer elephants may be the whānau and community who lift you up and strengthen you;
Inner elephants, the qualities you muster from within, which can help see you though difficult times - such as skills you can draw on; your strengths and values; wairua and your sense of connection - for example to nature, the earth, aroha, faith
