I have a personal connection with neurodivergence, raising my own Autistic, PDA and ADHD teens/young adults. Through lived experience, I bring a practical and realistic family centred approach to helping bring about positive change.

Together we will explore your story and using a strengths based approach, develop tools to befriend your nervous system so you can build the life that works for you.

Qualifications

I have a Grad Dip in Psychology and a PG Dip in Counselling. I am a registered counsellor with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC); a qualified SPACE provider (Eli Lebowtiz); a registered MBSR teacher through the Mindfulness Training Institute of Australasia (MTIA) and a certified teacher trained in Mindful Parenting by the renowned Susan Bogels.

Ongoing PD Training and Areas of Speciality

Autism & ADHD

• Dr Tony Attwood & Michelle Garnett - multiple 2 day and online seminars - autism and PDA

• Abi Raymond & Arletta Van Der Bosch - 2 day seminars

  • Counselling Youth on the Autism Spectrum

  • Autistic Empowerment - neuroaffirming Takiwatanga Training

• Dr Naomi Fisher - online webinars - autism, demand avoidance and anxiety

• Dr Kelly Mahler - Interoception and ARFID’s

• Dr Caroline Buzancho - Working with ADHD

During 2025 I am undertaking a full year ADHD Coaching Accreditation with Alex Campbell from Gold Mind Academy.

OCD and Anxiety:

• Eli Lebowitz - SPACE Programme (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions),

• Ben Sedley and Lisa Coyne

  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP),

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),

• Karen Young (Hey Sigmund) - Anxiety in teens and children

• Stephen Porges & Deb Dana - Polyvagal Theory

Mindfulness Training (teacher training):

• Mindfulness Training Institute Australia/NZ (MTIA)

  • 8 week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR),

• Susan Bogels

  • 8 week Mindful Parenting

• David Trelevan

  • Trauma Informed Mindfulness

Tikanga Informed Practice

• Manuera Life

  • Maori Models for Trauma

  • Working Effectively with Maori

• Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

  • Te Pōkaitahi Tikanga (Te Kaupae 3).

I have extensive experience working with autism and ADHD and the voices of neurodivergent people such as Dr Megan Anna Neff and Kristy Forbes inform my learning and practice.

I am LGBTQIA+ embracing & understand that culture, race, neurodivergence & gender diversity all contribute to a thriving society. I understand that each person is unique and as such provide authentic and compassionate support, tailoring my counselling sessions to address your specific concerns, values and goals.

My husband and I lived for 17 years in Asia, raising our three children and a variety of pets. We returned to NZ 11 years ago and now live in Mt Eden with our dog, Juno; cat, Ninja; and one older teen who continues to embrace the comforts and support of home life. My nervous system loves deep friendships and connection with nature - especially open water swimming and the NZ bush.