OUR COUNSELLORS HELP PARENTS WITH:
  • difficult behavioural issues (screaming, shouting, swearing, talking back etc.)
  • problems with boundary-setting and discipline 
  • mental health problems (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress) 
  • aggression
  • low self-esteem, stress, burnout 
  • relationship issues in the family 
  • child mental health
  • navigating parenting after separation
  • blended-family adjustments
  • school problems
  • separation anxiety
  • child and adolescent adjustment to changes
  • any personal issues of the parents – guilt, emotional dysregulation and volatility and more. 

Book at the bottom of the page.

THROUGH COUNSELLING YOU CAN:
  • feel more in control of your emotions
  • cope with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress 
  • be there for your child and support their emotions
  • gain useful parenting strategies
  • heal past trauma
  • relate differently to issues in the family 
  • feel supported and less alone
  • navigate parenting after separation with more ease
  • children cope with school problems
  • alleviate separation anxiety
  • children and teens adjust to changes

Book at the bottom of the page.

OUR COUNSELORS

Laura Hurtado-Roberts

Laura has a Graduate Diploma in Counselling Practice and is a practitioner in developmental movement therapy [Extra Lesson™], an educational approach to neuro-development and child development. Experienced in working with parents, children and young people, counselled women and men of all ages and couples experiencing loss and grief, trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, attachment issues, pain and long-term illness, transitioning through life stages.

Using a person-centred approach and inspired by V. Frankl -finding a meaning- she works with warmth, non-judgmental acceptance and deep listening in order to create a sacred and safe space with the client. She brings a compassionate approach especially during this time of uncertainty. Using stories, art, movement, play therapy, sensory integration, body awareness and mindfulness as a way to strengthen the client’s personal needs in their journey toward assertiveness and self-discovery.

Laura has a PhD in social sciences which supports her understanding that clients are individuals existing in the wider context of their society and culture, demonstrated through working with people from many cultural backgrounds. She speaks Spanish and French as well, and honours Te Tiriti of Waitangi.

Setal Patel

With a background in psychology, I returned to counselling after having worked at Victim Support in the late 90s for several years. Living abroad working in other fields construction, design and build, project and contract management, regeneration projects involving arts in East London and working with disadvantaged youth in Greenwich.

I returned to Aotearoa New Zealand to retrain in counselling. I draw from multiple therapies that are best suited to the client’s needs. From cultural counselling, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapies, CBT and integrative holistic therapies to guide whanau to find a sense of purpose and practical strategies that can be applied to empower both parent and child.

I work with whanau groups, children, teens and young adults with ADHD, trauma backgrounds and those who have just become stuck – working collaboratively to set goals. I am committed to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi particularly Tino rangatiratanga, Active protection and Equity and am passionate about the commitment for social justice. I have high ethical standards which I bring to counseling, respecting the dignity and privacy of my clients. I also like to have fun!

Zosia Pardela (she/her)

Sessions with Zosia (pronounced: Zoh-shia) are gentle and informal. Zosia will welcome all parts of you – including the ones that may be nervous about coming to therapy, the ones that yell at your kids sometimes and the ones who feel ashamed of that. You don’t have to leave any part of yourself at the door when you come to see Zosia.

She is trained in trauma therapy and helps her clients with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, low self-esteem, imposter syndrome, burnout, harsh self-criticism, stress, excessive people-pleasing and emotional dysregulation.

Zosia teaches her clients practical strategies to be with their emotions without getting overwhelmed. She would love to help you befriend your emotions and teach you to do the same for your child/ren. Zosia draws from Māori approaches as she believes everyone can learn from indigenous wisdom. Zosia is of Polish heritage and her experience of life of an immigrant makes her particularly dedicated to providing counselling which is culturally safe. She is an LGBTQIA+ ally.

Zosia is currently working towards her provisional NZAC registration, she’s a counsellor in training through Masters of Counselling at Massey University. She has a Masters of Psychology of Mental Health and Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling.

ABOUT THE SESSIONS

Individual sessions fee is $90. Some couples counselling sessions are available and they are $120.

If there is a financial barrier to counselling, we can likely help. Please submit your referral below.

In person sessions are at our new office on Level 2, 95-99 Molesworth Street in Thorndon, Wellington. Online sessions take place on Zoom.

Contact us now to see how we can help.
COUNSELING REFFERAL FORM

Enquire about counseling

Once we get your referral, we’ll get back to you by phone or e-mail to discuss your options and book you in for a session if you decide to go for it. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

All you need to know about counselling

How much does it cost?

Individual sessions fee is $90.

Couples counselling sessions are $120.

We never turn clients away due to lack of funds and have financial help for those in need. If finances are a barrier for you,  let us know when you book and we will discuss options with you.

If you are entitled to a Disability Allowance it may be possible for WINZ to cover your counselling costs.

Where do the sessions take place?

In person sessions are at our office at Level 4, 175 Victoria Street in Wellington and the building is wheelchair accessible.

From the new year (2023), Parent Help will be located at 95-99 Molesworth Street in Thorndon, Wellington.

There is paid parking available in the vicinity.

Online sessions take place on Zoom platform through a video call. If your session is on Zoom, you will receive a link to the appointment video call by email prior to your appointment time.

Do you do couples/children counselling?

Yes! We offer counselling to individuals, children, teens, couples, families and blended families.

If you are looking for counselling for a child, the initial session is always for the caregiver(s) without the child. Working with the child will be discussed with our counselor during the appointment.

What kind of issues do you help with?

We offer counselling service for:

  • family problems
  • behavioural difficulties
  • relationship issues
  • navigating parenting after separation
  • blended-family adjustments
  • school problems
  • child and adolescent counselling and therapy
  • individual parenting sessions
  • personal issues
  • mental health problems

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that life happens!

You can cancel or reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours prior to your session. If you cancel or reschedule within 24h of your appointment, you will still be charged the full fee.

How do I pay for the session?

You can pay by EFTPOS after your session.

If you pay by bank transfer, you can find the details below. Make sure that you include your name and date of the session.

Payment is to be made via bank transfer to Parent Help bank account 38 9022 044316 00

How do I know I can trust the counselor?

You can expect the counselor to:

  • be trustworthy
  • respect your confidentiality
  • listen to you carefully and sensitively
  • discuss issues that are relevant and preferable to you
  • support you in making the changes you choose

Our counselors are professionally trained and adhere to the code of ethics of the New Zealand Association of Counselors, the New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists and the Parent Help Code of Ethics. This means that you can have confidence that you will receive best quality of service.

How to do Zoom Counselling?

You will need an adequate broadband signal and device with a webcam – smartphone, tablet, computer or laptop.

At the time of the session, you just click on the link which you will receive before the session. If you have never used Zoom before you may be asked to install the app. Follow the instructions and select “Run” to install.

You will also have a quiet and private space so that privacy and confidentiality can be maintained in the work. Please let your counselor know if this may be a challenge for you so you can work with them to manage that.

How many sessions will I need?

Tricky question.. that depends!

It’s a great question to ask your counselor when you first meet. Sometimes one session is enough but often you may discover that you would benefit from longer-term support.

How often are the sessions?

This is something you will discuss during your initial appointment. Usually the sessions are weekly or fortnightly but that’s something you can agree on with the counselor depending on your availability, other commitments, finances and the change you expect to see as a result of counseling.

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