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Sarel | Counsellor
Introduction
Sarel – Counsellor
Welcome. I’m Sarel, a registered counsellor with NZAC, holding a degree in Psychology and a deep commitment to supporting individuals through life’s most challenging experiences. My practice is based in Tauranga, where I offer face-to-face counselling in a private, safe, and inviting office space—designed to feel welcoming, warm, and supportive from the moment you arrive.
I specialise in working with clients who have experienced trauma, relationship difficulties, sexual abuse, career challenges, and general mental health concerns, offering a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore pain, build understanding, and find pathways to healing. I understand how past experiences can affect your present life, and I aim to support you in reconnecting with your strengths, resilience, and sense of self.
My approach integrates both evidence-based psychological practices and culturally responsive frameworks. I work with Māori supervision and draw on Te Whare Tapa Whā, ensuring a holistic understanding of well-being that honours the balance of taha wairua (spiritual), taha hinengaro (mental), taha tinana (physical), and taha whānau (family/social).
I utilise a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, tailoring my approach to meet each client’s unique needs and preferences.
In our sessions, you will find a space where you can safely explore difficult emotions, process complex experiences, and develop strategies to cope and thrive. Whether you are navigating grief, trauma, relational challenges, career transitions, or general mental health concerns, my aim is to provide support that is empathetic, professional, and tailored to your unique journey.
Your path to healing is unique, and I am here to walk alongside you, providing guidance, understanding, and professional support in a private and welcoming Tauranga environment.
Online therapy
Online Therapy at My Practice
At my practice, I offer online counselling sessions using Microsoft Teams in a secure and confidential environment. Online therapy provides the same quality of support as face-to-face sessions, allowing you to engage in counselling from the comfort of your own home or another safe space.
All sessions are conducted with full consent and in accordance with ethical guidelines and supported by a health system, ensuring your privacy and wellbeing are protected. During sessions, you will receive the same compassionate, professional support as in-person counselling, with tailored interventions to help you explore emotions, work through challenges, and develop coping strategies.
Online therapy is suitable for clients who prefer remote access due to location, mobility, or convenience, while maintaining the same standards of safety, confidentiality, and therapeutic care.
Qualifications and registrations
- Bachelor of Arts Psychology and Communication Science degree (cum laude)
- Lifekeepers certification in suicide and prevention
- Trained in Sexual abuse and trauma
- Maori modalities and supervision
Registrations
- NZAC - New Zealand Association of Counsellors
- NZAPP - New Zealand Association of Positive Psychology
I offer therapy in
Specialisations
- 1. Anxiety
- 2. Burnout
- 3. Grief
- 4. Loss
- 5. General mental Health
- 6. Career
- 7. CBT
- 8. Person centered
- 9. Narrative
- 10. Depression
Specialisations and Expertises
Areas of Specialisation
My counselling practice supports individuals and couples through a wide range of emotional, relational, and life challenges. I provide a safe, confidential, and compassionate space where clients can explore their experiences and begin to heal, grow, and reconnect with their sense of wellbeing.
I specialise in:
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Relationships (Couples and Individual): Supporting clients to build healthier communication, deepen emotional connection, and resolve conflict in intimate, family, or personal relationships.
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Trauma & Sexual Abuse: Working sensitively with the effects of childhood trauma and adult experiences of abuse, helping clients process their pain, reclaim their voice, and restore a sense of safety and control.
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Attachment Issues: Exploring patterns of connection and disconnection, and helping clients develop secure, fulfilling relationships with themselves and others.
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Career Concerns: Assisting clients through workplace stress, burnout, career transitions, or uncertainty, with a focus on clarity, confidence, and balance.
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General Mental Health: Supporting those experiencing depression, anxiety, loss, grief, and other emotional challenges, with empathy and practical strategies for recovery and resilience.
My therapeutic approach is holistic and person-centred, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Te Whare Tapa Whā, while honouring both psychological evidence and cultural wellbeing. Each session is tailored to meet your unique needs, empowering you to find meaning, healing, and strength in your journey.
Most common issues I support people with:
- Relationships (couples and individual)
- Trauma & Sexual Abuse (childhood trauma and adult presentation)
- Attachment issues (all types)
- Career concerns
- General Mental Health
Therapies offered
- ✓ Career Counselling
- ✓ Coaching
- ✓ Cognitive behavioural therapy
- ✓ Counselling
- ✓ Couples coaching
- ✓ Couples counselling
- ✓ EMDR Therapy
- ✓ Family Therapy / Coaching
- ✓ Gestalttherapy
- ✓ Life coaching
- ✓ Mindfulness
- ✓ Narrative Therapy
- ✓ NLP
- ✓ Psychotherapy
- ✓ Relationship Coaching
- ✓ Relationship Counselling
- ✓ Solution focused therapy
- ✓ Talking therapies
Areas of counselling I can help with
- ✓ Abuse
- ✓ ADHD
- ✓ Anger management
- ✓ Anxiety
- ✓ Bereavement, grief, loss
- ✓ Body image
- ✓ Burnout
- ✓ Communication
- ✓ Self confidence
- ✓ Depression
- ✓ Fear
- ✓ Insecurity
- ✓ Jealousy
- ✓ Low self esteem
- ✓ Panic attack
- ✓ Performance anxiety
- ✓ Post-traumatic stress disorder
- ✓ Relationship issues
- ✓ Separation anxiety
- ✓ Setting boundaries
- ✓ Sleep problems
- ✓ Stress
- ✓ Trauma
- ✓ Workplace stress
- ✓ Worrying too much
Fees
$120 (excl. GST) per hourLonger sessions can be negotiated at a reduced cost per hour.
Availability (Opening hours)
| Monday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
| Saturday | - |
| Sunday | - |
Photos
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- ✓ In New Zealand
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