During my last ten years as a counsellor I have worked in various NGO’s in Auckland. Currently I am enjoying working from a home office in Rarangi, just out of Blenheim. Living by the beach has always been a longing which is happily being fulfilling and something I find is helpful for my clients that come out here, there is something healing and therapeutic by the ocean. This leads onto my personal belief that we are all of intrinsic value, uniquely made and moulded by our family of origin and the connections we make. I have a deep desire and calling to walk with others, sharing the hope and healing that I myself have found through personal counselling and belief in our own ability to change and heal. Most of us are fragile people looking for love and acceptance, and it take courage to restore and repair our shattered selves and I believe each of us deserves the opportunity to thrive. I find immense satisfaction in coming alongside people and seeing them heal.
I value family and taking care of own family and ourselves before going out into the world and helping others, if our own relationships are not connected well how can we make a difference in other people’s lives? Compassion for other people is a strong value that I also carry, as everyone has a unique story and pain that they live with. Often behaviour is driven by the pain in our lives, and if I can locate my own compassion and help someone feel accepted, it can go a long way to them being open to change and inner healing. It takes courage to look firstly at our own lives and then to listen and be with clients who are hurting, courage is the ability to be honest and bravely look at situations that scare us, and decide to do something about it.
Having a strong connection with others is something that is of value to me also, as once connection is built and rapport established you can do some amazing work together. We are all wired to connect and have relationships, when I think of suicide and the many lives lost my heart goes to wanting to be there for the ones left behind, often with their own suffering and endless questions.
I have an interest in suicide and walking with others who have been effected by this loss, it is often a devastating time for those loved ones left behind, and something that seems to have effected almost everyone I know, myself included. I would like to say you are not alone and there are people out there who care and will support you in your deeply personal loss.