About Us

Who Am I?

About me

Kia ora, my name is Fiona. I was brought up in Hawkes Bay but have called Wellington home for over twenty-five years.

I bring to counselling what I have learnt professionally through my experience in working in midwifery and mental health, but also my lived experience in adaptation and behaviour change throughout my life. I have had my own life challenges and pain to navigate as part of being a fellow human.

Consequently, I am understanding and curious about other people’s journey through their own challenges. I bring to counselling genuine and open communication, and my commitment to the person in front of me.

I bring skills in behaviour change, addiction, mental health, and working with youth. I have a special interest in birth trauma.

Outside of work, I enjoy fitness, walking my dog, movies, quiz nights, and spending time with friends and family.

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I am a proud member of the Addiction Practitioners Association Aotearoa New Zealand.

Professional Membership

I am a full member of DAPAANZ as an Addiction and Problem Gambling Practitioner and Accredited Supervisor. Consequently, I have ethical responsibilities to my clients.

There is also an established process for any concerns and feedback. I am also a registered midwife.

To understand my responsibilities that guide my care, you can read the DAPAANZ code of ethics.

Qualification

I am a registered nurse and midwife. I completed postgraduate study at Auckland University in Addiction Studies.

My study at Auckland University has equipped me to provide trauma-informed therapeutic counselling in both addiction and mental health.

I also have further study in:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Coaching
  • Birth Trauma
  • Motivational Interviewing

Experience

My latest experience in mental health has been as a counsellor in a youth mental health and addiction team.

I also have private experience as a counsellor and coach. Prior to that, I worked as a health improvement practitioner, helping people of all ages with a wide range of challenges within a general practice setting.

My experience includes both brief interventions and long-term counselling.

I also have 30 years of experience as a lead maternity carer midwife, supporting women choosing home birth and physiological birth in hospital settings.

Your Counsellor & Wellbeing Coach

Meet Fiona

For over 25 years I have been a midwife, supporting women and their partners through one of the most challenging transitions in life.I have also been employed as a health improvement practitioner supporting people with behavioural change – one habit at a time.

I have experience adjusting to living in a different culture. I have had experience troubleshooting being in an unhappy work environment and coming out stronger on the other side.

I am also a parent of three adult children, and my dog Lexi, and have experienced single parenting – I know all about the highs and lows! And I know the importance of focusing on my own holistic wellbeing, that’s why I have a coach myself.

I totally believe in the power of coaching, the deepened self-awareness it brings and the shifts in positivity that come with it. And that’s why I want to share this with you.

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Testimonial

What my clients have said

  • Fiona’s coaching service guided me through a deep dig within my mind and this process really helped me understand and focus on what I really want for my future.
    Milena
  • Fiona has an innate ability to create safe spaces for personal growth and development. She is positive, motivating, and perceptive. For me, having Fiona in my corner to support and guide has been priceless.
    Lauren

  • I have found Fiona to be absolutely wonderful.

    She has helped me work through some challenges I have been facing and has given me helpful advice on how to overcome them. Fiona has a great way of asking the right questions—things I often have going through my head but don’t always know how to express.

    I always feel so much better after seeing her, and I genuinely look forward to our catch-ups. I’m very grateful for her support and guidance.
    Sally

  • I found Fiona through a school counsellor. She is amazing to talk to—very honest and easy to open up to about anything. I’ve struggled with learning, and she has helped me find different ways to work through it and given me opportunities to learn new things.

    She is always there to talk about anything and can help you find your path and move forward. She is very dedicated and truly amazing.
    Drew