Contact

Going through some stuff?

Worried about someone close to you?

We’re here for you.

Kia ora and welcome to BEAM Counselling

We’re a group of qualified counsellors (also called therapists) in Ōtautahi Christchurch, with years of life experience and a passion for helping people find their way.

So have a browse. And if you’d like to book a session, please just fill out our contact form and we’ll get in touch with you to arrange a time.

Because we’re a brand-new practice we don’t have long waitlists, so you should be able to see a counsellor without delay.

Ngā mihi nui
The BEAM TEAM

BEAM is located on Level 2 of the Burwood Health Centre on Mairehau Rd, Parklands, in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

It’s an awesome location:

  • Loads of free carparking
  • Downstairs cafe with great coffee and kai
  • Separate entrance – so no need to go through the medical centre
  • Brand new purpose – built rooms; private, warm,
    sunny, quiet and spacious
  • Our whānau/waiting room is private, large and sunny
  • Ōruapaeroa – Travis Wetland is just over the road and great for a ‘walk and talk’

WHO
can we help?

At BEAM Counselling, we try and help people from Year 9 upwards. We are ‘generalists’ rather than ‘specialists,’ as we believe everyone who walks through our door is unique. However, we have a particular interest and more experience providing counselling for the following:

Youth (from Year 9)
Adults
Whānau/family, groups, flatmates

WHO
is the BEAM TEAM

WHAT
is our approach?

Our approach to counselling is mainly based on our training, research and experience in Solution- Focused and Person-Centered Therapies combined with our lived experience. We also draw on ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy and Emotionally Focussed Therapy.

If all of that sounds like a load of high-brow psychobabble, don’t worry. We just wanted to throw in a few big words to reassure you that we are actually trained and really curious about different counselling styles!

WHAT
can we help with?

There are a whole bunch of reasons people may need counselling
(or therapy – it’s basically the same thing).

  • Low mood/depression
  • Anxiety
  • Anger
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Relationship issues
  • Stress and burnout
  • Bullying (school, work, home)
  • Grief
  • Self-harm
  • Feeling stuck
  • Substance abuse
  • Money worries
  • Family issues
  • Flatmate issues
  • Mens issues

And a whole lot more things that can impact someone’s mental health.

WHAT
is it like?

We understand that coming to counselling for the first time may feel way outside of your comfort zone.

Who wants to talk to a complete stranger, right?

That’s why we do everything we can to build a trusting, positive counselling relationship.

 

This means…

  • You’ll be heard – with kindness, respect, empathy, and a highly professional standard of care and confidentiality.
  • You’ll do lots of the talking. It’s our job as counsellors to stay curious and ask the right questions.
  • We’ll help you draw on strengths and skills you have that could help you overcome your problem and create a solution.
  • You’ll be encouraged to make small changes that could make a big difference, rather than trying to change everything overnight.
  • We believe in the benefits of nature. If it’s nice weather and you’re up for it, we may suggest a gentle ‘walk and talk’ in the beautiful Travis Wetland over the road. If it’s crappy weather, maybe not!
  • We will never ‘diagnose’ you with a mental illness or disorder. That is a job best left to a psychiatrist, doctor or clinical psychologist.
  • We have a very holistic view of the role of couselling, so we are happy to work in partnership with you and your GP and/or clinical specialist (with your written consent.)

WHAT
is our kaupapa?

Our kaupapa is defined by our values. These are the things that really define who we are, and what we care most about.

  • Tūmanako - Hope

    We believe that there is always hope, no matter how bad things may seem. We will try and help you to see hope for the future and figure out the path to getting there.

  • Ngākau aroha - Compassion, kindness & empathy

    We are not here to judge. We’re here to help. We will walk a mile in your shoes so we can truly understand what you’re going through.

  • Taiao - Nature

    We believe in the healing power of the outdoors, especially when combined with gentle walking, sunlight and fresh air.

  • Te Tiriti o Waitangi

    We recognise the importance of the bicultural context of counselling in Aotearoa and seek to uphold the Treaty principles of partnership, participation and protection in our work.

  • Hapori - Community

    We believe in giving back to our communities and actively support these causes…

WHAT
do we charge?

Our standard fees range, depending on your circumstances. All prices here are GST inclusive:

$150: individuals

$180: couples (1 hour session)

$220 couples (90 minute session)

$140: WINZ clients and/or Community Services Card holders

We realise that many people are under financial stress, and as counsellors, we don’t want to add to your stress.  So please feel free to discuss the fee with your counsellor before your book your first session as we can be flexible with what we charge and our payment terms.

WINZ funding: We are also registered with WINZ, who fund up to $70 per week for counselling through the Disability Allowance (so some clients can have fortnightly counselling fully funded for up to 10 sessions). You do not need to be on a WINZ benefit already to be eligible for this.

To find out more about eligibility and how to apply click here, call WINZ on 0800 559 009 or speak to your GP.

Our payment terms are generally 7 days, via online banking.

WHY
BEAM?

  • BEAM is a ray of light that shines through the darkness and helps you find your way forward. We believe that no matter how bad things may seem right now, there is always hope and things can and do change.

  • BEAM is a source of strength, that is often hidden
    (like a steel beam in a wall). We’ll help you uncover the hidden strengths you have to overcome the challenges you’re facing.

  • BEAM is a sign of happiness and joy. We believe everyone deserves the right to experience moments of real joy in their lives.