Counselling
Support for individuals to find a place of being
Happiness House Counselling is an empowering, non- judgemental and empathetic space offered for you to curiously explore your stories.
People choose to attend counselling for many different reasons. Sometimes this is in response to a difficulty or problem, while other times people may want to focus on certain hopes and dreams that they have for the future and how to bring these about.
When things are getting us down, or causing us distress or confusion, having someone to talk with can be significant and empowering.
Our hopes
Since the counselling project was launched in 2021, our aim has been to provide counselling without any barriers. Therefore, this service is available to both residents and migrants, at no charge.
Our hope is for those who would otherwise be unable to access counselling to be able to find the support that they need at Happiness House.
When things are getting us down, or causing us distress or confusion, having someone to talk with can be significant and empowering.
Why seek out counselling?
Some people seek out a counsellor to talk about feelings of loss, loneliness, confusion, anger, sadness or panic. Others are looking for a way to address difficulties in relationships at work, with friends, lovers, parents or children. Many also turn to counselling to assist in dealing with the experiences of violence, abuse, and other forms of trauma. Some people turn to counselling when they have acted in ways which they regret and would like to find ways of coming to terms with what has occurred. And sometimes, when there are stories that you haven’t been able to tell anywhere else, it can make a difference to have someone to share these with.
What we offer:
- Individual counselling for adults
- Approximately 5 – 6 sessions
- In-person, via Zoom or over the phone
- 50 minute duration
- Offered by appointment Monday – Thursday
- For mild to moderate mental health challenges
- Talking therapy offered with a Narrative Therapy focus
Ethical Conduct
Professional Membership
Our Counsellor, Samantha Baker, is a provisional member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), Te Roopu Kaiwhiriwhiri o Aotearoa. Samantha’s professional practice is informed and guided by the NZAC Code of Ethics.
Confidentiality and Informed Consent
As a counsellor, Samantha has a duty to protect any information disclosed during sessions in confidence.
No private information and/or stories will be disclosed outside of the counselling room unless explicit consent is given to Samantha, and/or where there is a serious risk to you or others.
Other resources to get help:
Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 543 354
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757
Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234
Whakatipu Community Mental Health: 03 441 0010
Southland Te Whatu Ora (for after hours): 0800 467 846
1737 text or call anytime (24/7) to speak to a trained counsellor (not in crisis)
Express your interest
If you feel our counselling programme would help you, please get in touch with the Happiness House team. Alternatively, if email isn’t your thing, give us a call!
