I commit to keeping a regular appointment time for you, with clear start and finish times. I’m unlikely to ask you to reschedule an appointment, and only in exceptional circumstances need to cancel. I will maintain clear boundaries in our relationship. If we encounter each other outside the therapy context I will leave it to you to acknowledge me, if you wish to. I'll not be offended if you don’t.

My role as therapist differs a little depending on whether we are doing Psychotherapy, Ecotherapy, or Groupwork.

In Psychotherapy and Counselling I listen, reflect, and hold the space for what emerges. I will offer my observations and curiosities about what you are grappling with, and assist you with making meaning. We are likely to talk about what is happening in our therapeutic relationship along the way. If you find therapy difficult for any reason, particularly if you feel judged or misunderstood, it's important you let me know so we can talk through what can feel hard to say.

With Ecotherapy I am responsible for making all the arrangements for us to be working in and with the wild. This includes transport on Waiheke island, the choice of appropriate location/s (outdoor and indoor), considering the appropriate Health and Safety issues, and making sure we have access to facilities needed. I will offer particular activities and processes that facilitate you being immersed in the wild. If we are doing individual work my role is also similar to that in psychotherapy and counselling.

Groupwork combines my roles in Psychotherapy and Ecotherapy, with the added element of holding, containing, and facilitating the process of the group dynamics. I will have a focus on each group member as well as the group-as-a-whole. This can be considered a little like conducting the instruments of an orchestra, knowing some great music will emerge.

People’s emotions, vulnerabilities, and conflicts are valuable experiences to be welcomed, accepted and explored as rich sources of personal growth. Everyone has the capacity to replace old patterns of relating to themselves and others with new ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving that are appropriate in the here-and-now.

a.   Kāwanatanga (governorship) –  I honour that clients entrust their information and experience to me for the purposes of healing, cure, growth, or learning. 

b.   Tino rangatiratanga (sovereignty) – All individuals have the opportunity to live autonomously and with a sense of belonging. I am committed to promoting individuality, diversity and community. In therapy, the client and I, as therapist, have mutual but different roles, duties of care and responsibilities. 

c.   Ōritetanga (equitable outcomes) – I am committed to mutual consent; to oppose physical, psychological and social violence and oppression; and, to be socially responsible. 

d.   Wairuatanga (spiritual freedom) – I have respect for all clients as a fellow human beings. I endeavour to practice without discrimination on the basis of religion, race, disability, nationality, socioeconomic status, gender, age, or sexual preference.

Your role is to commit to attend regularly and be willing to explore your experience.

Payment and Cancellation policy - You’re expected to pay my fee as described on the Sessions & Fees page. I ask you to give me more than 48 hours’ notice for rescheduling or cancelling a session (whatever the reason). If you do not give me at least 48-hours’ notice by phone, text or email the full fee applies. The deposit payable for Ecotherapy Group secures your place and is non-refundable.

Informed consent - It’s important you have enough information to assist making decisions about engaging and participating in Ecotherapy and Psychotherapy.  I welcome your questions and feedback about what you find helpful or unhelpful as it’s always useful for your therapy.

Confidentiality - What you share with me in sessions, over the phone, or by email will be kept confidential. Protecting your privacy and your safety is important and we'll discuss this more in your first session.

Health and Safety Outdoors - Before considering being out in the wild, we will discuss your capacities and limitations to ensure we are going into an environment suitable for your needs. We will acknowledge there is always a certain element of risk inherent in outdoor activities. You will need to be physically and psychologically fit enough for the environment and activities we embark upon, and very important for you to disclose any medical conditions that may affect your safety, or the safety of the group. The locations chosen will be easily accessible, generally requiring a 30 minute walk at most, over easy/medium terrain. You will be responsible for bringing the required clothing and equipment as advised.

Your rights as a client of therapeutic services are protected by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. You have right to be treated with respect; the right to freedom from discrimination, coercion, harassment, and exploitation; the right to dignity and independence; the right to services of an appropriate standard; the right to effective communication; the right to be fully informed; the right to make an informed choice and give informed consent; the right to support; rights in respect of teaching or research; and, the right to complain.