Facilitators

I am a Registered Psychologist and I have been involved with Hearts & Minds for nearly 20 years since I ran stress workshops for the House while completing my Ph.D. I have now been Clinical Supervisor for about 10 years and I love working with the facilitators and being part of making the Hearts & Minds groups the best they can be. I also run a small private practice in Takapuna helping people with stress, coping, resilience and assisting with mental health challenges. I am a "Shore girl" with older children and my greatest pleasures aside from my family and friends are reading and playing sport especially playing or coaching basketball.

Nicola is a registered counsellor and has considerable experience in relationship counselling, loss, conflict, depression and anxiety. While she employs a number of modalities in her counselling practice, Nicola finds CBT in a group setting to be particularly helpful for those experiencing stress, anxiety, depression or low self-esteem.

I am a registered clinical psychologist (MA Clin.Psych, MSocSci, HED – School Guidance Counsellor) and I draw on a broad range of skills to find the “best fit” for my client’s needs. I have extensive experience working over a range of modalities including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Depth Therapy, Jungian Psychology (Personality), Strengths Based Models, Stress Management, Careers Counselling, Mindfulness, and compassion-focussed Therapy. In addition to running groups at Hearts & Minds, I have a small private practise in Totaravale and Milford.

I am a qualified Narrative and Collaborative therapist and hold a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education and a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and am originally from Columbia, South America, where I worked.

I am committed to the empowerment of individuals, families, and couples and I do this by bringing forth the client's knowledge, skills and capacities as tools that can be used to invite transformation. In Columbia, my country of origin, I worked as an early childhood teacher. I now live permanently in New Zealand and enjoy spending time with my kiwi partner, my two young adult daughters, and my 7-year-old grandson. In my professional life as a counsellor and group facilitator, I have a passion for listening to the stories, concerns and successes of others and I believe that collaboration is key in the healing journey. Together we can explore possibilities to bring about change. I have a small private practise in the Waitakere region and also at Milford.

I am registered counsellor with NZAC and hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling. I am trained in several modalities of therapy: Narrative Therapy, Strength based/Client centred, CBT, DBT, ACT and Attachment Based Counselling. I enjoy working collaboratively with clients to discuss their problems/concerns, discover new possibilities and to explore the client’s preferences for the future. I have experience in the addiction field, supporting people who have problems with substance use as well as other difficulties, like anxiety, depression, chronic stress and trauma. I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients, to listen to their stories, understand their unique circumstances and use my skills and experience to support them through their journey.

I am from Brazil and I bring into my practice the South American warmth and hospitality. I have lived in NZ for 19 years and have two teenage boys. As well as my role as a Groups Facilitator at Hearts and Minds, I work part time as a counsellor for WDHB.

Mariana is a registered Arts Therapist and a published author in the arts therapies field. Mariana has worked as an Arts Therapist for government and non-government agencies and in private practice. She is also registered as an ACC sensitive claims service provider and has specialised in working with children, adolescents and adults in trauma and abuse recovery. Areas of special interest include family work, learning disabilities, autism spectrum, anxiety and depression. Mariana is currently lecturing in the newly established Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Programme at Auckland University of Technology.

I am a Registered Psychotherapist/Counsellor and Casework Supervisor and have almost 20 years' experience. I have worked in the health sector during this time and held many senior positions within different health organisations. I have facilitated many workshops and courses over the years in both the community and corporate arena. I enjoy working with people to help provide them with knowledge, skills and techniques to deal with stress/anxiety, confidence and general wellbeing. I originally trained in the UK and have been living with my family on the North Shore for 14 years. Hearts & Minds was one of the first organisations I had the pleasure to work with when I came to New Zealand and have worked with them in many capacities including facilitating workshops during this time. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time socializing with friends, walking my dog with my husband and spending time with my son who is a musician and enjoying watching him perform.

Angie Richardson is a clinically registered Expressive Arts Therapist and registered teacher. She has worked in a number of different organisations with a wide range of client populations. In her private practice she has worked with children, teens, adults and families, utilising different expressive arts modalities to work through life’s challenges. Angie is currently a lecturer for the Creative Arts Therapy Masters degree at Whitecliffe. After returning from a stint in the UK she is excited to be joining the team again at Hearts and Minds. Angie enjoys the play of dramatic improvisation and believes in the power of creativity and hope. She loves using the arts with people as a way for them to explore their life stories and experiences.

So much can be achieved in a group setting and I’m excited to be a part of the facilitation team at Hearts & Minds.

I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling, an MA in psychology, a Diploma in Teaching, and am a mother of three. I have developed, delivered, and facilitated workshops for both community and corporate organisations. I also volunteer and facilitate Seasons for Growth programmes for children coping with loss and change. All of my studies and various careers have been people focused. Together, my psychology background, skills, work, and life experiences drew me to a career in counselling.

I am a counsellor providing services to primary and intermediate school students on the North Shore and am a provisional member registered with NZAC. I practice Narrative Therapy which has proven effective in resolving a wide range of challenges that people face. By viewing the challenge - not the person - as the problem, clients are encouraged to be the experts in their own lives and supported to apply their knowledge and abilities to overcome the challenge.

Talofa lava, Kia ora and hello! My name is Tillie, and I am a registered NZAC counsellor of 3 years. I’ve passionately been working for over 20 years, supporting young people and young adults.

Covid and lockdowns have changed the landscape of many things, intensifying a rollercoaster of emotions, feelings, and uncertainty. If you have been feeling uncertain, found yourself struggling or would like to be part of the discussion, you are not alone. I would like to invite you to join me, as we discuss and add to your wellbeing Kete.

I am passionate about my work as a trainer and coach and enjoy working with people to support their personal growth and development.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and an honours degree in Organisational Psychology. I have nearly 30 years of professional experience across a range of sectors, including mental health and community development.

During my career I have worked for not-for-profit organisations including managing the ‘Women’s Wellness’ mental health service. I have also worked independently as a wellbeing trainer for people in high stress and care roles.

I am an experienced mindfulness practitioner, supporting people to manage their stress, anxiety, busyness with mindful breathing and meditation.

My specialities include, working within areas such as resilience, stress management and optimism (Positive psychology)