Counselling
Counselling in Howick
A safe, unhurried space to slow down, be heard, and find your way forward — with Sarah, a Bachelor of Counselling graduate and Howick local.
What is counselling?
Counselling is space to slow down and make sense of things
Counselling is a talking therapy that gives you dedicated time with a trained professional to explore what's going on for you — without judgement, without rushing, and without having to have it all figured out before you start.
Life doesn't always come with a clear next step. Anxiety, stress, grief, relationship strain, and other difficult experiences can quietly chip away at your peace of mind and your day-to-day functioning, sometimes before you've even named what's wrong. Counselling offers a genuinely listening ear and a structured process to help you understand what you're experiencing and identify a way through it.
At Velca in Howick, counselling now sits alongside our physiotherapy, chiropractic, podiatry, and massage services — reflecting our view that wellbeing is physical and mental, and that people are often best served when both are supported under one roof.
Meet your counsellor
Sarah — a Howick local with a passion for helping people find their way forward
Sarah has been part of the Howick community since her teenage years, returning to live locally with her husband and family after a period working abroad. It's a natural home for her, and we're glad she's bringing her skills into our local community.
Sarah's path into counselling began in her own experience of navigating difficult seasons of life without knowing where to turn for support. That experience shaped not just her career choice but her approach — she brings genuine empathy to the people who sit across from her, because she understands what it feels like to need help and not know where to start.
Now a graduate of a Bachelor of Counselling, Sarah is passionate about working alongside people who feel overwhelmed or stuck, helping them slow down, make sense of what's happening, and find a way forward.
"Sarah sees counselling as a safe space to slow down, to be genuinely listened to, and to begin making sense of your situation."
Her approach: compassionate, client-centred, and tailored to you
Sarah's practice is evidence-based, drawing from a range of modalities — including Person-Centred Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy — which she tailors to what best serves each person, rather than applying a fixed formula.
She explores your experiences with empathy and curiosity, and works from a strengths-based perspective — helping you identify the skills and resources you already have, so you can move forward in a way that aligns with your own values.
Self-Esteem
Identity & Purpose
Life Changes
Health & Wellbeing
Spirituality
LGBTQI+
Suicidal Ideation / Self Harm
AREAS OF PRACTICE:
Anxiety
Depression & Sadness
Stress & Burnout
Grief & Loss
Attachment Issues
Relationship Challenges
Family Issues
If you're unsure whether what you're experiencing fits this list, please don't let that stop you from reaching out — Sarah offers a no charge 15min Discovery Call.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or crisis, please call 111, or contact Lifeline Aotearoa on 0800 543 354 (available 24/7). Counselling at Velca is not a crisis service.