MNZAC
Meg O’Halloran Counselling Services
Providing counselling services in a non-clinical inclusive home environment with a focus towards therapeutic and creative models such as Narrative Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, Art Models, CBT Informed Practice and support for whānau.
About Me
Passion & experience
I have been supporting adults, young people and children in a therapeutic capacity since 2011, but my passion is and always has been working with Neuro-diverse tamariki and rangitahi. This seems to have come full circle because, at the age of 52 I was diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD. Having this experience and insight helps me to connect, understand and relate to both the child and the parent/s, with the ultimate goal to restore a sense of understanding, self-awareness and harmony in the home.
Our newest member of the team is Minnie the therapy dog. Minnie is a rescue puppy and has her own story.
Minnie helps our tamariki/rangitahi to relax and engage in a comforting setting. She’s really good at giving hugs, or just sitting with the young person through difficult times.
Minnie & Me
Examples of artwork done during our therapy sessions
Helping individuals in Whangārei
I was born in Waimatenui/Kaikohe, and my whanau moved to Whangārei after about 10 years. As a 20 year old, I travelled around the motu and as far as Europe, where I lived and worked, learning a new language, and culture. Eventually, I settled and raised my whanau in Whangārei.
Coming from an arts background, I combine creativity when working with our tamariki and rangitahi. I offer a specific art model that they understand and thrive in, and therefore enjoy coming to counselling. Having fun is a direct antidote to the stress hormone cortisol. By simply learning relaxing, playful habits and strategies, we can rewire a stressed and anxious-ridden brain.
I am a qualified and registered full member of The New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) and can provide support for any age or gender of the following issues: anxiety, anger, behavioural issues, depression, grief and loss, mental health, parenting, relationships, sexual abuse, self-harm, self-esteem issues, stress, suicide, trauma, violence.
Please feel free to contact me to talk further about which of my services is best suited to you or your whanau.
Services
Therapeutic Counselling Models
Narrative Therapy
A method of therapy that separates a person from their problems. It encourages people to utilise their own skills to minimise problems that exist in their lives
Whanaungatanga
Whanaungatanga is about relationships, kinship and a sense of family connection. It is created through shared experiences and working together, and provides people with a sense of belonging. Whanaungatanga is about forming and maintaining relationships and strengthening ties between kin and communities. This value is the essential glue that binds people together, providing the foundation for a sense of unity, belonging and cohesion.
Trauma Informed Practice
Trauma-informed practice is a way of working that recognises the potential in people to heal despite traumatic experiences. It involves an understanding of the pervasive nature of trauma and how it affects people’s lives. It’s about building on people’s strengths and relationships to support healing
Child-centered Therapy
The child-centered therapy, or child-centered play therapy (CCPT) model offers a non-judgmental and emotionally supportive therapeutic atmosphere. However, it has clear boundaries to ensure psychological safety in which the child can practice behavioural and emotional self-regulation
Child Cancer
Recently trained by DR Kirsty Ross of Massey University and The National Child Cancer Network (NCCN) in providing children, young people, their siblings, their parents and whānau with support during this arduous time, that which impacts families on multiple levels. I am an accredited member and a registered provider with The Child Cancer Counselling Network. All referrals need to come through the Child Cancer Family Support Coordinators – (I cannot accept self referrals).
Te whare tapa whā
Within the dimensions of Whanaungatanga, I also like to explore and enhance Te whare tapa whā; a model of the 4 dimensions of wellbeing developed by Sir Mason Durie in 1984 to provide a Māori perspective on health. The 4 dimensions are: taha tinana (physical wellbeing), taha hinengaro (mental/emotional), taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing), taha whānau (family wellbeing).
CBT Informed Practice
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy encourages the client to identify and challenge any negative thinking patterns and behaviour which may be causing them difficulties. It helps with managing stress, anxiety and negative thinking patterns.
Parenting and Caregiver Support.
Having worked several years with Caregivers through Oranga Tamariki and Youth Horizons Trust, and studied various parenting models, I am able to support and guide you through these sometimes treacherous years. I will help to develop skills and tools that manage the challenging behaviours, while also encouraging the desired behaviours, so that your relationship with your child can be a healthy and positive one. This includes managing FASD and behavioural issues.
The Art Model
Through the use of symbols and metaphors on the canvas, the child client is able to address their adverse experiences using creative techniques and in doing so, express themselves and make sense of their journey. The child will complete a life-sized self-portrait that they get to keep
Sand Tray Therapy
Sand Tray therapy is a non verbal, therapeutic intervention that makes use of a sandbox, toy figures, and sometimes water, to create scenes of miniature worlds that reflect a child’s inner thoughts, struggles, and concern
Pricing
Packages to suit your needs
Art Model Session
$210*
(includes GST)
*a debriefing session with a trusted adult or email follow up will be provided when necessary
A total of 8-10 sessions are
needed for this model
Consultation & Face to Face
$160
(includes GST)
Standard pricing per session
Comprehensive Closing Report
$450
(includes GST)
Detailed report on progress, observations & recommendations upon termination of our sessions
Government Agencies
POA
Meg O’Halloran Counselling offers standardised packages that can be individualised for your client. Please contact me on megohnz@gmail.com for a detailed breakdown in services and cost
Important: Cancelled appointments must be done within 48 hours notice, otherwise the full price will be charged. Cancellations due to forgetting, school holidays or placing other appointments ahead of therapy is not considered a legitimate reason to cancel and full price will be charged. One sick day within 8 block sessions is allowed.
Contact
Please send an email to megohnz@gmail.com with the following information:
- Name (of Parent / Referrer )
- Your Email & contact Phone No.
- Name, Age & DOB Client / Child
- Reasons for referral
- Goals you would like achieved in counselling
Please be assured that all information sent & received is held with the highest of privacy & respect for you & your whanau. You can read my confidentiality agreement here.
Office
48A Kaka Street
Morningside
Whangarei, 0110
Ph: 027 390 6092
Email: megohnz@gmail.com
Monday to Friday : 9am – 5pm
Free parking available directly outside the office