The Ultimate Guide to Finding a Support in New Zealand
A Guide to Finding Mental Health Support in New Zealand
Are you confused about knowing who to turn to for support?
If you are struggling with mental distress, feeling stuck, or simply seeking guidance to improve your overall well-being, knowing who to turn to can be challenging.
There are many different types of therapies and therapists, including psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, counsellors, life coaches and health coaches.
Alongside this, it may feel strange, awkward or uncomfortable to approach someone for the first time to ask for help, but finding the right support is crucial for navigating life's challenges.
“The most important part of choosing a person to work with is that you feel comfortable with them and can develop a sense of rapport.”
Research suggests that it is less about the qualifications of the person you are seeing, and more about how comfortable and how helpful you feel the sessions are. This is an important point to consider when seeking out help for your mental (and physical) health.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the differences between therapists, counsellors, and coaches, and how to find the best fit for your needs.
Normalising counselling in every day life could be life saving.
Understanding the Difference: Therapists, Counsellors, and Coaches
Therapists, counsellors, and coaches each play distinct roles in supporting individuals on their journey towards mental and emotional wellness.
Therapists, often referred to as mental health professionals, are trained to diagnose and treat various mental health conditions. They may hold degrees in psychology, psychiatry, social work, or counselling, and use evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), or solution-focused therapy (SFT) to address clients' needs. Therapists may include:
Psychologists: Psychologists are mental health professionals who specialise in the study of human behaviour and the mind. They assess, diagnose, and treat various mental health issues using evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and behavioural interventions. Psychologists help individuals address a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and stress management. Consider seeing a psychologist if you're experiencing persistent emotional distress, struggling with interpersonal relationships, or seeking guidance for personal growth and self-improvement.
Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. They can prescribe medication to manage symptoms, and some psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy. Individuals experiencing severe or complex mental health issues, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist for evaluation and medication management.
Psychotherapists: Psychotherapists are trained mental health professionals who use talk therapy and other therapeutic techniques to help individuals improve their mental and emotional well-being. They work with clients to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, identify patterns, and develop coping strategies to address challenges and achieve personal goals. Psychotherapists may have different specialities or approaches, such as psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, or family therapy, and often tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Consider seeing a psychotherapist if you're struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or relationship difficulties and would benefit from a supportive therapeutic relationship to facilitate healing and growth.
Counsellors: Counsellors provide guidance and support to individuals facing challenges in their personal or professional lives. They typically focus on helping clients develop coping strategies, improve communication skills, and explore personal growth opportunities. Counselling sessions may cover a wide range of topics, including relationships, career transitions, and mental well-being.
Other Available Mental Health Support
Health Improvement Practitioners: Sitting alongside your GP is a relatively new role of a Health Improvement Practitioner, also known as a HIP. These people are registered health professionals (social workers, occupational therapists, psychologists, registered nurses), usually with experience in mental health, who have done extra training to become a HIP. HIPs see almost anyone (adults and children) who are experiencing distress. They often work alongside health coaches to support a person in a behavioural type approach, and will have different expertise based on their registration and experience. Appointments are 30 minutes, the service is free, and there is no limit to the number of appointments someone can have. You can self-refer (check with your GP)
Health Coach: More recently, health coaches have been brought in to work with GPs and HIPs. They have a focus on diet and lifestyle approaches to chronic health conditions, including weight loss, diabetes, and high cholesterol, as well as support for issues such as housing and WINZ. They work with adults only. This service is also free. There may also be health coaches who work privately and charge for their service.
Life Coaches: Life coaches primarily focus on empowering clients to make positive changes in various areas of their lives, such as career, relationships, health, and personal development. Life coaches typically work with clients on setting and achieving specific goals, developing action plans, and providing support, accountability, and encouragement along the way. They may use a variety of coaching techniques, including questioning, active listening, and visualisation exercises, to help clients. They may also be trained professionals, such as social workers, registered nurses.
Getting the right support from the right person is important as part of recovery.
A little about coaching with Helen from One Life
Helen from One Life is a registered nurse who has a background in mental health and psychiatry. She is also a trained life coach and Health Improvement Practitioner.
Helen takes a comprehensive approach to well-being, addressing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Her expertise in modalities such as DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy), IDT (Interactive Drawing Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and SFT (Solution Focused Therapy) allows her to tailor her coaching sessions to meet your unique needs, providing practical tools and strategies for achieving lasting change. Her previous work in a holistic health clinic has given her significant experience in working with gut health and physical health issues, providing her with a good understanding of how these two are linked with mental health.
Helen offers online life & health coaching services tailored to your needs throughout New Zealand.
Helen brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her practice, helping clients navigate challenges related to mental distress, low motivation, depression, anxiety, and physical health issues such as IBS, gut issues and chronic health conditions.
You can find out more about One Life by taking the FAQ section on this website
How to Find the Right Support
It's essential to choose the right mental health professional based on your specific needs, preferences, and what you want to achieve. Word of mouth is a great reference - so ask around family and friends; however, as we are all individuals, what’s right for your cousin may not be right for you. Consulting with your general practitioner (GP) or seeking a referral from a trusted source can help you decide on the type of professional best suited to support you on your journey to better mental health.
Most importantly, if you don’t click with your coach or therapist within the first couple of appointments, don’t hesitate to find someone else who is right for you. Not getting results is disappointing both for you and the therapist!
When searching for a counsellor or coach, consider the following factors to ensure a successful and rewarding experience:
Credentials and Experience: Look for professionals with relevant qualifications, experience, and specialised training in areas relevant to your needs.
Approach and Philosophy: Consider whether the therapist or coach's approach aligns with your values, goals, and preferred methods of working.
Accessibility and Convenience: If location is a barrier, explore online options for convenient and accessible support from anywhere in New Zealand.
Compatibility and Rapport: Trust your instincts and choose someone with whom you feel comfortable, understood, and supported.
Finding free or low-cost counselling
There are various ways you may be able to get counselling for free.
If you work with a large organisation, chances are they have an EAP service (Employee Assistance Program) such as Clearhead, OCP, EAP, Vitae or Ignite. You will be able to access services for free through your workplace.
Your GP may be connected with a counselling service provider such as Procare, which will offer 3 - 6 free sessions, and some have HIPs and Health Coaches attached to their practice (see above).
If you are under the care of WINZ - you may also apply for funds to support you in obtaining counselling.
You may be able to access funding through ACC - especially if you have had an accident which relates to your current state or if you have experienced sexual abuse (sensitive claims). Contact ACC services for more information.
Most schools and universities will have counsellors attached to their services.
You can also try services such as Youthline, Depression Helpline and various online apps which can offer free support.
Start Your Journey to Well-being Today
Whether you're seeking therapy, counselling, or life coaching, remember that help is available, and you don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. Although it might feel nerve-racking, getting help should be a comfortable, painless experience, helping you to feel empowered and supporting you with tools, help and support to enhance your life and be the best you can be.
It can be the best thing you do today for the rest of your life!
For more information on services available in New Zealand:
See https://www.ainsleydscreative.com/blog/mental-health-resources-nz
If you are too nervous to speak to someone one-on-one, or feel that the cost is too prohibitive, you can do an online course such as the Changing Lives course below.
Helen is a registered nurse, specialising in mental health from a holistic perspective. She is passionate about supporting people to have optimal mental health and well-being.
Based in New Zealand, Helen is available for speaking, education sessions and one-on-one appointments.
Changing Lives, an online Mental Wellness workshop