Counselling with Rachel Hanover-O'Connor
Effective
I do Solution Focused Brief Therapy. We work out detailed descriptions of what you want, your strengths, and when things have gone well. This approach is actually much more effective than focusing on what's going wrong for building useful solutions.
ADHD & Autistic friendly
I enjoy working with neurodivergent clients. In particular, I have a good understanding of the strengths, challenges, and differences that ADHD & Autistic clients may encounter.
Queer affirming
I'm passionate about providing a safe, welcoming counselling experience for clients from the rainbow community. I helped run an after school social group for LGBTQIA+ teens for several years.
Qualified
I have a Masters in Counselling from the University of Canterbury & am a provisional member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. I have been counselling since 2014.
Services
Counselling sessions are usually about 50-60 minutes but we can do longer or shorter if needed. Solution focused sessions are self contained so you can do exactly as many sessions as want. Some people find the most change occurs over 3-4 sessions. My recommendation is usually to space these sessions 1 or 2 weeks apart. You are welcome to include any support people you want. Relationship counselling is also available and is the same price. Counselling can be online or in-person in Christchurch.
Some examples of what people come to talk about include:
Managing stress, anxiety, low mood, or anger; study or work; partnerships (including people in non-traditional/poly relationships), friendships, & family relationships; discrimination; body-positivity and/or body-neutrality; coping skills; making big decisions; coping with bullying; grief and loss; working out who they are & what they want, and more.
Some of my strongest areas of experience are: anxiety and stress management, working with young people, LGBTQIA+ people, autistic people & people with ADHD.
More info | bookings
Solution focused counselling - $95 per session
About me
Tēnā koutou katoa,
Ko Pōrana, Hurai, Ingarangi, Kōtirana, me Aerana te whakapaparanga mai,
Ko Ōtautahi te whenua tupu,
Ko she/her ōku tūkapi
Ko Rachel Hanover-O’Connor tōku ingoa,
Tēnā koutou katoa.
Kia ora, I'm Rachel! I'm enthusiastic, understanding, and a bit of a nerd. I use she/her pronouns. My cultural background is Pākehā. I live with my wife and some rescue houseplants in Dallington. I love trying new things but right now I'm most enjoying gardening, tabletop roleplaying, and painting. I have a side job at a garden center - feel free to say hi if you see me.