I have a particular interest in working with those experiencing anxiety and improving mental health outcomes for men in New Zealand.
MCouns (Distinction). MSc Psych. PGDipHealSc (Health Behaviour Change), Provisional Member Registered with NZAC
Christchurch, New Zealand
Qualifications and Registration
Master of Counselling with Distinction (University of Canterbury)
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences with Merit: Endorsement: Health Behaviour Change (University of Canterbury)
Master of Science with Merit: Psychology (University of Canterbury)
Bachelor of Arts with Honors: Psychology (University of Canterbury)
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology (University of Canterbury)
Provisional Member Registered with The New Zealand Association of Counsellors (nzac.org.nz)
About Me
Academic and Vocational Background
I have worked in the health sector for several years, initially as a volunteer for Anxiety Support (now MHAPS) providing Peer Support to those experiencing social anxiety. I later worked as a Support Worker helping clients in the community with their daily living and overall wellbeing. I worked at The Canterbury Men's Centre as a Counsellor for five years before deciding to go into full-time private practice. I have a thorough understanding of Psychology, Health and Counselling through my academic pursuits. I combine professional training with insights gained from my work experience in counselling and more broadly.
Academic Research
I have completed Masters research in both Psychology and Counselling. In Psychology I focused on stress and calming techniques, while in Counselling I focused on masculine norms in New Zealand and how they impact counselling engagement for men.
You can view my research here: Traditional masculinity and counselling: a study of traditional masculine norms in New Zealand and their influence on men’s engagement in individual counselling services. (canterbury.ac.nz)
Areas of Therapeutic Interest
I have a particular interest in anxiety, especially social anxiety. Other areas of interest include:
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grief
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trauma
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relationship issues
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career aspirations/transitions
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anxiety disorders (in general)
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men's mental health
I have a strong interest in helping men as I feel at times they can be left "behind" in the health system. I've observed that, with the right supports in place men are quite capable of moving forward and improving their lives.
Personal Experience of Anxiety
I have had my own experiences with anxiety so know what it is like to be a client and can relate to your struggles on a personal and professional level.
Personal interests
On a personal level I have an interest in the outdoors, fishing, cooking, music and travel.
Counselling Training and Style
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (University of Canterbury)
"Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term goal-focused evidence-based therapeutic approach, which incorporates positive psychology principles and practices, and which helps clients change by constructing solutions rather than focusing on problems. In the most basic sense, SFBT is a hope friendly, positive emotion eliciting, future-oriented vehicle for formulating, motivating, achieving, and sustaining desired behavioral change" (What is Solution-Focused Therapy · Institute for Solution-Focused Therapy)
Motivational Interviewing (University of Canterbury)
“MI is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change. It is designed to strengthen personal motivation for and commitment to a specific goal by eliciting and exploring the person’s own reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion.” (Miller & Rollnick, 2013, p. 29) (Understanding Motivational Interviewing | Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT))
I also utilise aspects of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy alongside the above mentioned modalities. I like counselling to be a collaborative process where we work together on your strengths and desired outcomes for the future.
Cost and Therapy Offered
FREE 30 min first session. I want to be sure my skills match what you are looking for. A free 30 minute session allows both of us time to decide if we can work well together. Also, if you are new to counselling taking the first step can be a daunting process so this gives you a chance to understand how I work without committing to therapy.
If at the end of 30mins you decide I am not the best "fit" or I feel another service may be better suited, I respect that and there will be no charge. The ultimate goal is to find the help you are looking for and this does not always happen first time.
Counselling sessions cost $130.00 per session and sessions are 45-50mins long.
There is funding available from Work and Income to the value of $70.00 if you meet the criteria.
Sessions are offered online or by phone only.
Online sessions are provided through a secure platform called Whereby.com: which you can view here: Video Meetings, Video Conferencing and Screen Sharing | Whereby
Have a look at my blog post: 5 Reasons Online Therapy is a Good Option (timrobinsoncounsellor.com)
"People may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall".
Thomas Merton
Trappist Monk
Contact Tim
Are you ready to take a step forward? Get in touch, I look forward to hearing from you!
The first 30 minutes is FREE!
Sessions are delivered by phone or online only.
02041311524
TESTIMONIALS
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"I know I will have mental health problems all my life, but talking to you has really helped me. When I talk to somebody like you I see everything in perspective"
Matthew, Christchurch
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"Tim provided a professional and respectful environment for me and was able to adapt to my requirements. I found my sessions with Tim to be hugely beneficial to my circumstances and offered me perspective and equipped me with strategies that I can apply to multiple areas of my life, as and when required."
Joseph, Christchurch
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"My previous experience with therapy had left me feeling like I had been through the wringer. However the process Tim led me through (to better understand issues that were impacting my wellbeing) were challenging but also very instructive and ultimately rewarding. Tims style is a wonderful balance of supportive and challenging as he worked through and helped me understand the issues I had and how to deal with them"
Phil, Wellington
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