Counselling

Individual and Group Counselling

Our counselling team provide therapy services for those affected by family violence, sexual harm, abuse, and trauma. We offer a safe and non-judgmental place to share your thoughts and experiences.

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Family Action provides free counselling for anyone who has experienced family or sexual harm, abuse, and trauma.

We offer a safe and confidential service.  Our team of qualified clinicians are trained in a range of different therapeutic models and styles and will work with each client and their whānau to determine the best approach.  

We are approved and funded by ACC, Ministry of Social Development, Oranga Tamariki, Ministry of Justice, Women’s Refuge and Health West.

How can we help

We offer a safe and non-judgemental place to share your thoughts and experiences. We work with you to identify goals and support you to reach them.

Once we receive your referral, you will be contacted about booking in an initial Choice appointment. We will spend some time getting to know you and your whānau, discussing what your needs are, and understanding what the best service is for you.

The services we offer

Individual therapy for adults

  • One to one therapy in a safe and caring environment.

Therapy for children/youth

  • One to one therapy that is tailored to meet the child's needs. Family/whānau will be involved in the supports where possible

ACC sensitive claims counselling

  • Long term therapeutic support for sexual harm victim-survivors.

Ministry of Justice Safety Programmes

  • One to one safety programmes to learn about the effects of family violence and develop some skills to enhance your safety and wellbeing

Group programmes

  • Wahine Toa - a safe and supportive group for women who have experienced/experiencing family violence
  • Rangatahi Toa - a safe and supportive group for 14-18 year olds who would like to work on skills to help regulate their emotions.

Couples therapy

  • A safe space for two whānau members to work together to achieve a calmer home environment. This can include people in a relationship, or mum and aunty, two siblings etc.

Things to know about counselling:

  • Counselling often involves talking about yourself with someone who has a range of skills to support you with positive change. It can also help you to be more aware of different feelings, learn new communication skills, strengthen your self-worth, and learn new coping skills.
  • Counsellors will not tell you what to do or give advice, but they will support you to see things more clearly and maybe from a different point of view.
  • Counselling may involve working with individuals, couples, family/whānau and groups. It usually takes place face-to-face but online and phone options may be available to meet your need.
  • Counselling sessions are usually held once a week for 45-50 minutes.

Common questions you might have

Some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about this service.

How Much Will it Cost?

All of our services are free. However, we are only partially funded so if you would like to donate, please click here.

Is it confidential?

Your confidentiality is very important to us. All support is confidential.

There are some limits to confidentiality, for example, we will report the risk of harm to you or others.  We will keep you informed if this does need to happen. We will talk to you about confidentiality at the start of your support and you will be able to ask any questions then.

Can I get support if I’m not the person who was injured?

Our supports are for all victim-survivors of family harm, sexual harm, abuse, and trauma. This includes people who have witnessed the harm, or who are supporting whānau members who have experienced harm. If we are unable to offer support to you, we will connect you with the right services that can cater to your needs.

What happens when I decide to go to counselling?

We will ask you to complete a referral form. The referral form can be completed on our website, on the phone, or in person.

When we receive your referral, we will contact you

There will be an initial appointment where you will meet on of our team to discuss your needs and hopes for counselling. If the referral is for a child, we talk to parents/guardians and the child together to learn the background to the family and to understand any areas of concern.  

The next steps will be explained to you during this appointment.

What is ACC Sensitive Claims?

ACC Sensitive Claims is ACC funded support following sexual abuse or assault. You can have one-to-one sessions with an ACC approved therapist.

The number of sessions you receive depends on your needs. If you like, your family and whanau can also access some sessions. Learn More

What are Ministry of Justice Safety Programmes?

The Safety Programme is a free programme for people who have experienced family violence.  There is a programme for adults and a programme for children.  The programme aims to help understand the impact of violence, learn coping strategies and start to move forward with your life.  

The programme can be done in individual counselling or as a whānau.

The safety programmes are for people who have a protection order through the family court.  

We will explain how to keep safe and provide practical information about how Protection Orders work. Learn More

I have come along way. I’ve never ever had so much support in my life. Without this group I would still be in my victim state of mind. Without my counsellors I couldn’t of done it

Group Counselling Client

At FA I found a place where I was listened to and felt heard. Counselling also helped me to stay focused on the issues and begin to address our family trauma in a way that has helped me to find a new way forward for me and my children.

Anonymous Client

Supporting Survivors

Family Action provides confidential support in West Auckland for all victim-survivors of family harm, sexual harm, abuse, or trauma. Your experiences may be historical or current. We will provide support to you and your family/whānau.

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