Our People

Grief Centre Manager

MA, Diploma in Social Sciences in Social Work, MANZASW, Certificate in Clinical Supervision, Certificate in Celebrant Studies.

 

Carol comes from a background of social work and clinical supervision, working predominantly in the field of health. She worked for a number of years at Auckland Hospital where she developed a particular interest in trauma, bereavement, and grief and loss, and helped to develop services in these areas. During this time she undertook some short term training in counselling, and grief and loss at the Centre for Grief Education in Melbourne. Carol has also worked as a social worker in the UK, and more recently as Branch Service Manager for Child Cancer Foundation in Auckland. Carol joined The Grief Centre as Manager in November 2009.

 

“I am very pleased to be appointed in this role and to have the opportunity to work with Trust Members and stakeholders in the development of the Grief Centre and its services. Grief and loss are issues that affect all of us, and yet, sometimes we just don’t know how best to deal with all the emotions and feelings that can be generated at such times. To have a place such as The Grief Centre available as a resource for the public and professionals working in the area, I believe is a huge asset for the Auckland region.”

 

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Registered Nurse (BHSc)
Psychosynthesis Counsellor
Hypnotherapist MNZAPH
HypnoBirthing-Fertility Therapist
BodyTalk Practitioner

Amanda spent twelve years working as a Community Palliative Care Nurse for the North Shore Hospice. She is currently in private practice as a counsellor and hypnotherapist, working from Mt Eden and Beach Haven. Her part time work is balanced with keeping up with the family, animals and plants on her two and a half acre property in Helensville.
Having developed a special interest in women’s health including grief and loss, she says, ‘I am excited to be involved with establishing the Grief Centre for Auckland and look forward to contributing to the foundation of this much needed service. Such a facility demonstrates society’s capacity to recognise the importance of emotional health and benefits both the local and wider community’.
You can see an over view of Amanda’s work at www.headfirsthypnosis.co.nz

 

MNZAC
Bch Soc. Pr.
Advanced Cert. Counselling
Family Therapist and Counsellor

I became involved in counselling through my own life experience of loss and grief, and the value I place on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well being. I have experience in individual, couple, and family counselling with a special focus on issues relating to family life, personal growth, grief and loss, and communication in relationships. I believe in people’s potential for change and am committed to enabling them to move through their struggles and difficulties, facing the challenge to implement the changes they seek.
I hold an Advanced Certificate in Counselling, a Bachelor of Social Practice in counselling and I am a court-accredited counsellor. I am a member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. 

 

MNZAC
Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling
Master Linguistics

Trisha graduated from Auckland University with a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling and is a full member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. She also has a Masters in Linguistics and is currently completing a Masters in Counselling. She brings wisdom, knowledge and understanding from her life experience, training, as well as contributions from colleagues and clients. Trisha also works with Youthline and Beginning Experience and is a member of the National Association for Loss and Grief.

Having lived in Canada for many years, Trisha enjoys working with clients of all ages, both male and female, of different social backgrounds and ethnicity. Trisha is passionate about supporting clients through grief, in particular grief that may go unacknowledged. She is committed to providing confidential counselling with integrity, respect and compassion. She believes in the power of hope and finding gems of joy in every day, and is a proud mother and grandmother. 

 

MNZAC
BA: University of Auckland.
Diploma Counselling: Manukau Institute of Technology.

After completing a career in the international construction industry in senior management roles, Bruce retrained as a counsellor, gaining his counselling diploma in 2001. Since then he has worked part time as a counsellor, mostly with adults at an agency in Papakura, and latterly at the Eastern Bays Hospice which has afforded him considerable experience working with the issues of loss and grief. Bruce was also chairperson of Home and Family Counselling Service for six years.
Bruce is married and has two adult children.

 

Prov. Member NZAC
Diploma of Counselling (HD&TI)

Maxine works part time as a Private Practice Counsellor. In addition to her work at the Grief Centre Maxine has worked as a Counsellor for many years at Antara Natural Health Clinic and for Lifeline. Maxine is also a member of the National Association for Loss and Grief.
Prior to her counselling career, Maxine was a self employed business owner. She setup, owned and operated a Cafe on Richmond Road in Grey Lynn for 11½ years.

Personal Statement:
"As a practising Counsellor I abide by the NZAC Code of Ethics and I am regularly supervised by qualified professionals. I also undertake professional development activities on an on going basis. My motivation in becoming a counsellor stems from my own personal experiences of loss and grief, and my interest in our humanity. I am an experienced communicator with the ability to relate to a diverse range of people from varying backgrounds. I have the ability to empathise and hold space for people in grief situations, and this is my preferred area of specialisation. I am enthusiastic about counselling at the Grief Centre and I trust that my skills, attributes and life experience are a compliment to its ethos". 

Prov. Member NZAC 

Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Bachelor of Journalism and Media Studies

Prov. Member NZAC

Master of Education in Counselling

Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling

Diploma of Occupational Therapy

 

In recent years Denise has pursued her desire to become a counsellor by completing a Master of Education in Counselling from Auckland University. In the near future she hopes to attain her full membership of NZAC.
 

She enjoys counselling people of all ages; adults, adolescents, and children. She is also interested in counselling couples. Denise counsels at Lifeline and has recently taken on private clients. In addition she has volunteered as a leader in support groups for children who have experienced loss. Her initial counselling experience was gained in schools and in a tertiary setting.

 

As a counsellor Denise is able to relate well to people of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, particulary as she herself is married to an Asian and has lived in Asian countries. She is warm and sensitive in her approach while she seeks to maintain a high standard of integrity and confidentiality in her counselling. She is available to see clients in the Pakuranga, Howick region.

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Frank Seth

Provisional Member NZAC

Post Graduate Diploma in Education (Counselling), University of Auckland
Graduate Diploma Psychosocial Studies, AUT, Auckland

A qualified and experienced counsellor, Richard joined the Grief Centre in 2010 and has since worked with many male and female clients, both individually, in couples and in groups. Richard’s counselling approach is client directed with a focus on helping his client’s develop better ways of coping whilst still maintaining a connection with their lost loved one and allowing them to grieve healthily and live their lives more fully again.
“When we lose someone significant in our lives our whole world changes. This can be both painful and frightening and my role is to support my client’s through this difficult time in their lives”
Richard generally works for The Grief Centre in the West of Auckland. He also has a private practice and works for one day a week with Home and Family in Mt Eden. He is an experienced facilitator and regularly delivers management and leadership skills training for clients across the Northland.
“I find this work both fulfilling and humbling and I feel privileged to be part of the team at the Grief Centre”
 

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Wendy Norman