Professional counselling in Matamata, NZ

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Professional counselling in Matamata

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A Safe Harbour in Life's Storms

Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed, stuck, or lost in our thoughts and feelings. It takes courage to acknowledge when we need support, and reaching out is the first step toward finding clarity and strength.

At The Psychology Clinic, we provide a warm, confidential, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your challenges and work towards a more fulfilling life. You don't have to navigate this journey alone.

A comfortable and safe room for counselling.
"He oranga ngākau, he pikinga waiora."

A healthy heart is a fount of wellness.
A peaceful path through nature, symbolizing the journey of counselling.

What is Counselling?

Counselling is a collaborative process that offers you a safe and confidential space to talk about your life and anything that may be confusing, painful, or uncomfortable. It is a unique opportunity for self-reflection, allowing you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with a trained professional who is there to listen without judgment.

The goal is not to give advice, but to empower you with the insights and tools needed to understand yourself better, overcome challenges, and make positive, lasting changes. It's about finding your own path forward, with gentle guidance and support.

Our Approach

We believe that the foundation of effective therapy is a strong, trusting relationship between client and counsellor. Our approach is client-centered, meaning we tailor our methods to your unique needs, values, and goals. We are not here to 'fix' you, but to walk alongside you, helping you to uncover your own strengths and facilitate meaningful change.

We draw from a range of evidence-based therapeutic models to provide you with practical strategies and deeper understanding, creating a dynamic and personalised counselling experience that fosters growth and resilience.

Two people collaborating and connecting, representing the therapeutic relationship.
Balanced stones on a surface, symbolizing accessible and stable support.

Affordable & Accessible Services

We believe that quality mental health support should be accessible to everyone. Our services are affordably priced, and we are committed to helping you find a way to get the support you need without financial stress.

Several funding options may be available to you, and we are happy to discuss these during your initial contact. Please don't let cost be a barrier to reaching out—your wellbeing is our priority.

Our Counselling Services

We offer a diverse range of psychology and counselling services here in Matamata to help you regain balance. Whatever challenges you are facing, we encourage you to reach out and start the conversation.

Depression Therapy

Professional treatment for depression using evidence-based approaches to help you regain control and find hope.

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Relationship Services

Support for couples and individuals to build healthier relationships and improve communication skills.

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Anger Management

Six-session programme addressing anger dimensions, triggers, and behavioral patterns for lasting change.

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Anxiety Treatment

Comprehensive anxiety management using proven techniques to help you overcome worry and stress.

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Grief Counselling

Compassionate support through loss and bereavement, helping you process grief in a healthy way.

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Zoom / Online Services

Remote counselling sessions nationally and internationally, bringing professional help to your home.

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Our Process

Taking the first step is simple. Here’s how it works.

1. Initial Contact

Reach out via our contact form, email, or phone. We aim to respond within 24-48 hours to schedule a brief, no-obligation chat to see if we're the right fit for you.

2. First Session

Your first appointment is a chance for us to understand your situation and for you to feel comfortable. We'll discuss your goals and create a plan together.

3. Ongoing Support

We'll meet regularly at a pace that suits you. For children's counselling, we work closely with parents/guardians to ensure a supportive and collaborative approach.

Meet Our Clinical Team

Experienced professionals dedicated to your mental health and wellbeing

Les Steed-Conway

MA (Hons) Psych, BA (Hons) Phil,
ACC SC registered.
Cert Clin Sup.
MNZCCA

Provides:

  • Therapy for Depression and Anxiety
  • Relationship Services (Couple therapy)
  • Anger Management
  • Recovery model treatments for addictions
  • Zoom Services
  • ACC Sensitive claims therapy (Sexual abuse)

Also specialises in:

  • Mediation Services
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
  • Dual Diagnosis Therapies
  • AOD Clinical Treatments
  • Clinical Supervision

Les is extensively experienced in provision of community and hospital services and is particularly passionate in the provision of services to people experiencing mental health challenges. His dedication is to seek to alleviate the levels of unnecessary distress experienced as people negotiate the journey that is their life, and to provide meaningful support with outcomes that count, enrich, and enliven.

Jessie Bruce

BA Counselling
prov. NZCCA

Provides:

  • Therapy for anxiety and depression
  • Counselling for adults, teens, and children
  • Therapy working with grief and trauma
  • Therapy for those with suicidal thoughts
  • Therapy for people who experience overwhelm

Specialises in:

  • Skills training for anxiety management

Jessie uses a person-centred approach with clients that prioritises creating an open, honest and empathy driven relationship, and focuses on the goals clients have for themselves. She has enjoyed a history of school counselling, resilience training for kids, and is now working with all ages. She is passionate about seeing her clients relax into the freedom of being (and liking) who they are. She is available on Thursdays and Fridays.

David Baxendine

Dip. Counselling (BTI), Dip. Education
MNZCCA

With a background in education, David has a unique ability to connect with children and young people. He provides a safe, creative, and supportive environment for them to explore their feelings and build self-esteem.

Fun Fact: David enjoys landscape painting in his spare time, capturing the beauty of the Waikato scenery to recharge his creative energy.

Specialises in:

  • Children & Young People
  • Trauma Counselling
  • Bullying & Self-esteem
  • Stress & Anxiety
  • CBT Approach

Common Questions

Answers to a few questions we often receive.

Is what I say confidential?

Yes, absolutely. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of counselling. Everything you share in our sessions is kept strictly private. The only exceptions are specific situations required by law and professional ethics, which are:

  • If you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or others.
  • If there is a risk of harm to a child or vulnerable person.
  • If our notes are subpoenaed by a court of law.
  • If you give us written permission to share information with another professional (e.g., your GP).

We will discuss this with you transparently in your first session.

How long does a session take?

A standard counselling session typically lasts for 50-60 minutes. The frequency of sessions will be decided collaboratively based on your needs and goals.

Tell me more about the Anger Management Programme.

An Assessment session precedes a one-on-one six session programme which addresses the many dimensions and implications of anger. Impacts in relationships and exposure to children are alongside education addressing triggers and patterns of behaviour.

You may be referred to this Programme via Police-Court processes or you may choose it to address the issues you or your family have identified. It is not a Group Programme. We address anger or violence from any gender and can address contexts where a couple have established a mutual conflict based relationship.

Do you offer online (Zoom) sessions?

Yes, we embrace Zoom in treatment contexts both nationally and internationally as an effective medium for clinical Practice.

An adequate computer and broadband connection are required and we negotiate times in respect of time zones on a case by case basis. A scanner-printer is desirable.

If you are not experienced with Zoom as a mode of interaction then give us a call to discuss suitability or to discuss the reasons that Zoom may be a preferred or necessary option.

Helpful Contacts

If you need immediate support, these services are available 24/7.

Budget Advice Service

Provides free, confidential financial mentoring and support.

0800 505 050

Crisis Assessment Team (CAT)

For urgent mental health assessment and support.

0800 50 50 50

Get In Touch

Take the first step towards better mental health and wellbeing

Contact Information

Phone
022 351 3741
Email
steedconway@gmail.com
Address
Railside by The Green
41A Hetana Street
Matamata 3400
Hours
By appointment only
Call to schedule

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