Counselling service

The counselling service offers free counselling for individuals with a focus on restoring parents/caregivers wellbeing to strengthen relationships within the family.

Our short-term service is offered in a warm, welcoming, and non-judgemental space, with a solution-focused approach. We hold at the core of our values that the client has the resources to find solutions to manage life’s often complex and sometimes unexpected challenges.

We accept self-referrals, or with consent, referrals from any other professionals involved in supporting a family.  Counselling is delivered by qualified members of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC). 

The nature of counselling is to assist clients to increase their understanding of themselves, in their relationship with others, to bring about change in their lives (NZAC, 2016).

On occasion, we have counselling students on placement who are in their final year of study.

All our students are well supervised and working towards their membership to the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC). Working with students is voluntary.

For more information please call 0800 FAM CARE or 03 477 0801, download the Counselling brochure,  or email us.

Referrals to Family Start can be made by healthcare professionals, community workers or parents can self-refer. To make a referral or to find out more, call us on 0800 FAM CARE or 03 477 0801 or download the Dunedin Counselling referral form.