Meet the Team
The Visionwest Wellbeing Centre has a team of qualified Counsellors providing a wide range of counselling services for children, adolescents, families, couples and individuals.
Our team members are trained in a range of therapeutic models and work in a variety of ways depending on age and individual need. We have a therapeutic playroom that provides a safe and appealing environment for children.
Counselling Team
Anthea Lobo – Counselling Practice Manager
I offer a compassionate, confidential, and non-judgmental service to people of all ages and stages of life. I have experience working with children and adults who have experienced issues with anxiety, depression, abuse, identity and relationships.
My training in Person-Centred approach enables me to journey with you as you find your own answers through reflective listening. I am also trained in Narrative Therapy; I use a range of modalities in my practice according to what best suits the needs of each individual client.
Relationship is at the heart of my practice, meaning I like to work relationally with you to support you through your difficulties, enabling you to feel well and empowered.
Qualifications: B.A., B Counselling, MNZCCA.
Anita Wong
I seek to offer a safe, non-judgemental space to share, heal and grow. I support people experiencing a broad range of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, relationships and personal identity, using Narrative and Person-Centred therapies as well as Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and the latest neuroscience research.
My belief is that wellbeing and wholeness comes from feeling connected within our-self, to others, and to the world we live in; with our body, mind and spirit. When we achieve this, we can move forward to find new possibilities for life!
Qualifications: B Counselling, MNZAC
Eugene Destounis
I maintain an unrelenting faith and hope that people can and will overcome any challenge or stumbling block that stands in their way. Whether it be a traumatic event from the past, addictions, depression, grief, a relational struggle, or the pressure of unfair expectations, these things have the power to disrupt and derail us from our ideal life.
As a Narrative therapist, I’m both curious and excited to hear answers to the question, “What version of yourself are you hoping to become?”
I believe, when we remove the burden of shame and utilise courage and vulnerability, we can consider questions such as, “What is your inner child crying out for that would allow you to move forward?” and “What stops you from being your ideal self and living your ideal life?”
Qualifications:
B Counselling, Provisional Member Registered with NZAC, New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4).
Judy Dawson
I have a relaxed down to earth style of practice encouraging clients to come in and have a cuppa while we get to know each other in a safe way – I understand how difficult it can be coming into counselling.
I am an experienced Individual Trauma Therapist and a trained Couples Therapist.
I work with individuals to help them explore and resolve their personal difficulties and challenges.
I’m also skilled in helping couples to restore a sense of safety and trust within their relationship, particularly where there has been historical trauma or betrayal. I teach couples vital relationship skills including effective communication, anger management, and discovering unhelpful repetitive patterns.
I use a variety of counselling methods that will suit the unique needs of each client, bring empowerment for change, and restore self-esteem.
Qualifications:
MNZCCA, BCouns, ACC, Couples Therapist
Wayne Widdowson
Counselling is a journey, a process of change, and what that change looks like is unique to every person. As a counsellor, I aim to ensure you feel heard, understood and listened to, in a safe and supportive space.
In my experience of counselling children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, I have found that we all have a desire to be needed, valued and appreciated for who we are. Being listened to and heard, can lead to both unforeseen and hoped for changes. To enable this, I draw upon a range of counselling methods to facilitate growth and healing.
We were never meant to figure life out on our own and counselling provides an opportunity to make a profound difference to how you feel and think about yourself, others and the world at large.
Qualifications
B Counselling (Distinction), Grad. Dip Teaching (Primary), MNZCCA, MNZCEFT
Elizabeth Viki
I work collaboratively with all ages and ethnicities. I practice modalities of PCT and Narrative Therapy. We, the people, come with lots of challenges that weigh us down and my role is to welcome you and listen to your story, to give you voice and offer hospitality to be yourself. Together, we look at your goals, strengths and values as truths to dig out and flush out negative challenges that hold you back. To accept our thoughts and to be challenged for the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental wellbeing journey ahead.
Together we work on new strategies to understand, help overcome challenges and manage life better. I look forward to working with you.
Qualifications
NZCCA Prov. BCouns
Counsellor
Osnat Kushnir
In my practice, I prioritise contemporary talking therapies tailored to individual needs. My specialisation lies in offering personalised support to children, teens, parents, and families, carefully addressing their unique challenges with expertise and care. Engaging with my clients, hearing their narratives, and guiding them through their difficulties is deeply fulfilling.
I am passionate about collaborating with people of all ages and backgrounds, providing them with support, education, and empowerment. With experience in diverse settings, I also offer parent consultations and family dynamic counselling. My focus is on building strength and well-being, drawing upon evidence-based practices, while also acknowledging the resilience within each individual.
Qualifications
BBehSc, GradDipPsychotherapy, MEdPsych
Intern Counsellors
We have a team of Intern Counsellors available to meet with you to provide confidential, culturally appropriate counselling.
Our Interns are highly competent, monitored by both internal and external supervision on a regular basis, and available for a reduced session fee.
Gaganpreet Kaur
Third-Year intern from Laidlaw College
Sheryl Bourke
Third-Year intern from AUT
Esther Hogan
Third-Year intern from Laidlaw College
Jodi Zahorodny
Second-Year intern from Laidlaw College
Stephen Hodson
Third-Year intern from Laidlaw College
Mina Aelyn Lee
Second-Year intern from AUT
Administration
Counselling Administrator
When you enter the Visionwest Wellbeing Centre, you will be welcomed with a smile.
Denise, our administrator is there to answer any questions you have and to offer support while you wait to meet with your counsellor.
If you need information about the counselling, supervision and wellbeing we provide or what funding you may be eligible for, Denise is the best person to ask.