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
Sharon Hight
Two key concepts motivate me in my counselling work. First, that every person is precious and worthy of love and respect. Second, that as people we are bent toward growth if provided with the right conditions. To this end, I draw on a variety of counselling methods to provide a safe and supportive space to join with others as they work through problems and find ways forward.
Ways of working include Narrative Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, Te Whare Tapa Wha, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and creative methods such as drawing or sand tray. I meet with adults, young people and children.
Qualifications: B Counselling, Provisional Member Registered with NZAC, Dip Tchg (Diploma of Teaching), RGON (Registered General and Obstetric Nurse).
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).
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.

Sharon Jacobson
Third-Year intern from AUT

Belinda Williams
Third-Year intern from Laidlaw College

Esther Hogan
Second-Year intern from Laidlaw College

Gaganpreet Kaur
Second-Year intern from Laidlaw College

Wayne Widdowson
Third-Year intern from Bethlehem Tertiary Institute
Administration

Counselling Administrator
When you enter the Visionwest Wellbeing Centre, you will be welcomed with a smile.
Louise, 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, Louise is the best person to ask.