We are not taking new ACC referrals and have temporarily closed our waitlist.
Please check back next month for an update or call us on 0800 839 4433
Andrea Dobbs - Counsellor
I have been counselling since 2003, in both private practice and in the health sector. My specialty is in trauma, grief and loss, depression, and anxiety. What I offer clients is a safe place to heal from pain, distress, and the effects of trauma. My personal story of survival, and my work with clients, confirms the statement that “Even in hell hope can flower” (Edith Eger). My practice is based on my personal belief that we are all on a journey of ‘becoming’ who we truly are and that we have the inner gifts and strength to support ourselves towards healing, growth, and wholeness.
I have been married for over 40 years and we have three grown children and eight grandchildren. I enjoy drawing, painting, and reading. I am a passionate crocheter, which I have been doing since I was seven, and have been teaching classes for several years. What keeps me motivated to teach crochet is hearing the many stories of how a simple hook and a ball of wool has healed and changed peoples’ lives. I am a member of the NZ Christian Counsellors Association.
Andrea works from her office in Tamahere.
Please enquire about Andrea's availability.
Debbie Buddle - Counsellor
Debbie is a Solutions Focused Counsellor that provides tools and techniques to support you outside the Counselling space. She is a registered NZAC provisional member.
Being both a Nutritionist and a Counsellor enables her to offer a complete service to her clients, as supporting the body and mind connection is an important factor to overall health and well-being.
We all have stress to deal with in our lives and certain types of stress and trauma can trigger a cascade of biochemical changes that help create the perfect environment for ill health. It could be a death of a family member, separation, divorce, personal injury, job pressures, financial problems, change in living conditions, challenges with children or parents, relationships, trauma, grief, purpose in life, illness or food related issues. Anxiety and stress can be sickening but whether we choose to let the stress become distress is the critical issue.
Debbie is also a meditation and mindfulness coach. Learning to respond over reacting is a powerful tool. Debbie focuses on changing the stress inducing environment by providing coping strategies and tools and techniques including mindfulness, meditation, mind mapping and other management techniques.
Debbie works from the MSASS offices at 25 Rifle Range Rd or via telehealth.
Please enquire about Debbie's availability.
Kiran Kaur - Therapeutic Counsellor
I provide individual and self-paced online therapy; for those experiencing depression, anxiety (including social anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, and panic attacks), burnout, stress, emotional distress, trauma, and psychotic disorders.
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR Therapy to heal past trauma, and mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy.
I believe that everyone has the ability to feel better, live healthier, and live an empowered life. I want you to achieve that. A holistic approach towards your entire self that includes mind, body, and soul to reach your full potential and become the best version of yourself. My mission and why I do what I do is to help people realize how much power they have in themselves to heal their minds, brains, and bodies. I have dedicated my life to finding out how to make mental health care and knowledge easily applicable affordable and accessible to everyone.
Kiran is a registered social worker with the NZ Social Worker's Registration Board.
Kiran works from her office in Queenwood or the MSASS offices at 25 Rifle Range Rd, Hamilton.
Please enquire about Kiran's availibilty.
Niki Green - Counsellor
My name is Niki and I am a counsellor here at Midlands Sexual Assault Support Services (MSASS).
I am new to Hamilton and relocated from New Plymouth where I was born and raised.
Prior to working with MSASS, I started a non-profit online community created to share stories, support and advocate for people who were experiencing depression, anxiety and other mental illness. I am passionate about starting real conversations that bring understanding to and help reduce the stigma people with mental health issues experience.
I gained my Master’s degree in counselling in 2014 and trained in the area of sexual violence. I still feel honoured every time survivors of trauma allow me to be part of their journey towards healing.
When I am not working you can find me in my comfy trackpants binge watching crime documentaries or hanging out with family and friends.
Niki works from the MSASS offices at 25 Rifle Range Rd, Hamilton.
Niki is not currently taking new ACC clients.
Ann Tapara - Clinical Psychologist
Kia ora, I’m Ann (she/her), a clinical psychologist of Pakeha descent from the Waikato. Since graduating in 2017 I have worked with a range of adult clients in both the private and public sectors.
I mainly provide sensitive claims assessment services to support counsellors in their mahi, rather than offering ongoing treatment, and I am committed to ensuring that the process is as non-coercive and healing for the client as possible. There is a power in understanding that our struggle and suffering is rooted in our learning experiences, rather than our perceived flaws.
I use a range of perspective and modalities in my work. I offer an open, gentle, and non-judgmental approach, should you wish to undertake your assessment with me. After all, “We’re all mentally ill. We’re all delusional. We’re all junkies. It’s just a matter of degree” (Robina Curtin).
Shelley Martin - Occupational Therapist
Sensory Integration & Modulation Specialist
Shelley Martin is an experienced Occupational Therapist with a specialised focus on sensory integration for children and sensory modulation for adults whose function is impacted by sensory environments. With a client-centred and neurodiversity-affirming approach, Shelley supports individuals to better understand their sensory experiences, regulate their emotions, and build skills that foster improved function, wellbeing, and meaningful participation in daily life.
Shelley has worked extensively with ACC sensitive claims, delivering trauma-informed interventions for clients with complex needs. Her approach includes tailored sensory-based strategies, functional goal setting, and activity grading to promote safety, emotional regulation, and independence across different environments. She has also contributed to Mental Health and Addiction Services within the Waikato District Health Board (WDHB), working within multidisciplinary teams across both inpatient and community settings.
In addition to her public sector work, Shelley operates a private practice that is fully equipped for sensory assessment and intervention. Her practice offers a wide range of tools and resources to support clients in developing regulation strategies tailored to their individual needs.
The primary goal of Shelley’s interventions is to enhance engagement in everyday activities and to support individuals in accessing environments and experiences that are meaningful to them. Her work helps people overcome barriers to participation and supports their recovery and long-term wellbeing.
With a strong commitment to holistic, strengths-based care, Shelley empowers clients and their whānau through education, collaboration, and compassionate practice.
BOccTher | PGCertOT (Vocational, Sensory & Evidence-Based Practice)
Leanne Bellamy
Hello,
I’m Leanne. I’ve been an ACC counsellor since July 2020. Fully registered with NZCCA since November 2020 I am married with three children and a cat called Autumn. I am a breast cancer survivor and an endurance runner. I also enjoy music, drama and dance.
I believe that all people deserve to be valued and treated with respect. I have a deep care for people in finding their way through difficult situations. I counsel people over the age of 12 years.
I relate to people of all ages and cultures. I've worked as a teacher, home-based carer and in retail. When a person begins counselling, I allow the person to express their needs and discover their goals. I work from a holistic perspective and use therapeutic techniques that relate to the person including Narrative, CBT, Te Whare Tapa Wha and Play therapy. I have trained in therapy that addresses trauma, addiction, eating problems, anxiety, depression, grief, family violence, and sexual, spiritual and emotional abuse.
I look forward to meeting with you."
