Kirsten Jongsma

Kia Ora, I am Kirsten She/Her,

I am  a counselling intern in my final year of my  Bachelor of Health Science, Majoring in Counselling at AUT.

I truly believe empathy goes such a long way, and to feel fully heard, seen, and entirely accepted is invaluable in ones healing.

Most important to me within the counselling relationship is to offer a non-judgmental, accepting, grounded, and curious space, to explore with clients their worlds, with the ultimate belief that each individual is the expert of their own lives.

I have a passion for working with relationship difficulties and grief, as well as sitting with individuals struggling with overall dissatisfaction in life, supporting them in their desire to get to know themselves deeper and feel more connected to their truest self.

Some of the counselling approaches I draw upon in my therapeutic encounters are relational, person-centred, narrative and transactional analysis.

I have a background in acting, singing and performing arts. This experience ignited in me a passion for understanding the diversity and complexities of humanity, human emotion and relating to one another, as well as the immense benefits of self expression.

Additionally, I have worked in crisis support for sexual abuse, and have felt honoured to sit with individuals in both crisis and reflective situations in this space.

Outside of counselling I enjoy beach walks with my puppy,  cooking and baking, quality time with friends and family, and singing anywhere and everywhere.