Greyfriars Counselling Service

The Greyfriars Counselling Service has operated since 1997 and caters to a wide range of people. Some are referred by their schools, Citizens Advice Bureau or doctors, and some self refer. The majority of clients live in Central Auckland but others have come from as far afield as South Auckland, North Shore and West Auckland - including people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

A sliding scale of fees operates so that clients pay what they can afford based on their income. This makes it possible for low income families to receive help.

The type of problems that are brought for counselling are wide ranging. They include relationship difficulties with couples or families, pre-marriage counselling, anxiety attacks, depression, or sexual abuse, self-harm, eating disorders drug & alcohol problems, career direction, and spiritual direction.

Greyfriars' Counsellor, Janet Thompson, trained as a counsellor at Auckland University UNITEC and Lifeline and is a current member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. She has worked as a counsellor since 1993 both in private practice and with agencies like Lifeline.

Modalities used during counselling include: narrative therapy, interactive drawing, motivational interviewing, and transactional analysis. The approach used depends on what is best suited to the client.

Supervising other trainee counsellors, Christian workers and mental health workers is a growing part of Janet's practice.

Contact details:

Janet Thompson
Greyfriars Counselling Service

Practice address: 544 Mt Eden Road
Cnr Windmill & Mt Eden Rds.
Mt Eden
Phone: 09 575-2059
Mobile: 0274 779 877

Email: janmthompson@xtra.co.nz

Keynote statement: Greyfriars Counselling Service seeks to help clients unearth talents, abilities and resources. These discoveries help move clients away from blame, self attack and recrimination. Having their loss, grief and problems listened to can begin a positive therapeutic outcome. The teaching of life skills and coaching in goal setting can produce changes in relationships.

Specialisms: Abuse treatment and recovery; Chronic illness; Communication issues; Depression; Employment issues; Family; Grief; Panic; Relationships; Supervision

Qualifications: Diploma in Counselling University of Auckland, Cert. in Relationships (AU), B.A. paper in Psych, Unitec Counselling Cert, Lifeline Cert.

Professional Memberships: NZAC (Full Member).

Experience: Covers counsellor in agencies and private practice. Formerly Parkinsons disease field officer.

Fees: Sliding scale according to income: $40 - $80 per one hour session.

Appointments: Monday to Friday 8.00am to 7.00pm. House calls as appropriate.

Transport and Parking: Easy street access, off street parking, on frequent bus service.

Service quality provision: Ongoing supervision.