Theresa Martinovich
Counsellor
Facilitator
Supervisor
Mindfulness Teacher
MCouns (1st Class Hons), PGDip HSci., PGCert Superv., Adv. Cert Alcohol &Drug Studies
MNZAC, DAPAANZ.
Explore The Possibilities
I will help empower you to make positive life changes. Everyone deserves to reach their full potential.
About Me
My counselling background
I have worked as a counsellor for over two decades in a number of different settings, in both Northland and Auckland. I have a background in community and mental health, and alcohol and drug services. I have worked at two university health and counselling centres, Rape Crisis and held a private practice for 12 years. I am very experienced counselling clients from teenage years to mature adults and feel comfortable working cross culturally. I welcome diversity.
I have worked for Victim Support, Family Court and EAP services, delivered anger management programmes and taught mindfulness groups.
My therapeutic approach
I specialise in helping people identify and achieve their personal goals by coping with the issues that are causing them distress and anxiety. I am professional, warm and confidential. My non-judgemental approach will assist you to work through any barriers that are hindering you from living and reaching your full potential.
I am skilled with brief solution focus work. The majority of my clients see significant shifts within the first three sessions.
My background training is in a range of therapies, including cognitive behavioural, solution focused, acceptance and commitment and existential therapies. Because of my working background with addictions, I also utilise motivational interviewing.
My foundation training is in person centred therapy. Generally, this means that I encourage and support you to find the solutions that are genuine and specific to you, using the therapies that are most suitable to you.
My specialist areas
Due to past work experiences, my areas of specialty include addictions, including alcohol and other drugs, sexual abuse, domestic violence, depression, anxiety, mindfulness and stress management. I can provide motivation to long term projects. Additional to talking therapies, I use sandtray and interactive drawing therapies.
I am a qualified teacher of the Koru Mindfulness programme and have taught over 200 adults the fundamental skills of meditation and living more mindfully.
Who am I?
I am originally from Ruawai in Northland NZ, but moved to Auckland in 2006. I have 5 adult children and identical twin grandchildren. Family are the most important thing to me. I regularly practice meditation and find this has helped me be more responsive instead of reactive to my feelings. I love the sea and all it encompasses. I walk the beach every day and enjoy boating, fishing and swimming.
My Registrations and Qualifications
I have full registration with both the NZ Association of Counsellors (MNZAC) and Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association, Aoteoroa NZ (DAPAANZ).
I hold a Masters of Counselling with first class honors, Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Supervision, Postgraduate Diploma Heath Sciences and an Advanced Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies.
In 2018 I became a qualified teacher of the Koru Mindfulness programme.
My Services
My Services
My private practice is located at: The Practice, 498 Hibiscus Coast Hwy, Orewa 0931.
Sessions are one hour. I am registered to provide counselling funded by Benestar/Stratos, Vitae, Victim Support and Winz. Zoom therapy is available, Clinical supervision is available.
My Costs
My fees are $140 per hour for individuals and $160 for couples.
Appointments cancelled less than 24 hours notice will be charged at the full rate.
Fees are payable by cash or bank transfer on the day or prior to attending.
What to expect at the first session
I will ask background information at our first session to help me understand your situation. We will then set some goals and make a plan around the number of sessions it might take to work though your concerns.
Individual or Couple Counselling
Group Facilitation
Clinical Supervision
“We know what we are, but not what we may be”
William Shakespeare
Useful Stuff
MINDFULNESS
App: Koru Mindfulness
App: Calm
App: Insight Timer
TESTIMONIALS
Cheryl, client
Doing a PhD abroad presents a number of challenges. I have been seeking guidance from Theresa for the last 2.5 years of my doctoral studies to facilitate navigating through my problems, so I could reach my goals. She has helped me devise practical plans for problem solving, using a variety of techniques. Theresa is personable, generous, outgoing and positive. She is a recommended asset to well-being development.
I saw Theresa when I was going through an incredibly painful experience and felt totally alone. Her non-judgmental, calm and accepting approach immediately allowed me to feel incredibly safe. I felt like it was ok to disclose my deepest fears and not be judged about my reactions and ways of coping. She helped me to heal, to learn and to grow. Under her guidance I was able to accept my experiences and find helpful ways to deal with the difficult emotions I was struggling with. Our work together has continued to help me move forward after our sessions and will continue to be helpful through my life. The time we spent together was effective and I noticed a huge reduction in my symptoms of distress. Theresa was able to sense what I needed and allowed me to be myself. Above all she was genuine and human in her approach, and I wholeheartedly recommend her for anyone seeking guidance and help.
Alison, client
Theresa is a warm, supportive and pragmatic supervisor. Her vast experience and highly considered judgement are invaluable. I learnt from Theresa in every session, because she valued my time and energy as much as her own - so I always left with what I needed. She challenged me and gave me a robust structure when working with risk, so that I felt I'd attended to my work completely, leaving me confident and reassured. I'd recommend Theresa to anyone looking for a supervisor they can truly learn from - your work will be all the more rich and encompassing for it.
Emma Mackie-Watts, supervisee
I have known Theresa since 2016. Theresa is the most amazing counsellor I've met. Theresa is not only very professional, but also she is a warm and genuine person, who truly understands and cares what I've been through. She always shows the highest degree of empathy and she has "magical powers" to inspire me in many kinds.
I really appreciate Theresa's support and love. I have no hesitation in acknowledging Theresa's professionalism.
Angela, client
I could tell her what I cannot accept. Also, I could get understanding, caring and support from her. Unconsciously, I accepted her way of thinking and adopted it into my life. Then, unexpected changes began.
I became brave. I became confident. I understand the responsibility as well as understand that everyone should be responsible for their own. I learned that I should treat myself and others equally. I also knew that I should slowly open my heart.
Now, although difficulties and fears occasionally come back to knock on my door, I'm not afraid anymore. I have decided to face it with new thinking, attitudes and treatments. Besides, I will accept any possible results and take those experiences as learning.
I really cannot describe how grateful I am to her.
Catherine, client