Whakatāne counselling service for children, teens and adults

Find steadier ground with a Whakatāne therapist.

Trauma, change, challenges and loss can shake the foundations that we build our lives on. They can leave us feeling unbalanced, on edge, or even broken. While we can’t change the past, we can deal with it, begin to move beyond it, and find ways to build something new.

Based at Thomas House on McGarvey Road, and offering both in-person and telehealth appointments, Foundations Counselling was established by NZAC-registered counsellor, Alex Todhunter (Bachelor’s of Applied Counselling).

Working with clients of all ages and backgrounds, our approach is pluralistic, meaning that we use a range of evidence-based methods, including CBT, ACT, Narrative Therapy, and Te Whare Tapa Whā, but are always guided by what works best for the individual.

If you’re ready to take the first step, get in touch.

Who we work with

Children (7+)

Tamariki don’t always have the words to explain their emotions. Whether they’re dealing with anxiety, anger, grief, or changes in behaviour, we help children feel safe, seen, and supported. Sessions are age-appropriate, flexible, and built on trust.

Adolescents

Teens can struggle to open up to those around them, and sometimes having someone outside the family unit makes talking easier. We offer counselling for teens who are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or struggling with emotions or motivation.

Adults

Don’t reach crisis before reaching out. If you’re feeling off-balance or stretched too thin, it can help to talk to someone neutral. We work with adults experiencing anxiety, stress, grief, and unresolved trauma, whether it’s recent or long-standing.

Meet your counsellor

Kia ora, I’m Alex.

Originally from the UK, I now live in the Eastern Bay with my wife, who is originally from Whakatāne, and our two young boys. Before becoming a counsellor, I worked in both the building industry and in schools; two very different settings that helped me learn how to connect with people across all walks of life

From a 7-year-old child to a 67-year-old roofer, we all have things that weigh on our minds, and we benefit from having space to open up. Talking about those topics with someone who is neutral and judgement-free can be the first step to processing those feelings and beginning to move beyond them.

If you’re looking for a counsellor for someone you love, or have been on the fence about booking sessions for yourself, feel free to get in touch — I’m happy to answer any questions you might have.

Counselling can seem like an intimidating step, but it can provide a much-needed space to slow down, reflect, and begin moving toward a better, lighter way of being.

Sessions are available both in-person at my counselling space and online. Appointments are typically 50 minutes and can be arranged during school hours, evenings, or weekends, subject to availability.

No referral is needed unless you would like to access funding (enquire to discuss options).

Get in touch for an initial consultation.

Let’s talk

Ready to take the next step?

Fill out the contact form, and we’ll be in touch shortly.

If you, or someone you know, is in immediate and life-threatening danger, please call emergency services on 111.

If you need to talk to someone now, the following services are available:

  • Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor

  • Lifeline 0800 543 354 or 09 522 2999 or free text 4357 (HELP)

  • Suicide Prevention Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOK0)

  • Youthline 0800 376 633 or free text 234

  • Samaritans 0800 726 666