Health coaching is an emerging profession in New Zealand and around the world. Although not health professionals, health coaches play an important role in supporting people with behaviour change that is crucial to reaching health goals, and sustaining them. I am not a life coach. I am a qualified mental health coach and specialise as a sober coach.

I am a mental health coach with a qualification that is recognised by the professional body, Health Coaches Australia and New Zealand Association. I adhere to strict ethics, professional development requirements and receive regular clinical supervision. I trained through Prekure – which is recognised as a continuing medical education provider for many health professionals, including the Royal New Zealand College of GPs.

I have lived experience of alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety and ADHD. I have always been interested in health and worked as an award-winning journalist writing about health for many years. Read more of my story here.

No. I am a coaching professional working in health, not a health professional. I don’t diagnose health conditions, prescribe medicines or treatment plans. I can work in conjunction with health professionals treating patients to support and coach them. As part of coaching, I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which is a widely recognised therapeutic approach to psychological flexibility. Put simply, ACT can help people live with unhelpful thoughts and feelings while committing to living life, doing what’s important to them. When people who are physically dependent on alcohol, I work with other health professionals, such as a GP or counsellor. I can also coach people who are considering going to residential rehab, or who want support after completing rehab. I work with Ocean Hills Detox & Rehabilitation, one of New Zealand’s leading private rehabs.

Alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety and ADHD. If any of these conditions are moderate-to-severe, I can work alongside health professionals. Read more about my services here.

In my personal life, I have helped many people with managing problematic relationships with alcohol over the years, as part of my own sobriety journey. I wanted to continue to do this work in a professional capacity, and mental health coaching is the perfect way for me to do this. It’s important to say that no one can actually stop anyone from drinking, or doing anything else. However, I can work to support a person who is motivated to recover from addiction and live a healthy, happy sober life.

Some health coaching is publicly funded and is available through selected general practices. Often, this type of coaching can have waiting times with limited sessions. Private coaching – which is what I offer – is not funded through the government but is more readily available and is uniquely tailored for each client with longer sessions.

I offer a few different packages that will suit most people and can tailor coaching solutions for individual requirements. I also recognised that paying for private health care is out of reach for some, and so offer payment plans, including Afterpay. Call me on 027 231 5970 for more information.