Kent Smith
Bio
Description
We all experience problems in our life and when we experience stress, pain, trouble or things seem too difficult to solve on our own talking with a counsellor can be helpful. Counselling is a professional space where you can be yourself and work out problems in a non-judgemental and confidential setting.
What is it like to be ‘truly listened to’, to be heard and understood? Being truly listened to is when we are able to get to know what we truly know – and this is the experience, I believe, where we are able to get to the heart or the matter and bring meaningful changes in our life.
I am an experienced and qualified counsellor who has worked with people on all aspects of their life and wellbeing. I have been counselling since 2002, working predominately with adolescents, adults, couples and families on the issues that confront people in the 21st century. I am a brief orientated client-centred counsellor who works with people to construct solutions to their contextual issues, that are meaningful and useful. My mantra is that it is in the ‘doing that we create the being’ meaning empowerment, tools and understanding are learnt to address issues and ‘do’ something to make life better. This can be achieved in one meeting or over a number of meetings – or on the waves!
I am skilled at helping people experiencing issues with
- Work
- Communication & Confidence
- Stress, Burnout & resilience
- Anxiety, Depression, emotional pain and other mental wellbeing moods
- Alcohol, drug and internet
- Grief & Loss
- Transition & Change
- Physical pain & fitness
- Love including working with couples and families
- Identity
- Surviving Adolescence
- Being a parent, Step-Parent or son, daughter or sibling
- Blended Family Relationships
- Anger, and other dynamic moods
Or needing
- Professional supervision
- Coaching
- Training and facilitation
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Counselling
- Certificate in Supervision
- Master of Arts (Therapeutic Presence)
- Doctor of Health Science
- Approved EAP Counsellor
- Member of New Zealand Association of Counsellors
I regularly pursue ongoing professional development. As a professional counsellor, I work under the Code of Ethics of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors. I have regular one on one supervision, peer supervision and cultural supervision. I work across culture and seek to understand culture; whether it be work culture, youth culture, cultures within family, ethnicity or other cultural contexts as important to how people live their lives meaningfully. I have a commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi, and an awareness of working within a bi-cultural as well as multi-cultural way.
My work history includes leadership roles in sales, marketing, human resources, primary care leadership and career consulting in corporate, educational and health contexts including facilitating training and coaching individuals. I have lived and worked in Wellington, Hamilton, and Whangamata. I have special interest in mental health, well-being and helping individuals and families build resilient lives. I live north of Tauranga in the Western Bay of Plenty where I enjoy listening and talking about music; surfing; mountain biking, up and down; experiencing a good coffee; a good book, literally; camping by the beach, holidays and summertime. I share a small macadamia orchard with my partner, and travel whenever I can to see our three girls and son.
I am available across the week in either Central Tauranga or Athenree.
I am happy to have a confidential conversation anytime.
