Cari Frances (Batenburg)

(she/her/ia) [Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Raukawa, Pākehā] It can be challenging to open yourself up to another person at the best of times, let alone in times of uncertainty, worry, or grief. I am a registered counsellor, and a lecturer in the BHSc in Counselling programme at AUT. My special interests are in the areas of interpersonal relationships (intimate/couples/poly-relationships, friends, family, work); grief, loss, and bereavement (particularly those bereaved by suicide), and working with people trying to make sense of big changes in life. I work with individuals, couples, multiple-partner/polyamory/ethical non-monogamous relationships, situation-ships, and other relational, romantic or sexual arrangements and communities. I also work with affair partners ('the other person') who may be struggling to make sense of their part in any of the above. I understand that anyone engaging in the counselling and therapy process is living their life at the same time as trying to work on their life. Therefore, I try to maintain a flexible approach in response to the many demands my clients have in their lives. My overall perspective and practice is largely informed by Narrative Therapy, but I also draw on the theories and processes of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Positive Psychology, Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, and Attachment Theory. Additionally, I am trained in the Developmental Model, a certified Discernment Counsellor, and am also in ongoing training in Relational Life Therapy and PACT (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy). Funding Options: I am a registered provider for Aoake te Rā (a funded service for people bereaved by suicide), nib Health Insurance, WINZ, and am available for EAP counselling through OCP, Clearhead or where your EAP provider allows members to choose their own counsellor/therapist.