Sophia Elise

Who am I? I am a fully qualified Counsellor, Coach, Nurse, and Supervisor with a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling, Master of Applied Practice and Diploma in Nursing. I have completed research in how women are affected by romantic relationships with narcissistic male partners, and have managed an online support group for people who are affected by any relationship with a narcissistic person. I have also managed online support groups for people who experience chronic pain and rare, incurable medical conditions. I'm passionate about learning, and am constantly reading and attending professional development seminars and courses to ensure that I deliver the best service to my clients. A significant part of my ongoing education has involved advanced, specialised training as a relationship therapist. I attend a monthly peer group with an exclusive focus on relationship therapy, as well as regular individual supervision. I am a Registered full member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors, provide Supervision for other Counsellors and adhere to the NZAC Code of Ethics. How did I get to be a Counsellor? I left school at 16 to attend University to train as a nurse. After graduation I worked in a variety of nursing roles and sectors for 18 years. I then formed a non-profit organisation which I managed for eight years. During this time I worked as a coach and business mentor and was a finalist and winner of a few business awards. I have always enjoyed working directly with people in the helping professions and after eight years in business I returned to University and trained as a Counsellor. After completing my counselling qualification I worked in a Community Clinic and local Secondary School, and have now been working exclusively in private practice for many years. Outside of work who am I? My partner and I have five adult children between us. In my spare time I enjoy beach and bush walks, travelling, reading, movies, pub quizzes, art, photography, dining out, going to shows (especially comedy ones) and sharing a coffee with friends. I have lived on the North Shore, Auckland, my whole life and enjoy being close to the beautiful beaches. I understand first hand how hard life can be because I have also experienced challenges and difficulties that have affected my relationships, health, children and family. Most recently I had to take a short break from work to undergo treatment for breast cancer. What are my areas of interest? As a counsellor and relationship therapist I enjoy working with a wide variety of people including adults, teenagers, families and couples. I have extensive experience and advanced training in relationship therapy. I work with a range of problems and have a particular interest in:- - Anxiety and Stress - Depression - Relationship issues for couples and individuals, including conflict, communication and infidelity - Sexual difficulties - Separation and child custody - Parenting issues, including blended families and step parenting - Narcissism and Narcissistic abuse - Helping adolescents and teenagers decrease anxiety and increase their confidence and resiliency - Neurobiology - Supervision What are my qualifications? - Masters in Applied Practice (First Class Honours) - Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling - Diploma in Nursing - Certificate in Professional Mentoring, Supervision and Workplace Coaching Skills - Certificate in Supervision for Health and Social Service Professionals - Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 - The Developmental Model Level 1 (Relationship Therapy) - The Developmental Model Level 2 (Relationship Therapy) - Accredited Facilitator of My FRIENDS Youth and FRIENDS for Life Programs