Online Support for mental health

Welcome to Healing Shakti. counsel, mentoring, or coaching. Based in Auckland, New Zealand. Compassionate, grounded support to help you navigate life's challenges, rediscover your inner strength, and foster lasting wellbeing.

Coaching to help with mental health, drug & alcohol issues, stress & burnout. With over 45 years of clinical experience, I was a mental health professional dedicated to helping navigate life's challenges with kindness and understanding. Here is a flexible and accepting space for your journey. (Now I do not practice as a Registered Health professional - just serving you as a "support person"!).

I qualified as a Psychiatric Nurse in London - 1980. I am now in my late 70's. Married 40 plus years, & still practicing my Service to Others. 

Recovery from addiction or drug/alcohol/behavioral issues is a courageous journey. I offer compassionate support and guidance for individuals seeking to overcome various forms of such issues. My experience in clinical settings for over four decades equips me to assist you in building a foundation for lasting change.

Practical strategies to manage stress, navigate grief, and restore balance within your everyday life.

Integrative growth work drawing upon mind-body awareness to awaken your restorative energy and resilience.

I provided telehealth counselling online for five years with a National service. Now I provide support work via this website. This allows anyone to receive support from the comfort and privacy of your own home, making my service available wherever you are in New Zealand or beyond. 

 I offer support tailored to your unique needs, with a focus on mental health, drug & alcohol issues. This includes anxiety, low mood, ruminations, anger etc. My approach is holistic. Understanding that all aspects of health are interconnected. I am committed to providing effective and empathetic care to individuals from all walks of life.

Any general inquiries to:  myhealingshakti@gmail.com

If you need a female counsellor: I can recommend Kandi McKelvie - Registered Psychiatric Nurse/Counsellor with 45 years experience, including 8 years providing online counselling for mental health/stress and relationship issues. Her area of special interest is working with Anxiety issues.

Only phone counselling currently available with Kandi.

Contact her at: quietvalleyhaven@gmail.com 

I aim to support your Strengths rather than just manage symptoms. I may encourage you to engage in a range of exercises, often incorporating imagery, which I regularly use. These targeted exercises can help you to achieve some strong and hopefully lasting results! I post out any material that you are interested in. Examples below!

My journey into mental health and spiritual support.

I left London in 1966 without clear direction. I was 17. I "washed up" in India in 1976 and stayed 10 years. I became a monk and lived in Ashrams, holy places and studied with gurus. {In the last 15 years I have written 10 books - spirituality with mental health connections}.

For many, spiritual exploration is also integral to overall well-being. Drawing from my personal journey and extensive experience, I offer guidance and support for those seeking to integrate spiritual practices, find meaning, and enhance their sense of purpose in life, respecting all faiths and personal preferences. {Spiritual/religious issues. Meditation/mantras & more}.

For guidance and support regarding your Spiritual Journey :

email me initially.

Receive personalised support when you're distressed. I offer brief interventions for immediate hurdles.

My specialty is Brief Intervention - up to 40 minutes Here you get "quick focused" help, for minimal time.

Longer sessions also catered for.

Service tailored to your cultural/spiritual/other preferences/needs.

Benefit from educational insights and practical coaching to develop new skills and perspectives.

I also provide advice on other mental health/addictions organisations/options that may be of benefit. 

I do have qualifications in Clinical Supervision if this something you might be interested in.

If requested, I can incorporate spirituality guidance & support, meditation, mindfulness, and alternative options to enhance your well-being and personal growth.

I have been involved with multiple religious/spiritual groups & paths.

With a background spanning decades in mental health and addiction, extensive international travel, and spiritual practices, I bring a blend of professional skill and life experience. (I was a registered mental health proffesional for 45 years). My journey through the world and life combined with diverse spiritual practice, informs a wise and accepting approach to your challenges. I integrate mindfulness and meditation to help make your healing journey truly distinct.

I can email a link to Zoom/Google Meet or book a Phone session if you contact me.

Google Meet video session  may require an Google Meet app. (if using cell phone). 

Or request me for a Phone Only session. {I will confirm & phone you for the session - but my phone number wont display on your phone}My

Cost
$50 for 40 mins.
$70 for 50 mins.
I will email my bank account number

 {I may take some notes to keep track! Consent is needed to proceed}.

.

Exercises potentially used - sample

Exercise information sheets per each exercise can be sent out by email as we progress. I have a a wide range of potential exercise options for:

Relaxation, tension/anxiety management, mood management, ruminations, self-esteem, anger, assertiveness, boundaries, problem solving, harm reduction etc.

 When you work with your Healing Strengths, you can expect to achieve a better sense of calm and a clearer understanding of your situation. I will help you explore the various options available to you and collaborate on a practical plan to move forward. The goal is to help you release feelings such as guilt and shame, empowering you to accept yourself fully and embrace your journey with confidence.

Exercises -sample.

1: Why learn to Relax?

We will do very basic therapeutic exercises to bring some calmness to our mind and body. We just want to be able to dilute down emotions and thoughts and physical activity. (That are distracting from calmness and serenity).

This means we need to know how to relax and learn how to do this properly.

We are just seeking to decrease everything that’s enhancing negative thoughts and emotions. Later, we want to Defuse all the emotions, thoughts, and reactivity. Defusion is a skill or technique that is primarily used to detach, separate, or get some distance from our thoughts and emotions. (At this point we are not healing anything, we are just diluting and Defusing).

Then we can start to work on the clarified issues and sort out ourselves regarding some attainment of Balanced alternative thoughts. Then we can go on and look at what can be beneficially driven by our abilities, strengths, values, and any spiritual interests.

One other option to start is the Body Scan: Sit and move through the body, with a visualization and an activity. Tense and then relax muscles, starting at the feet and moving up to the face and the head. Visualise tension leaving the muscles.

Relaxation as a baseline skill.

There are three components of this particular exercise for relaxation

1.     Grounding or Earthing

2.     Spinal Integrity

3.     Effective Breathing

These components are associated with visualisations. The visualisations enable a transition to the exercises involved with Defusion practices.

Grounding or Earthing.

The idea is to visualise the body tension/anxiety/distress dissipating down through the feet into the earth. At the same time allow a replacing of calming energy, fed by the earths stabilising forces filtering up through the body into the brain. All this by just sitting or standing with both feet on the ground for ten seconds!

If you like an Invocation: “Mother Earth kindly release tension/anxiety/disturbance”.

Spinal Integrity

For five minutes or more keep the spine straight as possible to allow energy to flow. What is a straight spine? It’s one with no bottle-neck at the neck, primarily. This is where the blockages of free flow of spinal energies occur. We often block free flow of our nervous system activities, which then pool in certain areas, and then we find ourselves experiencing anxiety, or confusion. Anxiety/tension focused in the stomach or chest area, manifesting as nausea or chest tightness/palpitations. Or confusion with energy blocked up in the brain. The lack of free-flow through the neck area can also be connected with other issues.

In regard to the neuro-chemical/electrical activities throughout the nervous system, this relaxation is a process to simply allow all the nervous system activities to become spread over all the body. It’s diluting all the tension etc., although really it’s just being normal. Just like a cat relaxing is a very ordinary event.

Either way, the bottle-neck is at the neck, and this is where tension is experienced as neck or shoulder aches or stiffness. To get a straight spine, push the chin slightly upwards if necessary, and push the shoulders back also slightly. Hold that position.

If there is too much mind/body restlessness, relaxation can still take place as you pace up and down a corridor, lifting the shoulders up by raising arms into the air. Still use the visualisation of allowing negative energies to dissipate through the feet into the earth. This restlessness often follows from reactivity, which is innate or about responding unhealthily to life events/circumstances. This reactivity will be the stumbling block, and we will deal with it firstly by gaining clarity promoted through Defusion exercises, and then by other techniques.

Invocation: “Let me sit or be in the right posture for serenity”.

Effective breathing

Further ameliorate anxiety etc., which can drive fast and shallow breathing. This is a key intervention when there are some panic type symptoms. There’s nothing that should stop you from trying to deal with panic yourself, if that’s your only option. However in such circumstance the ideal option is to have a helper to guide you through the exercise and provide reassurance.

The breathing is three deep breaths in through the nose, allowing the stomach to expand. You are allowing the lungs to fill on the in breath, and are pushing out the breath by additionally squeezing the stomach inwards for the outgoing breath.

When there is anger/reactivity/irritability involved then an additional exercise can be added. Clench the fists at the chest level on the in-breath, and on the out-breath push out the arms with open palms of the hand, whilst visualising pushing anger etc. into a space or sponge around the body.

Regarding space around the body.

Another visualisation is to breath in one’s favourite colour in a pale shade. On the out-breath send it out with whatever you want to be free from. Let it settle around you in an aura/sponge, or behind a shield - depending on preference. 

The colours come into your body with the in-breath, then the out-breath goes to what is surrounding you as an aura, that is also accepted as healing space.

In our mindfulness we are stopping, stepping back, and observing. Go back into that aura or protective shell. See what is activating any negative thoughts. Then we need to see what that is doing to us, and what change we need to make to the negative self-talk. We do this then by replacing the negative with something more balanced. Add something positive about yourself to any negative thinking that you identify. You can try to see in your aura space the obstacles to mindfullness. Thoughts that disturb or distract you. The plan is not to remove them, as that can take too much effort and application. Just visualize the thought train temporarily as outside, and allow your shield to protect you also from others negative energies.

2: Defusion

Defusion is spreading out the anxiety, tension and stress. Not into the whole body/mind and throughout the nervous system, as in the relaxation process. My version is about getting the negative, irritating, or unhelpful experiences to go around the body into an area that is somewhat separate. Like into an aura or sponge, or an area contained within a shield. Not completely separated, because again we are not getting rid of anything - yet. You can see what’s going on and allow what’s going on to be present, without the over stimulation and reactivity of attention, which is causing stress and anxiety. You see it, but you have less direct ownership. Then you can also better understand what is going in your reactivity, emotions, thoughts and experience

You can inspect or observe your past or present emotions, thinking, and others “interference”. Basically, by putting them slightly outside ones being. In this mode you can visualize those tricky issues that distract and disturb, as being outside you in a temporary process. To make this work better we will add some other visualisation activities here, using metaphors.

Imagine you’re on the mountain. Put the thoughts emotions in the clouds while you sit

As it’s your visualisation so you can add or subtract whatever you want. You can shout or scream at the passing cloud. You can walk on. The point is that you stop, step back and observe your thoughts and feelings, and see clearly what happening for you and/or others around. If you have noticed unhelpful thoughts or reaction, you can write them down, talk back to them, and deny them even. Same goes for emotions you’re feeling, or memories.

This process will help to identify ruminations and catastrophising, which can be addressed by another exercise later. I like the metaphor of being on the mountain, as I can visualise that whatever the weather, or whatever happens in the clouds, I can stand firm, and grounded, or sit in my cave. I can imagine myself as in the clouds and see what I am feeling/thinking. I can see the others there & talk to them and tell them to go away or come and sit with me!

3: Thought Process Management

We have looked at Defusion, using what called a metaphor, as an exercise to get a perspective on emotions and feelings. Thoughts though are a bit more difficult to get a handle on, as they may be “covered” by emotions. If it is hard to get positive or clearer perspectives regarding thought, or if this avenue seems blocked, we don’t get sufficient focus to have mindfulness.

We need to target the thought processed involved. This is needed in order to achieve the equilibrium, where mindfulness or the witness state can be entered into, and useful or positive thinking process engaged in place. We need to modify at least negative thinking, rumination, poor self-esteem thoughts, or even catastrophising thoughts. Then there is progress on the journey to Self-Realisation.

You can write down thoughts and emotions emerging from Defusion exercises. This is an aid to making these more concretely available for observation, and then they will become clearer. You are then able to go into them and decide to do something about them when you’re in the present moment, in your mindfulness space. Defusion can help you move on from the past or future. Use stop, step back, observe. It’s needed in order to see what is really going on now in the present moment – even though content may be from the past. Include also what you think is going on, even if untrue. It’s what the thoughts, feelings say is happening to you. Again is now, not the future. Do this in order to look at reactions that go from an emotion to a thought. It can be other way around, where thoughts lead to emotions, but we don’t so much go there in this exercise.

Now with this therapy approach, and going now into thought processes, we want to get engaged with what we are thinking about, and what we think is true, which we hold as belief. (Even if untrue). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy suggests that our thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and behaviour are all connected, and that what we think and do affects the way we feel.

In a very simplified view, we are driven by how we experience events, then emotions arise, and then thoughts. This can lead to issues with sadness, grief or anxiety. Now we’re not trying to get rid of any of this seemingly automated train of brain behaviour. It’s what the brain does. We just want to get balanced. We will use the “Balanced alternative thoughts” worksheet next. (With my guidance - in our sessions).

Mental Health services in New Zealand information.

Immediate Helplines

• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 for 24/7 support.

• Depression Helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202.

• Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234.

·       Helplines

·       There are several helplines you can call if you need to talk to someone.
0800 What's up?

·       0800 What's up? is a free counselling helpline, chat and email service for tamariki
and rangatahi
. No issue is too small or too big.

·       Call: 0800 942 8787
Chat on whatsup.co.nzexternal link

·       1737

·       1737 is staffed by a team of paid counsellors who can talk to you if you have mental health or addiction problems.

·       Call or text 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you feel: anxious, down, a bit overwhelmed. Or call if you just need someone to talk to.

·       Call: 0800 1737 1737 Text: 1737

·       Suicide crisis helpline

·       The suicide crisis helpline is a free service available 7 days a week. It is operated by trained and experienced social service practitioners who have undergone suicide prevention training. If you think you, or someone you know, may be thinking about suicide, call the suicide crisis helpline for support.

·       Call: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) Suicide crisis helpline — Lifelineexternal link

·       If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call emergency services immediately on 111.

·       Alcohol Drug Helpline

·       Advice, information and support about drinking or other drug use.

·       Call: 0800 787 797     Text: 8681    

·   Crisis / emergency mental health district teams providers

·   https://healthpoint.co.nz/mental-health-addictions/

·   Acute Mental Health Services | Waitematā

·   Provides acute mental health support to those in the Waitematā region.
09) 487 1414 - Takapuna/ (09) 822 8501/ Henderson/ (09) 427 0360 - Red Beach/ Helensville - Working Hours: (09) 420 9450. After Hours: (09) 427 0360

·   Warkworth - Working Hours: (09) 422 2710. After Hours: (09) 427 0360

·   Counties Manukau Health Adult Mental Health provides specialist mental health services for adults living in the Counties Manukau region.
Call: (09) 261 37

·       Community Assessment Team (CAT) | Nelson Marlborough

·   Provides 24/7 mental health crisis support to the Golden Bay area, as well as treatment, support, respite services and a national DBT residential treatment programme
For the Nelson - Tasman region, call 0800 776 364 - Press 2

·   For the Marlborough region, call 0800 948 497 - Press 2.

·   For the Golden Bay region, call Te Whare Mahana on (03) 525 7647.

·  
Mental Health & Addictions - Community Assessment & Treatment Team (CATT) | Te Tai Tokerau (Northland) Free

·   Acute Mental Health & Addiction service
Call: 0800 959 606

·   Awhi Mātua provides support to help older adults experiencing serious mental health problems reach their best possible function and wellness
Call: (09) 623 6474
Awhi Mātua (formerly Mental Health Services for Older People, MHSOP)

·    

·   Crisis Assessment and Home Treatment (CAHT) | Waikato
CAHT provides crisis mental health assessment for individuals who require an urgent response.
Call: 0800 50 50 50

Tararua Locality Community Mental Health and Addictions Services | MidCentral

·   The service provides assessments and treatment for individuals suffering from a moderate to severe level of mental illness and addictions.
Call: (06) 374 7734

Starship Paediatric Child & Family Unit

·   (09) 307 4901

·   Haumaru Orite is a supra-regional acute psychiatric child and adolescent mental health inpatient unit hosted by Auckland District Health Board.
Call: (09) 307 4901
Acute Inpatient Unit for Young People

·   West Coast Central Crisis Response

·   The Crisis Response team provides emergency psychiatric assessment and interventions to those people appropriately triaged and referred.
Call: 0800 757 678

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga

·   Providing health, social and housing services to our community from pepi to kaumātua

Call: (06) 871 5352

·  
Crisis Resolution Service | MidCentral
We provide 24/7 specialist assessment and advice for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
Call: 0800 653 357

Purea Nei - Mental Health Crisis Service | Hawke's Bay

·   Mental Health Crisis Service provides 24 hour, 7 days a week crisis support for those individuals experiencing acute mental health issues.
Call: 0800 112 334

Horowhenua Mental Health & Addiction Services | MidCentral

·   The service provides assessments and treatment for adults from 18 years plus suffering from a moderate to severe level of mental illness or addiction.
Call: (06) 366 0047

Crisis Team | South Canterbury

·   24/7 advice, assessment and/or treatment to people in acute phase of a Mental Health illness.
Call: 0800 277 997

Mental Health Service for Older People | Waikato

·   Specialist community, inpatient and crisis support for people over the age of 65 years who experience mental illness for the first time in their lives.
Call: (07) 839 8603

Acute Response Team (ART) | Lakes

·   24/7 mobile Acute Response Team (ART) responds to mental health and addiction crisis in the Lakes DHB region.
Call: 0800 166 167

·   Acute Response Team/Home Based Treatment
Mental Health Community Acute Service (CAS) | Auckland | Te Toka Tumai

·   24/7 mental health crisis response line and acute home based treatment or planned acute care.
Call: 0800 800 717

Mental Health Assessment & Brief Care (ABC) Team | Taranaki

·   24/7 on site and mobile mental health assessment team for people experiencing distressing and/or debilitating mental health concerns.
Call: 0508 292 467 (Press 1)

Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (iCAMHS) | Nelson Marlborough

·   Regional service, including crisis response, for infants, children and youth with serious mental health disorders.
Call: View numbers

Acute Care Team, Mental Health and Addiction Crisis Service | Bay of Plenty | Hauora a Toi

·   The Acute Care Team provides a 24/7 response service to people in mental health or addiction crisis.
Call: View numbers

Mental Health Emergency Services | Southern

·   Two teams provide 24/7 emergency services to people with acute mental health needs.
Call: 0800 46 78 46

Acute Mental Health Services | Waitematā

·   Provides acute mental health support to those in the Waitematā region.
09) 487 1414 - Takapuna/ (09) 822 8501/ Henderson/ (09) 427 0360 - Red Beach/ Helensville - Working Hours: (09) 420 9450. After Hours: (09) 427 0360

·   Warkworth - Working Hours: (09) 422 2710. After Hours: (09) 427 0360

·   Mental Health Single Point of Entry | Canterbury.

·   Single Point of Entry are your first point of contact for emergencies and non-emergencies.
Call: 0800 920 092

Crisis Resolution Service (CRS) | MHAIDS

·   Our service is for anyone in Wellington, Porirua, Kāpiti and the Hutt Valley who is experiencing a mental health crisis.
Call: 0800 745 477

·   Mental Health Crisis Team | Tairāwhiti Free

·   The Mental Health Crisis Team provides mental health triage and assessments, including crisis response.
Call: 0800 243 500
Mental Health Crisis Team