Emma Newcombe: Bachelor of Counselling

Kia ora, hola, hello. I’m Emma, a graduate counsellor at the Women’s Centre.

Counselling with me might be a gentle space to think things through, or a deeper exploration of how your past has shaped you. I value curiosity, compassion, safety, and humour in my practice.

I am Pākehā (Tangata Tiriti) and have lived in the UK and South America. With experience across corporate, academic, creative, and scientific environments, I connect easily with a wide range of people and experiences.

I hold a Bachelor of Counselling and have trained in Internal Family Systems, trauma-informed approaches, and interpersonal neurobiology.

All genders, cultures, neurotypes, sexualities, ages, and abilities are welcome. I aim to meet you where you are. I have particular interest and experience in relationships and attachment, migration and racism, workplace challenges, environmental grief, and long COVID.  For more information please see my website at www.driftwoodtherapy.nz.

Noa Vodnizky: Bachelor of Counselling

Kia Ora, I am a registered counsellor (NZAC) and a proud member of the NWC Counselling team.  I am here to support my clients in managing life's changes; through loss & grief, in establishing healthy boundaries, walking towards healing from trauma, support through separation or with any parenting challenges. 

I am also offering couples therapy external to NWC, please ask for my private practice contact to engage in this. My life experience as a women a mother, a daughter, and a global citizen has led me to believe in our inherent capacity to know ourselves and what is best for us, and in our ability to foster meaningful relationships and develop self-awareness, self-compassion, care, and love.  I am committed to providing a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space for you to pause, reflect, explore, and move forward, increasing resilience, self-acceptance, self-awareness, & self-love.

Traci Weir: Counselling Student (she/her)

Kia ora, I’m a second-year counselling student at NMIT.

As a migrant from North America, I value the unique experiences each person brings and aim to offer a welcoming, respectful, and safe space. My approach is warm, calm, and non-judgmental, grounded in person-centred counselling — moving at a pace that feels right for you.   As a volunteer crisis counsellor, I’ve supported people experiencing intense emotional distress, including thoughts of suicide and self-harm, with steady and compassionate presence. Before retraining, I worked in Defence and community-focused roles and welcome working with veterans or those connected to military life.

I’m also a mother and find restoration in nature, especially hiking or being near water. As I continue training, I’m interested in incorporating creative approaches such as art, gentle movement, and animal-assisted therapy. Above all, I aim to provide a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported.

Jade Ferriére: Counselling Student

Kia ora, I’m Jade, a student counsellor at Nelson Women’s Centre, completing my Bachelor of Counselling.  For over two decades, I’ve supported women to reconnect with their bodies, voice, and resilience, and I feel honoured to share this mahi here.

 I understand how stress and past experiences can shape the nervous system and influence how we relate to ourselves and others. Together, we gently explore what has brought you here, build awareness of your body and relationships, and find language for your feelings and needs. My intention is to support greater clarity, agency, and self-trust, at a pace that feels safe.

 My approach is trauma-informed and holistic, welcoming diverse identities, bodies, and relationship structures. I have particular interests in movement, menstrual awareness, LGBTQIA+ communities, and polyamorous relating. I would love to walk alongside you.

Tuia Marama: Counselling Student

 Ko Ngāti Whātua te iwi.

Ko Hāmoa me Ingarangi ōku tūpuna hoki.

Ko Tuia Marama tōku ingoa.

Kia ora, I am a Māori senior counselling student completing the Bachelor of Counselling at NMIT. My approach is grounded in manaakitanga, respect for tikanga Māori, and the uplifting of mana. I use both Western and Māori models, with Te Whare Tapa Whā as my preferred framework for holistic hauora.

With a background in Lomilomi massage and training in Root Cause Therapy, I support people to safely release long-held emotions, limiting beliefs, and patterns.

I bring lived experience of trauma recovery, which has taught me the importance of being client-centred, listening deeply, and collaborating to create a safe space where you can be yourself. I believe in honouring the past while moving forward with intention. The counselling relationship is central. I welcome kōrero and look forward to meeting you.

Ngā mihi nui, ngā manaakitanga, Nā Tuia Marama

Anna Monopoli: Counselling Student

Kia ora, I’m Anna Monopoli, a student counsellor at NMIT.  Originally from Sweden, I have called Nelson home for the past 15 years. Over the last three years, I have worked in mental health as a Peer Support Worker and Mental Health Promoter, walking alongside people of all ages through growth, change, and healing. Training as a counsellor felt like a natural next step.

I offer a supportive, collaborative, and non-judgmental space grounded in mutual respect, where people from all cultures and backgrounds can feel safe, heard, and valued. I take a holistic view of wellbeing, recognising the connection between mind, body, and spirit. I am particularly interested in belonging, cultural identity, and the perinatal journey, and draw on personal experience of mental health challenges to bring understanding and empathy to my work.   Outside of counselling, I’m a mother of two and enjoy reading, music, yoga, and any form of movement that feels good.   I hope that our work together supports not only restoration but also greater self-understanding, confidence, and belief in your own abilities. 

Beks Dawson: Counselling Student 

Kia ora, my name is Beks. I am a student counsellor completing my Bachelor of Counselling at NMIT.

I am passionate about supporting women to bring their whole selves into the counselling space and live to their full potential. I offer a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental space where you are heard, supported, and empowered to drive your own process. My approach is person-centred, strengths-based, and incorporates creativity, intuition, and empathy.

I have diverse experience, including working on a women’s crisis line, supporting clients in drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and navigating life as a solo mother of two. I also hold a graduate diploma in art therapy, am a yoga teacher, and use creative and somatic approaches like sand tray and art therapy to foster healing and self-expression.

 I enjoy nature, creativity, dance, and yoga, and look forward to walking alongside you.  

Melissa Foskett: Counselling Student 

Kia ora,  I come from a large, blended family and was raised in Tākaka, Mōhua. I have called Whakatū home for almost 17 years.  Working with people is my happy place. I am a friendly, compassionate, and open person who values creating a space where people feel welcome, heard, and supported. I am currently in my final year of a Bachelor of Counselling at NMIT and have a particular interest in supporting the wellbeing of women, children, youth, and marginalised communities.  I aim to provide a warm, non-judgmental environment and adapt my approach to meet each client’s unique needs. My practice follows the NZAC Code of Ethics and is guided by honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and respect for the diverse             communities of Aotearoa.

Skye Tsubasa: Counselling Student 

I was born and raised in Japan and have lived in Aotearoa for 10 years. I enjoy travelling, multicultural cuisine and sharing good laughs. My journey as a migrant has included navigating cultural and environmental differences, language barriers, and the experience of discrimination. These personal challenges, alongside my upbringing, have shaped a strong empathy for people facing life’s difficulties in many forms. As a Tangata Tiriti, my learning journey continues to guide how I hold my place in this land. My practice centres on respect for your story and who you are. I seek to honour both Māori and Western approaches, alongside insights from my Japanese background where appropriate. I believe each person carries their own strengths and goodness within. Counselling is available in both English and Japanese. Thank you – Arigato!  Mauri ora,