About Jacqueline

My parents are from either side of the Atlantic, I am one of their three children. I have had the privilege of living in several countries around the world. Truly honoured to call Aotearoa/New Zealand home since 2003.

 

Making the most of an unexpected migration opportunity, I embarked on a journey of learning: Academically, I began with NZQA Certificate in Youth Work, continuing on to tertiary study, where I graduated with a Degree in Counselling and a Diploma in Integrative Psychology.

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Culturally I've had the privilege of experiencing life on a Marae, of being whangai. I continue to work on my confidence in Te Reo Maori and my knowledge of Te Ao Maori.

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Further training

Since graduating I have continued to develop my counselling skills. Traditional Talk Therapy is supported with more creative modalities: Interactive Drawing Therapy and Sandplay Therapy.

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My career has seen me specialise as a Women’s Counsellor, a Rural Community Counsellor and a Youth Counsellor.

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I established my private practice, Tuatara Counselling Services, from the beginning, in 2016 where I will combine this experience and knowledge in our work together.

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Why 'Tuatara Counselling Services, from the beginning'?
My business name arose from a chance ‘meeting’ with a Tuatara many years ago.
I sat captivated by it, sensing its wisdom, seeing it strong and grounded enjoying its connection with the sand. I now understand Tuatara to be treasured guardians.

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After sharing my thoughts of 'Tuatara Counselling Services', my cultural mentor supported the choice and gifted me the idea for the full name of my business, linking as it does all aspects of Sandplay and Tuatara: Tuatara Counselling Services, from the beginning.