Book a session - Home & Family - Te Whare Manaaki Tangata - Child, Youth and Parenting Support Services

Matt Edwards

Psychologist

I have been working as Psychologist for the past 7 years, across both Education and social sectors. I have experience in therapeutic work with children, adults and wider whānau, primarily those who have experienced trauma.
I work in a collaborative, strengths-focused, and compassionate way, aiming to create a space where people feel supported and understood. I have completed training in emotionally focussed therapy and draw on these techniques in my practice.
My work is grounded in partnership, compassion, and a focus on people’s existing strengths. I approach sessions by tuning into what is unfolding in the moment, using experiential and emotion‑centred methods to support reflection and connection, as well as identifying cycles that may be present.

Vanashree

1. About Me
I’m a registered Dapaanz Counsellor with specialised training in Emotionally Focused Therapy. Colleagues describe me as warm, steady, and grounded. I value authenticity and compassion, and I bring a calm presence into the room so couples feel supported rather than judged.

2. My Approach With Couples
I work gently but clearly, helping partners slow down, hear each other, and make sense of the emotional patterns they’re stuck in. My style is warm, collaborative, and curious. I help each person feel safe enough to express what really matters beneath the conflict.

3. What Draws Me to Couples Work
I care deeply about relationships because they shape so much of our wellbeing. Being able to help couples reconnect and understand each other more deeply feels meaningful and hopeful to me.

4. What Couples Can Expect With Me
Clients often say they feel respected and understood. Sessions with me tend to feel calm, reflective, and emotionally spacious—like a place where difficult conversations finally feel possible.

Annabel Shand

Registered Psychologist BA, MA, PG Dip Ed Psych
Annabel draws on over 15 years of experience across the psychology and education sectors. Her background includes therapeutic work with children, adults, and families, professional supervision and educational psychology. Annabel has experience supporting people who have experienced trauma, including traumatic brain injuries and physical injuries.
Annabel’s approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and empathic. Annabel uses experiential and emotion-focused techniques, working with “here-and-now” interactions to deepen insight and connection. Her work involves assessment, increasing self-awareness, and developing practical skills that foster meaningful relationships. With a warm, non-judgmental presence, she supports clients to move beyond reactive cycles toward greater understanding and empowered change.