Tired of living in your head?

I help overthinkers, people pleasers, and ADHDers who look fine on the outside but feel worn out on the inside. Together, we'll work toward your most authentic self – calm, compassionate, and confident. We'll get you back to actually enjoying life instead of feeling like you're just surviving.

  • 200+

    People supported

  • 3,000+

    Hours of counselling sessions

  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Average Google review (20+)

Hi, I’m Ben

I'm a counsellor in Mount Maunganui with a Master's in Counselling. I work with people who are exhausted from managing everyone else's emotions, battling perfectionism, and living in their heads.

In our sessions, you'll find a warm, grounded space where you can drop the mask and explore what really matters. I take an evidence-based and holistic approach to your well-being. But what's matters most is you feel genuinely heard, seen, and free to be yourself.

Together, we'll unpack why you're anxious, why saying no feels impossible, and why rest never feels earned.

Here's the truth: your anxiety isn't the biggest problem – suppressing who you really are is. You'll learn tools to feel grounded in your body, secure enough to disappoint people, and confident enough to stop second-guessing everything.

I see clients in-person or online. You can learn more about my approach here.

What I help with

  • Anxiety & Overthinking

    Breaking free from worry loops, perfectionism, and that relentless inner critic. Learning to quiet the noise and build real self-compassion.

  • Confidence & People Pleasing

    Strengthening confidence from within, setting boundaries, and stepping out of emotional caretaking. Building more secure relationships.

  • ADHD

    Building systems that work with your brain. Finding focus without shame, managing overwhelm, and rebuilding self-trust.

 

Counselling that feels like a real conversation

Sessions feel warm, down-to-earth, and honest. We'll meet somewhere comfortable (my office in The Mount or online) and go at a pace that feels right for you.

I'm big on celebrating client wins and keeping things real. Sometimes I'm listening deeply, sometimes offering a fresh perspective, sometimes there's even a good laugh. Most clients leave feeling lighter – like something clicked, like they can breathe again.

Sessions are 50 minutes. Most people work with me for 6+ sessions. That's where the real shift happens.

You don't have to wait until you're falling apart to get support. If you're done pretending you're fine and ready to actually enjoy life again, reach out.

You’re welcome here – whoever you are and whatever your background, beliefs, or spiritual bend. Kotahitanga ~ unity. ✨

When I'm not working, you'll find me surfing, exploring nature, travelling with my fiancée, reading, or catching up with family and friends over a laugh and cuppa.

What people say about our work together

  • “Counselling was never for me.. until I met Ben. To meet someone so genuinely interested in helping you to develop in all aspects of life is something I will be forever grateful for. I continue to become the best version of myself with his help and I couldn’t recommend his services enough. Thanks for all your hard work and help over the years.”

    – Elliot.

  • “What can I say about the gift of having Ben in my corner. He consistently makes it onto my gratitude list and for very good reason. From the very outset of working with him I felt safe and heard. It really feels like a collaboration, and I often have actionable takeaways to keep me moving forward. Ben has a great sense of humour and a beautiful empathetic way of leading our sessions.”

    – Jenny.

  • “Ben is incredible. He creates a safe, supportive space where I feel truly heard and understood. His insight and compassion have helped me grow in ways I never expected. I’m so grateful for his guidance—highly recommend!”

    – Jamie.

Ready to start?

You don't have to wait until you're falling apart to get support. If you're done pretending you're fine and ready to actually enjoy life again, reach out.

Send me a brief email about what's going on for you right now. Even just a few lines is fine – we'll figure out the rest together.

Email: ben@chatwithben.co.nz

Location: 50B Campbell Road, Mount Maunganui or online.

“Reaching out was the hardest part. Everything after that was easier than expected.”
– Chris, 38