You’re ready for something to shift

Whether that’s relief from anxiety or low mood, clarity in your direction, or reconnecting with your most authentic self. Counselling isn’t about me “fixing” you – it’s about collaborating together to bring out your best self.

Hi, I’m Ben

I’m a counsellor here in Mount Maunganui. I hold a Master’s in Counselling and genuinely enjoy helping people reconnect with who they really are and what they really want.

My approach is straightforward: I believe you already have most of the answers – my job is to help you access them. I draw on a range of different counselling techniques tailored to your unique needs, but the most important thing is that we connect and you feel heard.

In our sessions, you'll find a warm space where you can actually be yourself and explore what truly matters. Instead of jumping to conclusions, I’ll ask questions to help you process and reflect on your experiences. Sometimes I'll gently challenge you, other times I'll share useful tools or an encouraging word.

This is a place where you can drop the mask and be real – not perfect. Clients often say I "get it" and that I'm easy to talk to.

  • 250+

    People helped

  • 3,000+

    Hours of counselling sessions

  • ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Average Google review (19+)

What I help with

  • Anxiety & Overthinking

    Breaking free from worry cycles, rumination, and that constant "what if" feeling. We'll unpack the patterns that drive anxiety and build practical tools for lasting relief – so you can actually enjoy your life instead of just surviving it.

  • Depression & Low Mood

    Reconnecting with joy, purpose, and feeling like yourself again. Together we'll work through what's keeping you stuck and rediscover what makes life meaningful – because you deserve more than just getting by.

  • Self-Worth & Confidence

    Build genuine confidence from within. Together, we’ll tackle self-doubt, strengthen your sense of self and self-compassion, and improve your communication skills and boundaries—so you can show up as your true self.

  • Life Direction & Purpose

    Finding clarity when you feel lost, stuck, or are experiencing work burnout, relationship breakdowns, or changes in your personal identity. We'll explore what truly matters to you and create a path forward that feels like yours.

A relaxing space and the view from where you sit.

 

Counselling that feels like a real conversation

Sessions feel like down-to-earth conversations – warm and compassionate yet honest. We'll meet somewhere comfortable (my office in Mount Maunganui, or online), it won't feel like therapy from the movies.

Together, we'll unpack the patterns keeping you stuck in anxiety, stress, self-doubt, and low mood. I'll guide you through practical, personalised tools to build real confidence and purpose, improve communication and boundaries, and feel more emotionally balanced and in control.

I’m big on celebrating client wins and progress. Sometimes we might even share a good belly laugh. Most clients leave feeling lighter, refreshed, and like something just clicked into place.

Sessions are 50 minutes and tailored to your individual needs and goals. Over the past years, I've helped over 250+ people make positive changes towards actually enjoying their lives again. Most clients tend to stay 6+ sessions and experience significant growth and progress – but each person has different needs. Whatever your needs, please know I’m here to walk alongside you towards happiness at your own pace.

Outside the counselling room, I love surfing, exploring nature, spending time with my fiancé, reading a good book, travelling to new places, and sharing a good old laugh or two with family and friends.

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?

If you're 18-45 and feel like we could be a good fit – please send me a brief email about what brings you to counselling and what you hope to get out of it. I'd love to hear from you. I'm usually back in contact with clients within one business day with options.

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