Ben Burggraaf

Ben’s counselling motto: Healing the past, enjoying the present, transforming the future.

 

Life not working for you? Do you feel hopeless, uncertain and stuck? Are you exhausted from worrying all the time?

Anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and overwhelming life events can drain all the color and joy out of life. You may even feel like there is no hope for a brighter future. But there is hope!

In counseling, you will experience a safe and warm atmosphere where you can be yourself. You will talk, and I will listen with empathy and compassion.

Together, we’ll transform the chaos in your life into control. We’ll start by processing how your past has shaped you. Then, we’ll uncover the root causes of your current struggles. Then we’ll equip you with practical tools to be able to move forward and create a more fulfilling life.

Instead of fixating on your faults, you will learn how to be your most authentic and compassionate self. You’ll begin to achieve your goals and live a fulfilling life that works for you.

I take an evidence-based and whole-person approach tailored to your individual needs and concerns. You are in the driver’s seat, and I am simply the co-pilot here to help you achieve your goals.

Interests:

  • My method integrates evidence-based therapy with a whole-person perspective, which creates the conditions for a transformative experience. Counselling is tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals:

    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

    • Mindfulness

    • Narrative Therapy

    • Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

My story

"I believe in embracing every chapter of our story — the highs, the lows, and the lessons in between — because they are all threads in the tapestry of who we are."

At a glance: My Mount upbringing instilled in me a love of life, people, and our laid-back coastal lifestyle. I've helped many clients transform their lives through over 2,500+ counselling sessions. Outside of work, I love surfing, nature, travelling with my fiancé, reading, good music and a good laugh or two with family and friends! 

Long version: Born and raised in The Mount, I was a happy and energetic kid, but underneath the surface I struggled with my own mental health and with life-threatening health conditions. From a young age, I almost had to become a “practical counsellor” because I had to make sense of my own suffering and turn it into something meaningful. This made me compassionate towards others suffering, and inspired me to help serve others.

However, like all good stories, my life certainly hasn’t been a straight line. Before becoming a counsellor, I worked as a surf instructor and then entered the corporate marketing and sales world. I worked as the Microsoft representative for the region, and then as a Business Development Manager at MediaWorks and Drake Recruitment until finally… the lightbulb found the socket in counselling. I genuinely love what I do and look forward to working with you if you choose to work with me.

My fiancé and I love travelling. This photo was taken during our 2023 “Eurotrip”.

 

Qualifications, Associations, Memberships, etc.

  • Master’s in Counselling (University of Waikato)

  • Member Australian and New Zealand Mental Health Association (ANZMH)

  • Psychology Today Verified Counsellor

  • Member New Zealand Association of Positive Psychology (NZAPP)

  • Counsellor for I Am Hope (Gumboot Friday)

  • Provisional Member Registered with NZAC

  • Bachelor of Management Studies (Marketing Major BMS, Chairman’s Award Top Marketing Student)

Get help when you need it

Email me today to see if there’s a fit and I can help you.

Email: ben@chatwithben.co.nz

Location: 50B Campbell Road, Mount Maunganui