Yvonne Bakker
BApSoc.Sci.counselling
Member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors
I am a New Zealand European who grew up in rural Taumarunui, lived in Hamilton for some time
and moved to Rotorua in 2013.
I live with my best mate, my dog Monty. I have two grown up daughters 4 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Being in my sixties, I can say that I have a few years of life experience under my belt which
allows me to have empathy and understanding around many of life’s issues. This includes firsthand
knowledge around issues with sick children, including a deep understanding of the stresses
on parents, caregivers and siblings in the family.
Over time, I have worked in Primary and Middle schools as a counsellor for Cambridge Lifeskills
Trust where I have worked with issues such as bullying, grief and loss, behavioural problems,
and young people with lack of social skills and spent 4 years working for Lifeline Telephone
counselling. I studied Hypnotherapy and advance Hypnotherapy in 1997 which has given me a great
insight into how the mind works.
For the past 8 years I have worked for Family Works Rotorua. Currently I work 3 days per week, and
I started seeing clients privately. For Family Works I facilitate programmes
and work with a range of issues around families with high occurrence of domestic violence.
I work with both children (age 4+) and adults.
I am an Integrated Practitioner, guided by client-centred therapy which helps build a
collaborative relationship. I believe that you are the expert in your life. My passion is working
with children. I have found that breakups are one of lives toughest transitions. The decision
to end a relationship can be traumatic, chaotic, and filled with contradictory emotions. This is
for all concerned no matter what age people are. When I work with children I use Narrative
therapy skills, but also use Strength Based Therapy, CBT, art, sand tray and play.
For my continuous professional development, I have learned a lot about neuroscience and brain development,
in conjunction with trauma.
I find it important that I work with my clients in a setting that is best for them.
I aim to create
a safe and trusting environment for us to work within.
You may simply be going through a difficult time, and just need some help navigating your way
through.
I am happy to meet with my clients outside normal working hours, including Saturday’s.
Cost:
$100 per session
ACC / EAP Victim Support funding might be available
Supervision $120 per session
Contact:
Email address
yvonne@counsellingbop.co.nz
Phone/txt:
022 139 5337