Sophie Burgess Manaaki Tauira - Student Counsellor
I have always had a deep curiosity for people's stories and a passion for supporting others through their journey of healing.
I have experienced first-hand the disconnect between adults and youth and how this can affect the counselling space. I am motivated by my personal adverse experiences and feeling unsupported and misunderstood as a teenager.
“At 19, I create a comfortable, relatable and safe space for young people. I value client autonomy and a collaborative, client-led approach.”
Personal and professional background
I began my journey at NMIT, studying levels 4 and 5 in art. This enabled me to see how healing art can be, a vessel for expressing what cannot be put into words.
My own journey through personal counselling during this time guided me towards counselling, and I have found it to be a perfect fit for me.
“One of my main goals as a counsellor is to provide a space for youth to feel understood, supported and safe to express themselves fully in the counselling room. ”
Counselling approach
My practice is founded on person-centred principles, ensuring you, as the client, have control and autonomy in your healing journey.
I have an interest in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and in gently challenging my clients' assumptions, thoughts, and underlying feelings to bring unconscious processes into consciousness, building awareness and the ability to notice and change patterns.
My main passion lies in combining talk therapy and creative expression. In my counselling journey so far, this has been through mood boards, drawing, working with images and painting to help clients express what cannot be said.
Ultimately, my practice is pluralistic and flexible to each client's individual wants and needs.
The rewards of counselling
I have found working in the counselling space extremely rewarding. It is such an honour to walk alongside my clients on their journeys and to be part of their story.
Being able to connect with people on such a deep level is a privilege I don’t take lightly, and one I am constantly grateful to experience through my work.
Hobbies and interests
Outside of the counselling room, I love to express myself creatively through drawing and playing guitar, as well as connecting with friends and family and creating meaningful memories!
Counselling in today’s world
I have found the options for younger counsellors to be slim, which can pose challenges for youth who need support.
"There is a level of understanding that can be missed between generations, so it is important to me that I provide a space for that greater understanding and belonging to develop."
