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Laura Rayner | Counselling service in Wellington New Zealand | Book My Therapy

Meet Emie

Kia ora, I’m Emie Jane, a Registered Social Worker and Therapist specialising in mental health and holistic wellbeing. I provide compassionate, practical, and evidence‑based support for people navigating life's many seasons, from moments of uncertainty to times of growth, healing, and transformation.

I believe every person deserves a safe place to land, space to breathe, and someone who sees the whole of who they are.

What sparks me?

I’m sparked by the moments when people soften into their truth, when they realise, they’re allowed to take up space, to feel, to hope, and to grow.

I’m inspired by human resilience, the courage it takes to be vulnerable, and the deep privilege of walking alongside someone as they reclaim the parts of themselves, they thought were lost.

I’m moved by stories, authenticity, connection, and the beautiful complexity that makes each person unique.

Why I am a therapist:

I became a therapist because I believe that healing happens in relationship, in moments of being truly seen, welcomed, and understood.

Life is rarely linear, and none of us are immune to pain, uncertainty, or change. My own personal and professional journey taught me how powerful it is to have someone sit beside you with curiosity, warmth, and belief.

I’m here because I want to make the path a little gentler for others.

I’m here because I care deeply for people.

I'm here because being human is a journey, which you don't have to navigate alone

If you have any questions, please reach out to me:

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My career so far

I’ve spent my career supporting people through some of life’s most challenging and meaningful moments. My work has always centred around mental health, well-being, and community care, with a strong focus on strengths, recovery, and cultural safety.

I began my journey in mental health and addictions, working directly with individuals in community settings. My role involved helping people build coping skills, strengthen emotional regulation, and work toward their own goals at a pace that felt right for them.

I later expanded my experience through academic research, where I developed skills in understanding people’s stories, analysing themes, and contributing to research that supports better mental health outcomes.

From there, I stepped into adult community mental health and addictions through Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ. I supported people with complex needs, coordinated multi‑disciplinary care, and walked alongside individuals and whānau navigating a range of life and well-being challenges.

Today, while working in private therapeutic practice I also work in primary care services, offering brief, evidence‑based interventions in collaboration with GPs and nursing teams. My role allows me to support people when they most need it, helping them build practical tools, strengthen resilience, and feel more empowered in their well-being journey.

Across every role, my purpose has remained the same: to provide compassionate, effective, whole-person support that helps people feel seen, understood, and supported to live the life they deserve to have.

My qualifications

Professional Association:

  • SWRB

  • ANZASW

  • ANZACBS

Education and Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Social Work - NMIT

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions - Auckland University of Technology

Modalities: 

  • Evidence‑Based Therapies

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)

  • Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)

  • Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)

  • DBT‑informed strategies

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Behavioural and exposure‑informed approaches

  • Holistic & Integrative Methods

  • Mindfulness and grounding practices

  • Polyvagal‑informed approaches

  • Breathwork and somatic tools

  • Strengths-based and person-centred therapy

  • Expressive and art‑based techniques

  • Eco-therapy and nature‑connected well-being

Areas of expertise

  • Stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm

  • Trauma-informed and culturally safe care

  • Grief, loss, and life transitions

  • Emotional regulation and distress tolerance

  • Relationship patterns and family systems

  • Women’s well-being and relational trauma

  • Self-worth, identity, and navigating change

  • Behaviour changes and health psychology

  • Meaning-making, values-based living, and holistic well-being

My style blends emotional depth with practical strategies, ensuring support that is both grounding and effective.

Operating days/hours

In-Person, Online or Virtual:

  • Monday to Friday: 6pm to 9pm

  • Saturday and Sundays: 9am to 5pm

Language(s) spoken

 English

Availability for appointments

  • In person (Tauranga) - contact me for details

  • Online / Virtual