Finding a counsellor
To find a counsellor, psychologist or psychotherapist who specialises in suicide loss and bereavement / grief, you may ask your doctor for a recommendation, search in the Yellow Pages or look online. You can also ask others who have received good counselling for word of mouth recommendations.
Online listings for counsellors include:
- New Zealand Association of Counsellors Te Roopu Kaiwhiriwhiri o Aotearoa.
- New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists Te Whare Wānanga o te Mātauranga Hinengaro.
- Talking Works
- Skylight offers counselling in Wellington and Auckland.
- The Grief Centre in Auckland (North shore)
To get effective counselling support for suicide loss, it is best to find someone who has specific skills or a specific interest in this area. Questions you can ask include:
- What experience do they have in suicide bereavement?
- Do they have lived experience? This is not essential, but it is useful for you to know.
- Are they comfortable working in this subject area?
- Have they had training in the area of grief and bereavement or suicide loss?
Most face to face counselling services do charge a fee. It is best to check what the cost is before agreeing to an appointment.