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The Best Psychotherapists in Auckland to Get Your Mental Health Back in Shape

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We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

My friend’s first psychotherapy session was anything but helpful. The therapist arrived late, flipping through a clipboard without making eye contact. 

When my friend opened up about her struggles, the therapist’s curt responses and glances at the clock made it clear she was more focused on the time than the conversation. This left my friend questioning whether seeking help was even worth it. 

However, finding the right psychotherapist can make all the difference. A compassionate and skilled therapist can create a safe space for healing and make seeking help worth it.

To help you find such a therapist, we compiled a list of the top psychotherapists in Auckland, complete with honest and real testimonials from their clients.

How much does a session cost with a psychotherapist in Auckland?

A single session with a psychotherapist in Auckland costs at least 180 NZD. This price is just an estimate and will vary depending on the psychotherapist’s experience and whether they accept insurance.

How We Chose

Qualifications: We checked each therapist’s credentials, certifications, and areas of specialization. We wanted to make sure they had the right training and experience to address a variety of mental health issues effectively.
Client Testimonials: We got feedback from past clients. Real-life experiences provided valuable insights into the therapists’ effectiveness, compassion, and professionalism.
Techniques: We evaluated the therapeutic methods each psychotherapist used, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT), and Cognitive Somatic Energy Practices (CSEP).
Accessibility: We also considered the ease of booking appointments and the cost of services. 

1. Andrea Graham: Therapist – Autism Specialist

andrea-graham-therapist-autism-specialist

Address:  539 Albany Highway, Albany, Auckland 0632, New Zealand

Contact Details: +64275412518

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 6 PM 

Website

Andrea Graham is a highly respected psychotherapist and autism specialist with over 30 years of experience. She offers a range of therapy services for individuals and families dealing with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Her individual therapy focuses on each patient’s unique needs. She also offers family therapy, where she helps families manage life with ASD. She provides helpful guidance and strategies to both adults and children.

Many consistently praise Andrea’s extensive experience and supportive approach. Several parents called her a guiding light for their family, noting that her social skills training transformed their child.

The majority of the people we spoke with shared that Andrea’s empathy made them feel understood and supported. 

Just keep in mind that her fees are higher than other psychotherapists. 

Pros

  • Individual and family therapy
  • Supportive approach
  • Uses evidence-based practices
  • Expertise in social skills training

Cons

  • High fees

Customer Review

Andrea’s support, feedback and advice have been invaluable 

“We started meeting with Andrea during a very difficult and dark time for our family. Andrea has helped bring sanity and understanding to our home. There are still challenges, but Andrea’s support, feedback and advice has been invaluable in making those challenges manageable. She has been able to bring awareness, empathy, understanding and knowledge that has made a huge difference in our lives. I would HIGHLY recommend Andrea’s family counselling and therapy service.

Damon Freeman Google Review  

2. Good Therapy Epsom

good-therapy-epsom

Address: 21 Gardner Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023, New Zealand

Contact Details: +64276923897

Operating Hours:  Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 6 PM 

Website

Almost everyone we talked to who’s done sessions with Sherry Zhang Carter, the psychotherapist at Good Therapy, said she really helped them understand themselves better.

Many even share that she shone a light on the parts of their minds they didn’t want to face. They talked about feeling less stuck and less lost in their own thoughts and emotions.

Speaking a bit with Sherry ourselves, her background in counseling and psychology really showed. She uses drawing and sand trays to help people really dig deep into their subconscious.

Additionally, she’s fluent in English and Mandarin, which is a big plus for some.

However, a few of her patients mentioned that she could be a bit direct. So, if you’re looking for someone to hold your hand and tell you everything is going to be okay, she probably isn’t for you.

Pros

  • Helps patients feel less stuck
  • Helps to have better relationships 
  • Uses drawing and sand trays
  • Fluent in English and Mandarin

Cons

  • Can be a bit direct

Customer Review

I found myself feeling comfortable working through my problems 

“I would highly recommend everyone who needs a counseling session to come and see Sherry. She’s the best!! I started my counseling journey when I was having the hardest time. It was Sherry’s super professional therapist and her efforts helped me got out of the darkness. Also, I found myself feeling comfortable working through my problems with her as I am able to speak my mother language (Mandarin) with her. Sherry’s a very experienced counselor and I am sure I will continue my counseling in the future.”

Zoey Zhao Google Review  

3. Seaside Freedom Wellbeing Centre

seaside-freedom-wellbeing-centre

Address: 53 Cliff Road, St Heliers, Auckland 1071, New Zealand

Contact Details: +6495850522

Operating Hours: 

  • Monday, Tuesday, Friday  – 10 AM to 7 PM 
  • Wednesday – 8 AM to 7 PM 
  • Thursday – 10 AM to 8 PM 
  • Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM 

Website

Seaside Freedom® is the leading holistic solution in Australasia and the first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand. We started the holistic revolution in NZ with mental health back in 2007, when the company’s embryo started taking shape. 

In addition, we amalgamate Western Psychology with Eastern Philosophy, and while Somatic services are also included, they are a fraction of our repertoire. We also specialise in CBT®, EMDR®, EFT®, Neuroscience, and numerous other techniques and processes.

We have a 5-star rating in every outlet, have never received a complaint in all our years of experience, and hold an effective and affordable practice ($150/50 min. optimisations). 

We want to thank you and your magazine for this nice mention, but it falls short of our appraisals nationally and globally. It seems to indicate that a client said that our services are not entirely effective, and we would like to dispute that given the opportunity. Somatic therapy is effective by giving clients the equivalent of their efforts towards a better self. 

We look forward to hearing more about your projects and how we may be able to assist you.

Pros

  • CSEP offered
  • Safe and inclusive environment
  • Genuine psychotherapists 

Cons

  • Somatic technique isn’t for everyone

Customer Review

After only a few sessions, I was able to start changing behaviour patterns 

“Seaside Freedom Is an amazing tranquil healing centre. Rebekah is simply THE BEST. She is not only very professional but also extremely caring and supportive. She always transmits a sense of calmness and has a smile on her face when I arrive at the centre. After only a few sessions, I was able to start changing behaviour patterns that were holding me back for decades. I’m so grateful to have Rebekah guiding my healing journey.”

Kenia De Souza Google Revie

4. Mind Toolbox

mind-toolbox

Address: 2/72 Moore Street, Hillcrest, Auckland 0627, New Zealand

Contact Details: +64277534359

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 7 PM 

Website

Mind Toolbox is a great fit for those looking to ditch bad habits and make some serious life changes. They use a mix of tried-and-true mind-power techniques, like visualization, progressive relaxation, and self-hypnosis.

From what we’ve noted, these therapists are skilled at tailoring their approach to each individual. They’re not just throwing a bunch of techniques at you and hoping something sticks. Instead, they work with you to find the most effective way to achieve your goals.

Several patients we talked to had struggled to lose weight for years. After a few sessions at Mind Toolbox, they started using the virtual gastric band technique. Now, they’re not only eating less but also feeling way more confident.

Others mentioned how the “haven” technique helped them overcome anxiety and find a sense of calm in stressful situations.

But if you’re looking for traditional talk therapy or medication management, this might not be the best fit. They focus primarily on mind-power techniques, which might not appeal to everyone.

Pros

  • Weight loss therapy
  • Helps with anxiety
  • Variety of mind-power techniques

Cons

  • Not for those looking for traditional talk therapy 

Customer Review

Simple and quick, yet has had a lasting and positive impact 

“I found BWRT to be the most amazing therapy. Simple and quick, yet has had a lasting and positive impact on my mental health. I fully recommend Olga at Mind Toolbox – she was a great help to me as well as everyone I’ve recommended her to! “

gaynor eskriett Google Review 

5. Corsana Therapy

corsana-therapy

Contact Details: [email protected] 

Website

Simon Banks’ over 14 years of experience and Master’s in Psychotherapy give him a deep understanding of trauma, how it affects the body, and how to get rid of it. Many of his patients have said that he makes talking about the most stressful things easy.

If you’re having relationship issues, Simon’s approach, using the PACT model, might be helpful. Couples he worked with mentioned feeling more connected and understood after sessions.

Even if you’re not a couple, he works with people one-on-one. He focuses on addressing current challenges, making him a good fit for those seeking effective, real-world solutions for everyday struggles.

However, we’ve heard sessions with him can be costly, even considering his free consultation.

Pros

  • Over 14 years of experience as a psychotherapist
  • Holds a Master’s degree in Psychotherapy
  • Effective use of the PACT model
  • Offers a free consultation

Cons

  • Sessions can be expensive

Customer Review

Simon helped me when no-one else would.

“Simon helped me when no-one else would. He’s kind, compassionate, insightful and an incredible guide for anyone’s journey to becoming better than they are. I can not recommend him highly enough.”

Adam Lewis, Google Reviews