About Jana Conn – Counsellor in Whangarei

I'm Jana Conn, a counsellor based in Whangarei, New Zealand. I offer individual and couples counselling, both in person and online, with a warm, personal and solution-focused approach.

 

Originally from Estonia, I've also lived in Sweden before making New Zealand my home. My experiences of living in different countries and cultures have shaped who I am and how I approach my work as a counsellor.

 

I have a particular interest in relationships, personal growth, cultural adjustment and the challenges that come with life's changes.

 

My background and personal journey

I was born and raised in Estonia, and my journey has taken me through Sweden to New Zealand.

 

Living in different countries has given me a deep appreciation of the challenges people can face when adjusting to new environments, building relationships and finding their place in the world.

 

These experiences have influenced my understanding of human relationships and the importance of feeling connected, both to ourselves and to others.

 

I believe that everyone has their own story, experiences and ways of dealing with life's challenges. What matters to me is understanding your individual perspective rather than making assumptions about what you need.

 

Why the relationship with yourself matters to me

At the heart of my counselling philosophy is the belief that the relationship we have with ourselves shapes how we experience the world.

 

The way we see ourselves, understand our emotions and respond to challenges can affect our wellbeing, our decisions and our relationships with others.

 

I value authenticity, trust and respect, and believe that meaningful counselling begins with creating a space where you feel safe to be yourself.

 

I aim to meet you where you are, without judgement or expectations about how you should feel or what you should do.

 

My approach to counselling

My counselling style is solution-focused, drawing primarily on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), alongside person-centred and emotionally focused approaches.

 

I work collaboratively with clients, exploring their thoughts, feelings and circumstances while considering what changes might be helpful.

 

Rather than following a fixed agenda, I encourage you to focus on what matters most to you. You decide what you're comfortable sharing and what you would like to achieve.

 

I particularly enjoy working with couples, helping partners better understand themselves and each other, improve communication and work through relationship difficulties.

 

I also support individuals experiencing anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, relationship challenges and significant life transitions.

 

My qualifications and professional development

My educational background includes psychology and counselling studies in New Zealand and Europe.

 

Education

• Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Guidance – Massey University (in progress)
• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology – Massey University
• Diploma in Counselling and Psychology – University Nord
• Diploma in Psychology – University of Tartu, Estonia

 

Additional training

I have completed further training in areas including:

 

• Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder support
• Trauma-informed approaches (Trauma Toolbox)
• Gender transition and mindful sex
• Suicide prevention (LifeKeepers)
• Cultural competency (CALD)

 

I believe in continuing to learn and develop professionally. I undertake regular professional supervision and further training to expand my knowledge and the ways I can support clients.

 

What to expect when working with me

I understand that beginning counselling can feel like a big step, particularly if you've never spoken to a counsellor before.

 

Our first session is an opportunity to get to know each other, explore what brings you to counselling and discuss what you would like support with.

 

You don't need to have everything worked out beforehand, and there's no pressure to share more than you feel comfortable with.

 

Sessions generally last around 50 minutes. We can focus on the past, present or future, depending on what feels most helpful for you.

 

You also have flexibility in deciding how often you attend and how many sessions you would like.

 

My aim is to provide a calm, private and respectful environment where you feel heard, understood and supported.

 

Counselling in Whangarei and online

I offer individual and couples counselling from my private studio in Whangarei, as well as online sessions for clients throughout New Zealand and beyond.

 

Counselling is available in English, Swedish and Estonian.

 

Would you like to know more or make an appointment? Please feel free to contact me.

 

Jana

Counsellor
Professional Member IAC

Ook te vinden op

Je kunt mijn praktijk ook vinden op de onderstaande platforms:

• Therapycounselling.net
• Therapycouples.net
• Anxietyfearphobia.net