Free counselling with Massey student counsellors in training
In partnership with Massey University
We’ve teamed up with Massey University to offer free and affordable online counselling with student counsellors currently completing their Master of Counselling.
You can access up to three sessions free, with continued support available for just $20 per session, or $50 for a 3-session pack.
All students are supervised by qualified professionals and bring empathy, energy, and a fresh approach to supporting your wellbeing.
Meet our current student counsellors below. You can learn more about their approach and book directly through Halaxy using the links provided. Please note our students only see mild to moderate clients.
Dharshi Ponnamapalam
Women’s/ Family Counsellor
Kia ora, I’m Dharshana (Dharshi) Ponnampalam.
My hope is to offer a space where people feel safe, seen, and supported, especially when life feels heavy or uncertain.
My background is in counselling, social work, and education, and over the years I’ve walked alongside children, young people, and women navigating things like anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and major life changes. I’m particularly interested in the experiences of migrants and women moving through complex emotional landscapes, often quietly.
I bring a person-centred approach that’s grounded in trauma-informed practice. I often draw on mindfulness and somatic tools, guided by curiosity and care. I’m currently studying towards a Master’s in Counselling, continuing to grow in ways that help me better support others.
I know that sometimes just getting through the day can take a lot. If you’re carrying things that feel too much to hold alone, this is a space where we can safely explore what matters most to you, your strengths and options, and move toward your goals.
Sarah Young
Recovery and Cultural Counsellor
Hi, I’m Sarah.
A postgraduate counselling student who offers a calm, supportive space for people who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to make sense of what they are carrying. You might be living with the effects of past experiences, navigating complex emotions, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others. Sometimes it can be hard to find the words, or to feel confident that your story will be received with care.
My approach is gentle, thoughtful, and collaborative. I’m particularly interested in how people understand and narrate their experiences, especially when those experiences feel complicated or shaped by trauma. Together, we can take time to explore what feels important to you, at a pace that feels safe, and in a way that honours your own meaning-making process.
I aim to offer a respectful and non-judgemental space where you feel listened to and supported, whether you are looking for clarity, relief, or simply a place to talk things through. Counselling does not have to have a fixed agenda. We can focus on what feels most present for you and what support might look like right now.
Book Online Counsellors
Unsure if a student counsellor is the best option for you at this stage? You can browse our other counsellors and make a booking with one of them instead.