Counsellor
Vida is originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, and immigrated to beautiful Aotearoa in 2020 with her family in search of a better, safer life. She has been a counsellor for over a decade and is incredibly passionate about supporting and empowering others. As a dedicated mother, she considers parenting one of her greatest privileges and firmly believes that children are our greatest teachers. In her free time, Vida loves dancing, being outdoors, and making memories with her family.
Professional Experience & Approach
As a compassionate, registered professional counsellor, Vida is committed to helping individuals and couples navigate life’s challenges to find greater emotional wellbeing. With an Honours degree in Psychology and more than ten years of experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and a deeply client-centred approach to her practice. Over the years, she has supported clients through a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem struggles, life transitions, and stress.
Vida’s therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and collaboration. Because every individual’s journey is unique, she tailors her interventions to meet each client’s specific needs and goals. She is dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and challenges openly.
Philosophy & Commitment
Vida’s practice centres on fostering a strong therapeutic alliance built on trust. She believes that self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth are entirely achievable through introspection and effective coping strategies. To ensure her clients receive the highest standard of care, Vida is deeply committed to continuing education. She regularly attends professional workshops, seminars, and training programs to stay current with the latest evidence-based interventions.
Education and Training
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology – University of South Africa
- Clinical Internships & Placements: Community counselling centres, police station victim support groups, employee wellness organisations, and private practices, working with highly diverse populations.
Areas of Expertise
- Anxiety & Stress Management
- Trauma and PTSD
- Grief & Bereavement
- Relationship & Couples Counselling
- Self-Esteem & Life Transitions
Therapeutic Modalities
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Mindfulness-Based Therapies
- Neuroscience-Informed Therapy
- Somatic-Based Therapies
- Developmental Model
Professional Affiliations
- Full Member: New Zealand Association of Counsellors (MNZAC)
A Note from Vida:
“Taking the first step toward counselling is an act of great courage and self-care. Counselling provides a unique opportunity to observe, reflect, and identify unhelpful patterns, opening the doorway to healthier ways of being. I am here to provide you with a safe, supportive, and collaborative space as we work together to achieve your goals and promote your emotional wellbeing. I look forward to embarking on this journey of growth and healing with you. Please feel free to reach out to discuss how we can support your path to a more fulfilling life.”
