Counselling

Yvonne perceives her opportunity in Vision College as her path to serve the LORD. She prays for a humble soul to perform her role. Yvonne is specialized in working with children with developmental, behavioural or emotional challenges. She also has years of experience in family therapy, individual emotional-behavioural therapy, marital counselling and parenting education. She is a member of NZPB, BACP and BPS.

Academic wise, Yvonne has been teaching psychology and counselling in the universities since 2000. Yvonne’s doctoral thesis explored the effectiveness of mindful exercise in alleviating stress, anxiety and enhancing holistic wellbeing. Her research interests also include the neuropsychological aspect of emotions and intervention for children with special educational needs. Yvonne has a bachelor's degree in psychology as well as three master’s degrees in counselling, neuroscience and child & family psychology.

In her leisure time, she enjoys watching drama, colouring and having delicious food.

I have always been fascinated by how things work, so perhaps my first career was inevitable, and I spent 25 years as an academic at the University of Canterbury teaching Chemistry. Some tough family events, friendship  with a group of Christian GPs, and my own tendency to be drawn to others who struggle, led me to change direction, train in psychotherapy and work for 20 years at the Arahura Centre in Christchurch. I have always loved to teach; when my wife died and I was offered the opportunity to join the Counselling programme at Vision College, I was glad do so. I delight in seeing students change and grow to become effective counsellors.  I haven’t let go of my Chemistry – I am still a member of the NZ professional body, I am secretary to the Trust which manages Arahura, and I am a retired member of the NZ Association of Psychotherapists. I have been blessed to have so many supportive colleagues over the years. When my ageing system allows me I enjoy landscape and macro photography.

Cobus holds a Masters degree in Theology, honours in Psychology and post graduate training in counselling. He worked in the South African Air Force as Chaplain where he had a vast experience as counsellor.  During this time he had great opportunity to be creative and supportive, while also developing perseverance and resilience through difficult circumstances.  Cobus’ passion as a tutor lies in helping people to develop and grow.  When time allows he loves to cook and travel.

G’day and kia ora.

Simply, I want to see people become all that they can be, including having awesome relationships and living a fulfilling life.
I know that sometimes it is hard to look at who we have been, the things that have been done to us by others, and the possible ways that we might be able to grow into the future.

I work part-time at Vision College School of Counselling, with a focus on counsellor formation, sociology and biculturalism. I also work at The Arahura Centre with clients in a ‘eclectic Person-centred’ way. Some areas of therapeutic interest for me include; people, relationships, masculinity, addiction, purpose, sex, anxiety, pornography, anger, depression, creativity, children, spirituality and spiritual abuse.

I am married to Ruth and together we have two awesome school aged sons. Things that turn my head include: Triumph Motorcycles, well planted veggie gardens, vintage fighter air craft, community development initiatives, pizza ovens, books with swords on the covers, music played with passion, angry guitar sounds, steam trains, forests, historic epics and people doing really well at being themselves.

I have a 7 year old son at kura kaupapa and we live in South Brighton by the sea. Among other things, I enjoy yoga, making music, travel and currently learning te reo. My background is in foreign languages and linguistics, working as a teacher and a tour guide. 

I completed a post-grad Diploma in Narrative Therapy in 2009 and went on to study other modalities and to do a Masters in Social Practice. I’ve worked in Mental Health, the Addiction field and in other roles but currently in private practice as a HypnoBirthing Practitioner and counsellor. One of my greatest passions is teaching. I believe it’s the best way to both learn and be of service. I feel inspired and grateful to work at Vision College.