Supervised Counselling

At Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, we supervise one counselling student a year in our Tāmaki Makaurau office. This is part of our commitment to invest in Queer, Rainbow, and Takatāpui professional counsellors as they hone their skills. We believe experiencing an environment that actively destigmatises HIV is an invaluable place for counsellors in training.

We take pride in making sure our community has support people they can trust. We select our student counsellors carefully and thoughtfully — they are interviewed, reference-checked, and supervised closely.

We provide brief intervention counselling (up to 6 sessions) with contracted counsellors. However, our student counsellor is permitted to see clients for up to 10 sessions.

If you're interested and think this might suit you, please fill out the form below.

Vince Batters (he/him) — Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Kia ora! I'm Vince, a second-year counselling student completing a Bachelor of Health Sciences at AUT, currently on placement with the Burnett Foundation. I come to this mahi following a long career in the corporate sector, bringing a grounded, person-centred approach to my counselling practice, guided by empathy, respect, and drawing from my neurodivergent background and lived experience as a queer man.

I’m passionate about holding space for LGBTQ+ whānau, navigating identity, anxiety, shame, relationships, and the impacts of marginalisation. My focus is on creating a safe, affirming space where people can feel genuinely seen, heard and supported.

Outside of counselling, I enjoy running outdoors in nature, gaming, creating spicy plant-based meals, and spending time with my husband and our two small dogs.

Advantages of Seeing a Student Intern Counsellor

Burnett Foundation accepts internship placements for mature student counsellors who are Queer, Rainbow and Takatāpui, comfortable working therapeutically with intersectionality, and committed to professional development. They work under a registered supervisor and agency supervisor who review and consult with them about their client work.

Here are just a few of the many benefits of seeing a student intern:

• Student interns are dedicated to learning and enhancing their skills. They are given time to research how to best support their clients during their placement and typically carry lower caseloads to ensure they are well-prepared for their sessions.

• Clients benefit from the insights of a seasoned clinical supervisor, without the high cost. Additional sessions not available through the standard counselling pathway may be offered. Interns review their work and treatment plans regularly with a supervisor to ensure best practices.

• Student interns are fresh out of their courses and bring the most recent knowledge from their university programs — which they’re excited to apply in real-world settings.

• Student intern counsellors are flexible and accommodating. As a client, you also play a valuable role in helping these interns become the best counsellors they can be.

We are dedicated to understanding your unique needs and providing the support you deserve. From time to time, we may begin with an initial phone chat and find that your needs may be better met by another counsellor or agency. If that happens, we promise to discuss all options with you and support you to make a decision you're comfortable with.