We offer free and confidential short-term counselling, helping to equip you to deal with life's challenges.

If you're seeking support in relation to your mental health and wellbeing, consider our group programme (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Ōtautahi Christchurch, and Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington) or individual counselling services. These are generally offered online but in some locations face-to-face services are available.

This service is available to:

• People living with HIV 
• People affected by HIV (e.g. partners, whānau and friends)
• Rainbow and Takatāpui People* (including trans and gender diverse people)
• Men who have sex with men

We understand that Rainbow and Takatāpui communities are made up of many different identities. We also know that these terms don't always cover the full range of genders, sexualities, and sex characteristics in our communities. During counselling, you can share more about your identity if you want to. 

What can I talk to counsellors about?

Every person's situation is different. These are some of the types of things our clients work through with us:

• Managing a new HIV diagnosis
• Living with HIV (eg: the impact of stigma)
• Ageing with HIV
• Supporting a significant other/whānau with HIV
• Sexual and gender identity
• Sexual behaviour including sexual dysfunction and sex addiction
• Self-esteem and self-care
• Relationship issues
• Grief and loss
• Substance use and harm minimisation (Please note we are not specialists in substance use and harm minimisation)
  

Not sure what youʼre looking for but think you would like to talk to someone?

If you would like to have a supportive conversation with a Peer- we have a placement counsellor available for free who can see you for 8-10 counselling sessions.

Andrew Pang (he/him) - Pōneke Wellington

I love working alongside people on their journey towards a more meaningful and fulfilling life. I have been a practicing counsellor since 2014 working with young adults and adults in a variety of settings over the years, including community organisations, prison, high school, and university.

I identify as a Chinese New Zealander (second generation), hetero-demisexual, ethical non-monogamist, cisgendered male, and go by he/him pronouns. I grew up on the Kapiti Coast and have been living in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington) for many years now.

I work with a broad range of issues; however, I have particular interest in working with people around:

• Self-esteem
• Sexual identity (LGBTQIA+ friendly)
• Cultural identity
• Relationships and intimacy (monogamous and polyamorous/non-monogamous)
• Men’s work

In my spare time I enjoy boardgames, fantasy and science fiction books, psychology and personal development audiobooks and podcasts, and organising events.

Victoria Riddiford (she/her) - Ōtautahi Christchurch

It has been a privilege to have worked as a counsellor for Burnett Foundation Aotearoa in Christchurch for the past 14 years. During this time, I have gained a deep understanding of the unique needs of the communities we support; being people living with HIV and men who have sex with men.

I create a warm and non-judgmental space for individuals and couples to explore how they feel and get to the heart of what is needed. Helping clients get clear on what is right for them, live more authentically and in doing so, develop a deeper sense of connection with self and others.

I bring a calm presence that invites others to share whatever is challenging them in their lives, whether it be: shame, stigma, grief, relationship issues or sexual identity.

I am a registered counsellor and professional member of NZ Association of Intuitive and Pascha Therapists.

John Wickham (he/him) - Ruapehu-Taihape Region

I have been delivering counselling services for Burnett Foundation Aotearoa since 2011 and was originally based at the Āwhina Centre in Wellington. I am a gay male counsellor and live with my partner on a small lifestyle block.

My aim is assisting clients to address and resolve issues which are creating confusion and troubles in their life and relationships. At the heart of my work is enabling men to live a more wholesome sense of wellbeing so they may enjoy their precious human life with dignity, integrity and respect.

I am registered with NZAC, an accredited ACC Counsellor (Sensitive Claims), BWRT Practitioner & Family Mediator. My counselling approach is client centred and led (Narrative) as well as utilising Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT) and BWRT (Brainworking Recursive Therapy). I work part-time with a Whanganui Based Trauma agency and maintain a private practice in the Ruapehu and Taihape region”.

Sara Rose Barnes (she/her) Ngāti Rangi - Ōtautahi Christchurch

Kia ora I'm Sara, a dedicated counsellor with expertise in addiction counselling, mental health, and relationship work.

My specialization lies in sexuality and identity, and I hold a profound passion for supporting the LGBTQ+ community. As a proud member of the rainbow community myself, I bring a unique perspective to my practice. Committed to providing culturally inclusive services, I strive to create a safe and affirming space for individuals seeking support and empowerment on their personal journeys.

Sara offers both virtual counselling and in person counselling, some sessions are available on evenings and weekends also.

Dr Stella Maris Orzuza (she/her) - Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Kia ora koutou katoa, I'm Stella. In 2023, I connected with The Burnett Foundation seeking financial support for a client, and I was impressed by their thoroughness and compassion. I'm thrilled to now be a part of their team.

As a trained psychologist with multiple qualifications up to PhD level, I relocated from Argentina to Aotearoa and became a registered counsellor. My approach to therapy is holistic, integrating various clinically proven methods such as psychoanalysis, DBT, Mindfulness, trauma-informed, art and play therapy, as well as indigenous models. In our sessions, we'll explore what resonates with you, paving the way forward.

My extensive experience spans across adult mental health, community care, and education settings. I'm particularly dedicated to supporting clients from the Queer and Rainbow community.

Sessions are available in both Spanish and English. I look forward to working with you.

Lou Greene-Winters (they/them) - Pōneke Wellington

Kia ora, I’m Lou. I am a Queer, gender-fluid, neurodivergent, pansexual and non-monogamous person. A counsellor and parent to a transgender teenager residing in Pōneke (Wellington).

In my counseling practice, I focus on your unique experiences and cultural identities. My goal is to support you in feeling empowered and confident so that you can live your life with dignity. I understand that well-being means different things to different people. Counselling is but one step along the winding road to well-being, a path where you are given choices and support to make decisions that resonate with your true self. I hope that together, we create a therapeutic space that feels like a sanctuary, where your fears, hesitations, challenges, and grief can be held with tenderness and navigated at a pace that feels right for you.

My experience is predominantly in supporting people with sexuality, identity, ambiguous grief (grief unrelated to death), gender-affirming care, alternative relationships, disordered eating, addictions and lifestyle changes. I draw from an array of therapeutic modalities, often narrative therapy leaning with poetry and writing woven in, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness and guided meditations, solutions-focused techniques (SFT), brief interventions, and harm reduction strategies.

My trauma-informed practice is inclusive of sex workers and neurodivergent individuals; please let me know how I can make you comfortable. I am available for in-person sessions in Pōneke and online sessions across the motu.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Counselling and Addictions Practice and a Diploma in Psychology. I am a provisional member of the New Zealand Counselling Association (NZAC) and the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA).

Al Wilkinson (he/him) - Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Kia ora, I'm Al, a registered psychotherapist working with clients to promote self compassion and personal growth.

A proud member of the Rainbow community, I really enjoy working to support whanau via the Burnett Foundation. Everyone is welcome in my practice. I have particular experience working with issues related to:

• self esteem
• minority stress
• depression and anxiety
• identity
• gender and sexuality
• neurodivergence - specifically ADHD
• sexual health
• drug and alcohol use
• addictions
• dealing with discrimination
• dating and relationships 
• non-monogamy
• workplace issues including redundancy
• cross cultural relationships
• family issues
• parenting as a member of the rainbow community
• growing older in the rainbow community

I work in practice rooms in central Auckland, online, and at the Burnett Foundation in Freemans Bay.

If you'd like to learn more about my work go here: https://www.alwilkinson.online/

Sandra Blanco (she/her) - Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 

Hi there! 😊 I'm Sandra, a psychologist from Colombia, and I'm currently working as a provisional counsellor in New Zealand. I'm also an ACC provider. I have experience supporting clients in the workplace, NGOs, in educational settings and LGBTQIA+ friendly environments.

I'm here to support you on your journey to wellbeing, in my practice I work with families couples and individuals. I have experience of working with trauma, peaceful conflict resolution, emotional education, PTSD and crisis support. I'm also learning about indigenous psychology, which is something I'm really interested in. 

When I'm not working, I love spending time with my family, reading novels and books, and listening to music. I also really value connecting with my roots.

Karen Begg (she/her) Ngāti Raukawa - Pōneke Wellington 

Kia ora tātou. He uri ahau o Ngāti Raukawa me Pākehā. I've lived in various parts of Aotearoa and overseas and now call Pōneke home. I have been working as a psychotherapist and addictions counsellor for a decade and am always honoured to walk alongside tāngata whai ora/people seeking wellness. Change can be scary and hard, and I'm here to offer an outside perspective and cheer you on. My aim is to assist you to discover and build your own version of your best life.

I am available for in-person or online sessions.

Outside of work my passions include crochet, waiata, getting out in te taiao/nature, and my cats!

Damian Lee Ambrose (he/him) Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu- Pōneke Wellington 

Ko Hikurangi te maunga, ko Waiapu te awa, ko Ngāti Porou me Ngāti Kahungunu ōku iwi. Kia ora koutou, I’m Damian — a registered DAPAANZ practitioner and counsellor grounded in kaupapa Māori values. I believe we’re shaped by our surroundings and relationships, and that healing begins when we reconnect with what restores us. My mahi centres on addiction recovery, behavioural patterns, and building resilience through awareness of body, mind, and wairua. I also support people in understanding the echoes of inherited experience and how these influence our wellbeing today. shape our wellbeing today. I’m passionate about confronting discrimination and systems that diminish dignity, and creating spaces where people can feel safe, seen, and free to grow.

In my spare time, I love being in the ngahere - it grounds me and clears my mind. The coast recharges my energy, and riding my motorbikes brings me balance and freedom. I’m also a proud dad of two awesome kids who remind me what matters most.