Welcome
Are you concerned about your substance use - know you need to stop but can't imagine life without it?
Have you tried Cads - it wasn't for you but AA or NA seem too drastic?
Affected by a loved one with an addition?
Want a counsellor with their own experience of addiction?
Then I would love to meet with you.
About Me
I have worked in the mental health and addictions field for the past 15 years and have my own lived experience of alcohol addiction, anxiety and depression. I believe everyone is the expert in their own lives but there are times we need support when the challenges become overwhelming. I don't believe there is a one-size fits all method and I use a holistic approach incorporating aspects of narrative therapy, CBT, motivational interviewing and solution-focussed therapy to help people bring about change in their lives and to maintain that change.
I will work at your pace, in a confidential and non-judgemental manner, safely exploring the underlying reasons for your use and look at strategies to help you deal with them. I will support you to achieve your goals, whether that is to cut down or stop using completely. I welcome people of any ethnicity, gender or culture.
My Qualifications and Registration:
BHSc in Applied Mental Health; Graduate Diploma of Addictions; PG Diploma of Counselling. DAPAANZ Registered Addiction Practitioner; Member, Registered with NZAC.
Contact me for a confidential chat to see if I am the right counsellor for you.
Services
What I offer:
Have you been told you have an addiction problem but you are not sure you have? Failed your workplace drug test and been told to get help?
We can look at how your use is affecting your life and that of those around you. We can discuss what changes, if any, you want to make. We can complete the standard international assessments or a narrative-based assessment and together we can make a plan of action that is realistic for you.
Complimenting your 12-step Programme
I can complement your 12-step recovery programme with one-on-one support as issues that have long been buried with drugs and alcohol start to surface. I can provide you with coping strategies as you learn to live life on life's terms without using.
Support to help you safely stop drinking/using
I can support you to connect with community detox and rehab facilities and work with you throughout the process.
Support following Detox/Rehab
Coming out of detox or rehab into the real world can be an overwhelming experience so I can offer you ongoing support in the form of face-to-face counselling, phone calls and texts to support you in your recovery. I can also offer group support so you can be with others in a similar situation.
Affected by a loved one with addiction
I can work with partners and families on the best way to support your loved one to get well by educating about addiction and working on communication, self-care and developing boundaries.
Location and Fees
Durham Street East, Auckland Central.
Phone: 027 697 3418
Email: toni@tonifinlayson.co.nz
Fees: Individuals: $130, Couples and Families: $150.
Payment options: internet banking or cash.
Useful Links
www.12steps.co.nz - gives info on how 12-step programmes such as AA work and lists all the meetings in NZ.
www.alcohol.org.nz - provides information, advice, research and resources to help prevent and reduce alcohol-related harm.
www.drughelp.org.nz - contains info, resources and advice about drug use.
www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz - info about problem gambling in NZ and how the helpline can help.
www.netaddiction.co.nz - help and resources for computer gaming addiction in NZ.
www.thefix.com - an international website about addiction and recovery.
www.smartrecovery.org - an international self-empowering addiction recovery support group providing an alternative to 12-step programmes.
https://livingsober.org.nz - an online community aiming to support drinkers to stop drinking.