Hi, I’m Jo Hender, a Counsellor based in Richmond, Nelson. I hold a Bachelor of Counselling and am a full member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (MNZAC).

My approach to counselling is about creating a safe, supportive space where you can talk things through, make sense of what’s going on, and reconnect with your strengths. I work in a trauma-informed way, which simply means I pay close attention to safety, trust, and pacing so you can feel as comfortable as possible in the process.

I work exclusively with ACC clients who have experienced trauma, including sexual abuse, family violence, physical assault, workplace trauma, and other trauma-related experiences supported by ACC. I also support people dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, or those wanting to better understand themselves and improve their emotional wellbeing.

A strong, trusting relationship is at the heart of effective counselling. I draw on a range of approaches - including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centred Therapy - and tailor sessions to suit what you need, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

I also use psychoeducation to help you understand how trauma affects the brain, body, emotions, and nervous system. Alongside this, I bring in practical tools, metaphors, and visual resources to help make things clearer and easier to apply in everyday life. The aim is always to support you to build confidence, develop practical skills, and move forward in a way that feels steadier and more manageable.

Healing doesn’t have to be done alone. I offer a warm, welcoming space where you can show up as you are, feel supported, and take things at your own pace.