Pōneke Counselling Collective
Counsellors working in Pōneke (Wellington) who take a narrative approach to counselling conversations.
Have a scroll and see if we are the right fit for you :)
Counselling
We take a Narrative Therapy approach to counselling. This shapes the questions we ask as well as the way we view those who choose to meet with us. We view people as experts in their own lives, with all the knowledge, skills and abilities they need already within them, however these may have become obscured from view by problems, difficulties or trauma. We also view the people we meet with as collaborators in the counselling conversation - you know you better than we could ever hope to. Therefore, our hope is that the questions we ask might assist in reducing the influence of the things you want less of, while making the knowledge, skills and abilities within you accessible for re-claiming your life, values and hopes.
About us
Gabrielle McGimpsey
I have lived in Poneke my whole life and love that within 20 mins I can be next to the ocean, on a bush walk or in the city.
It feels like it took awhile for me to land in work that connects with my heart but counselling is where I found that connect. I have worked in various creative fields, from graphic design to advertising, before beginning work in support of people. This led me to return to study and complete my Master of Counselling at Waikato University.
Outside of the counselling room I love to spend time with my large, loud, vibrant family (I am an Aunty to 11 nieces and nephews) and invest in my self-care of choice which is various reality TV shows.
I look forward to meeting with you and hearing about what is important to you in your life and perhaps about what is getting in the way of enjoying those important things.
If we meet together our sessions could also include Interactive Drawing Therapy, if of interest to you. I also might, with your interest and consent, write letters following sessions of questions I missed or moments that can be captured on paper to extend their life.
My hope is when you meet with me you will experience manaakitanga, being listened to, respected and safe. When we first meet together we can talk about what that looks like for you and what else might be important to you when coming to counselling.
As a counsellor I have worked with people of all ages from tamariki to Nans. The counselling conversations I have hosted have navigated many of life's challenges.
I meet with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Counselling sessions are $150 but it is important that my support is accessible, so if this amount is a barrier I can offer a sliding scale. Sessions are hosted at a space in Wellington CBD.
Use the contact form below to make an appointmnet
Emma White
Nō Airana ōku tīpuna. He uri tēnei o Tangata Tiriti. I tipu ake ahau ki Porirua, engari ki Matairangi tōku kāinga inaianei. My people hail from Ireland and I descend from the people who came to Aotearoa under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. I grew up in Porirua, but now live in Mount Victoria.
I recently completed my Master of Counselling at Waikato University where I found my passion for Narrative Therapy. My previous work has been around domestic and sexualised violence, conflict resolution, and the performing arts. I love reality tv, swimming at the beach, and my large blended family. And it's important to me that my counselling be queer-friendly.
I currently offer coaching-mentoring and have supported people in a range of legal and community-organising roles. I love exploring what interests and sustains people in their important work and other commitments. Coaching-mentoring conversations blend support (celebrating what's going well, and why), accountability (reflecting on what you want to improve, considering our responsibilities to others), and sometimes guidance (offering other ideas and stories that might make sense of difficulties). I charge $100.00 (no GST) for these one hour sessions.
I'm currently employed as a Counsellor where I support families led by solo parents/guardians, and I am not otherwise available for counselling.
I also work as a Restorative Justice Facilitator with Community Law Wellington and Hutt Valley and have done since 2013.
Use the contact form below to make an appointmnet
Groups
Current...
ThroughBlue
Gabrielle is the sole facilitator of a Wellington based weekly support group for women navigating depression and anxiety - ThroughBlue.
The group has been meeting for over 20 years under the care and facilitation of different counsellors before Gabrielle took over in 2024.
Women who have attended ThroughBlue share…
- “Good to feel ‘not alone’ and understood.”
- “The group has made a real difference in helping me start to turn things around.”
- “The weekly group gives a focus and a ‘go to’ point when all else seems unmanageable.”
Coming up...
Tree of Life
This half-day workshop can be run for workplaces and groups on request.
Tree of Life explores stories of courage and perseverance by focusing on participants’ important people, values, and hopes for living. The group is guided through a creative process, taking a minimum of three hours, as we trace/map who and what matters to you, which works to deepen knowledge and connection within teams and groups. No art skills required!
Please enquire by email and we will be in touch to discuss when might suit you.
Coming up...
Homes in Harmony: Connected Co-Parents
This eight-week programme will be hosted at Birthright Wellington (89b Thorndon Quay). We welcome Mums, Dads, and other primary guardians who want to improve communication with the co-parent(s) of their tamariki. The group will deepen and extend on the child-centred principles of Parenting Through Separation programme, which we recommend completing within the last two years to joining our group.
Please express your interest in the contact form below and one of the facilitators will call you to discuss if the programme is right for you..
Past Groups...
Support groups for Mums* going through the Family Court This six-week programme ran between July – September 2025 and was a collaboration between Birthright Wellington and Parent Help. Mums, aunties, and nannies were invited to share their experiences of navigating the Family Court and explore its effects on their lives and relationships.
Participants shared…
- “I found that there is no perfect way to parent but to be present. Talking and asking questions about your situation is the key for moving forward. ”
- “I am not alone, we are all going through challenges. I can reach out for help when needed. ”
- “This group was a key tool on navigating my situation in family court and in the way forward for me and my son. ”
Please enquire by email if you would like to discuss this programme with us. It is likely to be refreshed and run again in 2026 or 2027 so we are happy to take enquiries