https://www.brighterpathways.co.nz/home daily 1.0 2026-08-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3ea4e43642d39095ee994/1612420514222-0A10UQUL6ZQR5XU2MR0I/Nicole%27s+Cottage.jpg Home A safe place to grow. Healing happens within safe, trusting relationships. My priority is to create an environment where children feel accepted just as they are, without pressure or judgement. As trust develops at their own pace, they are able to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in ways that feel safe and meaningful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3ea4e43642d39095ee994/1607908860765-SI1HWF8F2MMN40ZNJDO1/IMG_9668.jpg Home Through play, your child will communicate When working with children, I primarily use Child-Centred Play Therapy (CCPT). Just as adults often express themselves through words, children naturally communicate through play. In a safe, accepting, and supportive environment, play becomes their language, allowing them to express thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may be difficult to put into words. Through this process, children can work through challenges, develop healthy coping skills, and build emotional resilience at their own pace. https://www.brighterpathways.co.nz/contact daily 0.75 2026-05-18 https://www.brighterpathways.co.nz/get-started daily 0.75 2026-05-18 https://www.brighterpathways.co.nz/services daily 0.75 2026-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3ea4e43642d39095ee994/1610585030604-CHV4GYY5CK4T6T5FRT27/AdobeStock_229815455.jpeg What Services Do I Offer | Brighter Pathways - “Enter into children's play and you will find the place where their minds, hearts, and souls meet.” — Virginia Axline. https://www.brighterpathways.co.nz/how-it-works daily 0.75 2021-02-01 https://www.brighterpathways.co.nz/about daily 0.75 2026-08-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3ea4e43642d39095ee994/1611193554556-L1IMSFMR7HKYCL0OAGY0/fullsizeoutput_3b3f.jpg About Nicole | Brighter Pathways - About Nicole I am an experienced counsellor who is passionate about supporting children and young people to navigate life's challenges. I provide Child-Centered Play Therapy for preschool and primary school-aged children in Rolleston, and I also enjoy working alongside young people as they discover their strengths and develop healthy ways to cope with life's ups and downs. Building a trusting, supportive relationship is at the heart of my work. I believe that when children and young people feel safe, accepted, and understood, they are better able to express themselves, process difficult experiences, and develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive. I have experience supporting children and young people with anxiety, fear, sadness, low mood, anger, bullying, self-esteem challenges, grief, and the impacts of trauma. I am also a registered ACC Sensitive Claims Counsellor. If you are unsure what support would be most appropriate for your child, please get in touch. I'd be happy to talk with you about your concerns and help you find the pathway that best meets your child's needs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fd3ea4e43642d39095ee994/1607991339100-HF9ERQVO91LRLOQ33LGL/IMG_9650.jpg About Nicole | Brighter Pathways - My Counselling approach I have over ten years of experience working with children and young people. My journey began as a youth leader at a local youth group before working as a relieving primary school teacher while completing my counselling training. Since then, I have worked as a high school counsellor, provided counselling support within local primary schools, and for the past five years have been in private practice, supporting children, young people, and their families. I believe children experience the greatest benefit when the important adults in their lives are part of the process. Where appropriate, I encourage parents and caregivers to be involved in counselling so we can work together as a team to support their child's emotional wellbeing and development. My approach is centred on building safe, secure relationships and strengthening the foundations that help children and families thrive. By working collaboratively with both children and their caregivers, I aim to create lasting positive change that extends beyond the counselling room.