Maternal Mental Health Counselling

You’re not alone.

Becoming a mother is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and profound changes. Our counsellors understand the unique emotional and mental health needs that come with this life transition.

Maternal mental health counsellor sitting on a couch

We provide counselling to mothers with young tamariki who are experiencing mental health challenges including postnatal depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Our Maternal Mental Health Counselling is designed to support mothers through the emotional and psychological challenges of pregnancy and postpartum. Our clients highly value this service for its compassionate approach and our counsellors are trained in a range of therapeutic models and work in a variety of ways with each individual providing personalised support.

Reaching out for help is a sign of strength.

How can I access counselling?

Our Counselling Service works on a referral system. You can request a referral from your GP or from one of these:

  • Community Mental Health and Maternal Mental Health teams 

  • GPs and primary care  

  • Self-referral, Family / Whānau referral 

  • Child, Youth and family services 

  • Community organisations 

What will having counselling be like?

  • Confidential, respectful conversations in a calm, private and safe environment

  • A collaborative, negotiated style of working and invitations to give feedback 

  • An opportunity to talk about the things that are important to you 

  • Increased ability over time to manage stressful situations and difficulties 

  • Growing sense of what is possible 

  • A focus on your skills, strengths, resources and insight 

A young woman with long dark hair smiling and holding a toddler girl with pigtails, both smiling and looking happy indoors.

One of our counsellor’s clients said:

“(My counsellor) was always so attentive and always made sure I was OK and felt heard. At first I thought therapy was daunting, but boy was I wrong. I appreciate (my counsellor) and Dayspring Trust for the work they do. Today I can say that I'm leaving and I'm able to manage my anxiety which I never thought I'd say if you asked me this a couple months ago. (My counsellor) has been amazing and I’ll be forever grateful to her.

Thank you so much for everything. I could not have done it without you.” 

Our Counsellors

Our Counsellors’ are members of either the New Zealand Association of Counsellor’s (NZAC) or New Zealand Christian Counsellor’s Association (NZCCA) and adhere to the Code of Ethics of these associations, and to the provision of the Privacy Act 2020.

Frequently asked questions

  • There is very high demand for our services, which means we sometimes have a waitlist. We will notify you or your health professional (e.g. your GP) as soon as an appointment becomes available.

  • We receive funding from philantrophic trusts that allow us to provide counselling for you for free or a minimal charge. We don’t ever want finances to be a barrier for help, so please talk to us about this if needed.

  • Our service is for mothers with a child under 5 years-old  who has:

    • mental health concerns, such as a history of mental health issues or  are experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or mood swings, our specialised counselling can help you manage these conditions effectively

    • a mental health diagnosis

  • Dayspring does offer counselling for couples for existing clients.

  • "

    “I cannot speak more highly of Dayspring & the services provided. I was referred to them when I was struggling and at a cross roads in my life. My therapist held me as I worked through this, she never rushed me and we worked together until I felt ready to finish.”

  • "

    “I have used talk therapy many times before but this experience was unique as there was no time frame for me to be done, which means that changes in myself and my life feel more solid and life-long.

    She also met me where I was at. I have complex mental health issues, and having worked with previous experts I came to her with some self-awareness and knowledge already of how my mind works.”

  • "

    “My counsellor never professed to know more than me, and allowed me at times to educate her in the specific conditions I struggle with. In doing so, she helped me become more confident at explaining this to friends, colleagues and family.

    But more than that, it built a rapport and trust, that she was truly an ally and an equal who would listen with respect and empathy and who would not talk down to me or explain things to me that I already know.”

  • "

    “Dayspring is a wonderful service, fully focussed on its mission to support women and families through crisis and through mental health difficulties. I would not hesitate to recommend them to any wāhine experiencing distress.”