Professional Counselling Christchurch

Professional Counselling, Christchurch

Named after the Rata tree, the Rata Counselling Centre has provided professional affordable counselling services for individuals, youth, couples and families since 1981.

The Rata tree often begins life in the branches of other native trees, eventually becoming independent and growing tall and strong. Its flowers are made up of many stalks arranged, umbrella like, around a central point to form a magnificent bloom of colour.

Like the Rata tree, Rata Counselling Centre started its life as part of the St Saviours Anglican Church but soon established itself independently in the peaceful old villa next door.

Rata Counselling Centre offers a relaxed and safe environment for people experiencing personal concerns and difficulties so that like the rata flower, they can begin to bloom. Like the word ‘rata’ which is Maori for friendly, seer and doctor, our counsellors provide warmth, compassion and their professional expertise to empower people to make positive change in their lives.

We have 15 counsellors; male and female, with a variety of professional qualifications and affiliations including:

Members of NZ Association of Counsellors (MNZAC)
Members of NZ Christian Counselling Association (MNZCCA)
Members of The Association for Analytical Psychology (MTAAP)

As a non-profit community agency, Rata has had incorporated Society status since 1983. We are grateful to all the Friends of Rata and the support we’ve received from the following organisations and trusts as it allows us to continue providing professional, affordable counselling to the community.

Child Youth and Family
The Canterbury Community Trust
Lottery Community
Christchurch City Council
Christchurch Casinos Charitable Trust
AMI
COGS
Maurice Carter Charitable Trust
Hyman Marks Trust
Ministry of Social Development
Lions Club of Christchurch Host
New Zealand Post

“Rata is proud of the service it is able to provide to meet the needs of the people in the surrounding community…”

Heather Spence, Chairperson, Executive Committee