Nel Fentiman

Introduction

Kia ora, my name is Nel (they/them)

                                                                                                  Ko wai au

Ko Awherika ki te tonga te iwi

Ko Durban te hapu 

Ko Port Shepstone te papa te whenua

I am a non-binary counsellor in Ōtepoti Dunedin. I specialize in rainbow communities and enjoy working alongside a range of diverse identities. Over the years I have worked for Mirror Counselling services, Stopping Violence Dunedin, Youthline Otago, Otago University Student Health and ACC. I have been co chair and chair of Dunedin Pride during 2018-2021. I enjoy training and upskilling clinicians on how to work competently with diverse communities as well as facilitating ACC group therapy such as RPTSD (formed 2022), Breathwork and Healing in Community (since 2023) and TOOLBOX men's group. I enjoy seeing kiritaki fortnightly while they work on other aspects of their trauma with somatic therapists, art therapists and cultural advisors. My work is eclectic and collaborative. You are the agent of change; I can provide conditions and a safe ear for change. We are our patterns however they can and do change.

Originally from South Africa, moved here when I was 15. Lived in Tamaki Makaurau for 6 years before moving down to Ōtepoti. 

In my spare time I am out and about in nature or on my motorbike! I enjoy yoga, meditation, catching up with good humans and sleep. 

I have been co-facilitating rainbow groups since 2017. Currently have three groups in operation in Ōtepoti Dunedin

Rainbow PTSD group - 22 hours

Breathwork and healing in community - 15 hours

Soul Bonsai - creative journalling as a wellbeing practice - 21 hours. 

For more info email yourhealingjourney11@gmail.com 

Qualifications

Diploma in Veterinary Nursing 2004

Bachelor of Social Services, Counselling Psychology

ACC Sensitive Claims Supervisor

EMDR level 1

MNZAC 

Experience

• ACC registered Counsellor for Sensitive Claims
• PATHA MEMBER since 2023
• Mental health Counsellor -Stopping Violence Dunedin
• Clinical Supervisor, Counsellor, Triage Case Manager- Youthline Otago
• Child and Adolescent Counsellor - Mirror Counselling - Gender Diversity Champion 2018-2019
• Group Facilitators
• Family Violence Advocate
• Speciality in LGBTQIA (Trans and Intersex friendly, Polyamory Friendly) Trainer in LGBTQIA + Clinical Service Delivery
• Triage Worker - Youthline Auckland Charitable Trust
• National Memberships: NZ Association of Counsellors