Learn about Mandy
I’ve spent over 30 years working alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate relationship difficulties and life changes.
I moved to Aotearoa New Zealand with my family in 2006, and bring both professional and personal experience of navigating change, family life, and the challenges that can come with it. My children are now adults, and I value the perspective that comes with both lived and professional experience.
My approach focuses on what’s happening between people — helping you make sense of patterns in communication and relationships and finding a way forward that feels possible.
I aim to create a space that feels safe, respectful, and real — where honest, sometimes challenging conversations can happen, and where you feel heard and understood.
Professional Background & Training
I originally trained in the UK, completing a Masters in Systemic Psychotherapy with Couples and Families at the Institute of Family Therapy in London.
Since moving to New Zealand, I’ve worked in public mental health services, NGOs, and private practice, supporting people with a wide range of emotional and relational challenges.
Over the years, I’ve also trained in a range of approaches, including Gottman Couples Therapy, trauma-informed practice, Family-Based Treatment for eating disorders, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I draw on these in a flexible way, shaping the work around what feels most helpful for you.
My Approach to Therapy
My work is grounded in systemic therapy (often called family or couples therapy). This means I pay close attention to patterns in relationships — how communication unfolds, how misunderstandings build, and how past and present experiences shape the way people relate to each other. Rather than seeing one person as the problem, we work together to make sense of what’s happening and consider what might help things shift.
I am committed to working proactively, respectfully, and safely with diversity across culture, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and identity, and to creating a therapeutic space where people’s experiences are understood in context and met with care, cultural humility, and validation.
I aim to be collaborative, thoughtful, and genuine in the way I work. I will listen carefully, and at times be gently direct where it feels helpful — always with the intention of supporting clearer understanding and more open, constructive conversations.
Areas I Commonly Support
Much of my work involves supporting couples and families through complex and often painful situations, including:
betrayal and rebuilding trust
separation and relationship breakdown
blended family dynamics
ongoing conflict and communication difficulties
emotional and relational challenges within families
These experiences can be difficult to talk about, so creating a space where conversations feel safe and manageable is really important to me.
Creating a Safe, Collaborative Space
In our work together, I aim to create a space that feels respectful, grounded, and authentic.
I also bring warmth, honesty, and sometimes humour into the room where it fits. I have a deep respect for the courage it takes to seek support, and aim to offer a space where you feel comfortable, understood, and able to move forward in a way that feels right for you.
Reach out today
(+64) 021 886 408 | mandy@thecftplace.co.nz
Face to Face Therapy in Auckland, New Zealand
Providing Online Therapy from New Zealand to the World
