Tuatara Counselling Services, from the beginning

About Us

Jacqueline Chartrand-Glenn arrived in Aotearoa 15 years ago living in Hawkes Bay until relocating to Taupo at Easter this year. Thus, her free time is currently spent exploring the nature that abounds locally. She is a Mum of 3 adult children, 2 are whangi and all are currently overseas.

Jacqueline is Member of New Zealand Association of Counsellors and is an ACC Accredited Counsellor. Having qualified as a Youth Worker in her first year here before completing her tertiary studies: Graduating with Degree in Counselling (BASS) and a Diploma Integrative Psychology (Hakomi).

Her career has seen her work in both rural and urban communities and her clients have ranged in age from 4 to 84. She has experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, relationships, children’s challenges, communication, parenting and stress. With many years working for a variety of NGO’s before going into Private Practice almost 3 years ago.

Her passion is children and young people supporting them and those around them to work through their challenges, heal from their trauma and support them to achieve their goals now and in the future. The name for her business came from a ‘meeting’ with a Tuatara a sense of connection, wisdom, knowing that had a lasting effect on her.

Safe, non-judgemental counselling

Jacqueline uses an integrative approach with clients aware that each of us is unique and therefore our challenges and the way we work through them will be different. She will work with you to help you achieve what you need to from your appointments.

Jacqueline skill is in her ability to create safe therapeutic relationships where clients, often for the first time, feel able to explore their life challenges. Primarily using Person Centred & psycho-educational tools Jacqueline also specialises in Sandplay Therapy. She has a particular interest in creative therapies, aware that sometimes the 2nd hurdle is to verbalise the challenges one is experiencing: 1st hurdle being making the call, the appointment.

Children arrive not really knowing about counselling. Clients are welcomed at the door, and initial appointments begin with introductions and a chance for clients to settle in. Jacqueline meets with children after she has met with parents/caregivers. Each of the children’s appointments begin with a story, game, some psycho-ed exploring/learning before going into the Creative Space and embarking on their Therapeutic Sandplay Play.

Physical environment/Atmosphere

Jacqueline’ offices are in the CBD and on the 2nd floor (19 steps) with free 1 hour on street parking. Her rooms are bright and airy with a homely feel. She has two therapeutic spaces, one with chairs, sofa a place for traditional talk therapy. The other space is full of colour, a safe, fun space for more creative Therapies.

Counselling has proven beneficial for all ages, cultures and backgrounds. For all queries please check out our website or give us a call today for an informal chat.