Search Results

Request counselling at Skylight — book support for yourself, tamariki or whānau. Safe, inclusive therapy tailored to your needs, online or in-person. Request counselling For appointment inquiries and bookings, please complete the form below. For more information about our counselling, click here . The waitlist for subsidised counselling sessions is now closed until July. Please submit an enquiry form in July for subsidised counselling sessions. In a crisis, call MHAIDS on 0800 745 477. Referral is for... Myself My child A student Someone I'm supporting Your details: First name Last name Email* Phone Their details: Their name Date of birth Gender Ethnicity Address Secondary contact: Please provide details for somebody else in case of emergencies. Name Email Address Context Description of the situation and reason for counselling, including physical, emotional and psychological impacts present* Do the symptoms relate to a mental health condition? Yes No Please provide details (formally diagnosed, recommended treatment - completed, abandoned or ongoing – etc) Do the symptoms relate to past traumatic experiences? Yes No If yes, please provide details (since when, protective factors and triggers, past engagement with support due to this and what happened - completed, abandoned or ongoing – etc) Is the person wanting counselling presenting with increased risk of suicide? Yes No Please provide details (suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, support network, safety plan) Special requirements of the person wanting counselling e.g., gender of counsellor, location for counselling, diverse needs (cultural – Māori, Pasifika, immigrant; LGBTQ+) Skylight offers therapy across four locations in Wellington, Porirua, Hutt Valley and Kapiti. Please specify which location you prefer: Wellington Porirua Hutt Valley Kapiti Online (aged 12+ only) Skylight offers music therapy, creative arts therapy and talk therapy. Please choose which therapies suit your needs best.* No preference (first available counsellor) Music Therapy Creative Arts Therapy Talk Therapy Funding type* Would you be open to working with a student counsellor? Yes No Our student counsellors are in the final stages of their training and work under professional supervision. Sessions are available at no cost. Many clients find this a rewarding and supportive experience. If you would like to make a donation, please see "donate now" on our front page. Keep me updated with Skylight news and resources. Unsubscribe at any time. Submit By completing this form, you consent to Skylight Trust collecting your contact details and using them to get in touch with you about the services we provide and to share relevant updates from Skylight. You can ask us to stop contacting you at any time. We take our role as kaitiaki of your personal information seriously. If you have any questions or concerns about how your information is handled, or if you would like to access or correct your information, please contact our Privacy Officer at [email protected] . Other help Request a support pack We can provide support packs for specific situations – just ask us for what you need. Read more Support groups Skylight recognises the therapeutic value of support groups. We offer a variety of support groups for people facing tough times. Read more Other organisations There are a number of other great organisations that offer specialist support and information services for children, young people and their whānau. Read more

Bullying Bullying is the term used when a child or group of children keep taking advantage of the power they have, to hurt or reject someone else. Some of the ways children bully another child, include: calling them names, saying, or writing nasty comments about them, leaving them out of activities, not talking to them, threatening them, making them feel uncomfortable or scared, stealing or damaging their things, hitting or kicking them, or making them do things they don't want to do. An increasing form of bullying, known as cyber-bullying, can include emails, texts, phone calls and social media websites and can persist 24 hours a day. Why is bullying harmful? Some people think bullying is just part of growing up and a way for children to learn to stick up for themselves. But bullying has serious consequences - it can make children feel lonely, unhappy, frightened, unsafe and think that there must be something wrong with them. Signs that might indicate your child is being bullied include tummy aches, nightmares, reluctance to go to school and loss of confidence. They may lose contact with friends and seem isolated. Why do some children bully? There are a lot of reasons why children bully. They may see it as a way of being popular, showing off, or making themselves look tough. Some children bully to get attention, and some just like making other people feel afraid of them. They may not even realise that what they are doing is wrong and how it makes their victims feel. Why are some children bullied? Some children and young people are bullied for no particular reason, but usually it's because they are different in some way - perhaps it's the colour of their skin, the way they talk, their sexuality, their size or their name. Sometimes, young people are bullied because they look like they won't stand up for themselves. What can I do if my child is being bullied? If your child is being bullied, listen to what they are saying and be supportive. It is important to make it clear it isn't their fault. Ask your child how they have been dealing with the bullying, talk about what else can be done and what action you can both take, to solve the problem. You could help your child develop a plan to deal with bullying, including how to get help. Encourage your child to always tell an adult they can trust. Explain to them this isn't telling tales. They have a right to be safe. If your child is different in some way, help them to be proud of it. A confident child is less likely to be bullied and will also be better able to deal, with any bullying which occurs. What can I do if my child bullies others? If you discover that your child is bullying other children, stay calm. Try to find out how and why they have been behaving in this way. Explain to your child that bullying is wrong and try to get your child to understand what it's like for their victim. Tell your children that they should never join in when someone else is being bullied and that they should always try to help another child being bullied; for example, by reporting it. Tell them that by doing nothing to stop bullying, means that they're saying it's okay. Useful links: Cyberbullying | Bullying Free NZ No bully website | New Zealand Police Bullying: help and support for your child - Ministry of Education Responding to bullying - how can I support my child? | Bullying Free NZ Netsafe New Zealand's online safety organisation | Netsafe Ex-Bullies Speak Out: What Made Them Stop — And What Parents Should Know - Kiwi Families You might also be interested in: Abusive relationships Parenting Subscribe to our newsletter Looking for more support? Get insights, tools, and stories from Skylight — and a free guide to help you get started. You can unsubscribe at any time. First name Email address* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Subscribe By submitting this form, you consent and agree to Skylight Trust collecting and handling your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy . If you have any questions or wish to view or amend your information, please email us at [email protected]

Good Mood and Food This session will guide students from years 7, 8 and 9 (11-13 years old), through an informative session on the mind and body connection in relation to our food choices, how we process our thoughts and the importance of movement. You might also be interested in: The Power of Journaling Is a Worry Worrying You?

If you are feeling suicidal Are you finding yourself thinking about suicide? If you are concerned about your immediate safety or the safety of someone else – Ring 111 Why do I feel like this? We all experience life in different ways, how things effect us will depend on a variety of factors such as your age, support network, emotional resilience . Some of the most difficult experiences can be: experiencing bereavement loss major life stresses (e.g. a relationship breakdown, legal or financial problems) being abused (physical, emotional or sexual) being bullied or excluded chronic pain and chronic illness (including mental illness ) unemployment alcohol and drug use. It might be that you are experiencing a combination of the above in your life that is leading you to feel overwhelmed and distressed. You might be feeling so troubled that you are unable to sleep, eat, or enjoy anything. When you are in a place where you don't think you can keep going on, your thoughts might involve wishing you were dead or you may be thinking about ending your life. You might think that your family and friends would be better off without you. You may be feeling overwhelmed by situations in your life leading to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Although you may be feeling painfully alone right now, it is important for you to know that other people have been there and have had thoughts about ending their lives too. If you think that you are at immediate risk of taking your life: call 111 and request an ambulance. Stay on the line, speak clearly, and be ready to answer the operator’s questions visit you local hospital’s emergency department call your local Public Emergency Mental Health Service or go straight to your doctor. Each of these emergency services teams are specially trained to support people in crisis, including people feeling suicidal, and are able to keep you safe. Useful Resources Connecting Through Kōrero After a suicide | After a suicide Online fact sheets are available for download on the Mental Health Foundation website . What do I do next? There are a number of services and professionals available to help you through this difficult time. There are also things you can do, to help yourself when you’re feeling distressed or overwhelmed and thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life. It is important to remember, that you are still in control of your body and your actions. With the right steps at the right time, these thoughts can, and do, go away, even if they are really full on. If you are contemplating suicide but are not thinking about harming yourself immediately, tell someone how you are feeling, even if it is hard. Talk to a close friend, whānau member, teacher or school counsellor, anyone you can trust. Call the suicide support phone lines or make an appointment with your GP/Counsellor/Mental Health Professional. It can be helpful to have a plan in place for when these thoughts come on. Samaritans - offers confidential, non religious, and non judgmental support, to anyone who may be feeling depressed lonely or even contemplating suicide. They are available 24 hours a day. Contact number 0800 726 666 Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) Lifeline Aotearoa’s helpline and text line provides 24/7, confidential support from qualified Counsellors and trained volunteers. Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) helpline for any person who is thinking about or attempted suicide, concerned about or supporting someone else or who is recently bereaved by suicide . Need to Talk 1737 - free call or text at any time, for support from a trained Counsellor. Remember suicidal thoughts will not go away by themselves, take them and yourself seriously. With the right support you will feel better. You might also be interested in: Anxiety Suicide and rainbow communities How to build resilience Loss of health Subscribe to our newsletter Looking for more support? Get insights, tools, and stories from Skylight — and a free guide to help you get started. You can unsubscribe at any time. First name Email address* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Subscribe By submitting this form, you consent and agree to Skylight Trust collecting and handling your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy . If you have any questions or wish to view or amend your information, please email us at [email protected]

Suicide prevention Browse our articles below. To explore our full collection of resources on other themes, click here . If you are feeling suicidal Are you finding yourself thinking about suicide? Read more Suicide and rainbow communities Aotearoa has the highest rate of youth suicide in the developed world, with rates for LGBTQI+ people, even higher. Read more Explore all resources

Help your child navigate ADHD. Get Skylight’s free “Change and Loss” guide with tools, activities, and resources for parents and caregivers. ADHD support for parents & whānau Free guide to help you support your child through big emotions and everyday challenges Get the free guide Supporting a child with ADHD can bring incredible joy and connection — and it can also bring moments of overwhelm, frustration, and rapid shifts in mood or routine. Parents often tell us things like: “My child feels things so intensely.” “Small changes set them off.” “Transitions are really hard.” “I want to support them better, but sometimes I feel out of my depth.” ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference, not a behavioural problem. But the emotional world around ADHD can be big and unpredictable — for your child, and for you. To support whānau navigating these ups and downs, we’re offering a free guide designed to help parents support young people through change, strong feelings, and challenging moments. Download now — it’s free Understand feelings Learn what children need most during grief and change Creative activities 22 ideas to help tamariki express and release emotions Find strength Build resilience, hope, and connection as a whānau Understanding ADHD ADHD looks different for every child. You may notice things like: Attention Notices many things happening at once Strong focus on tasks that spark interest (“hyperfocus”) May find repetitive or less engaging tasks difficult to sustain Can be imaginative and daydream often Activity Has high energy that thrives in active, hands-on tasks Enjoys movement and can find sitting still for long periods challenging Often enthusiastic and expressive in conversations Impulsivity Acts quickly and is often willing to take risks or try new things Eager to share ideas and participate May find waiting difficult, especially when excited At the same time, many children with ADHD shine with: High energy that can be channelled into sports, play, and learning Spontaneity and flexibility Creativity and imagination which can help with problem-solving Strong focus on things they are passionate about Resilience - ability to keep going after challenges. These strengths are real and powerful — they just need the right support around them. I want the free guide What's inside the guide? Tips for talking about difficult topics — gentle ways to start conversations, what words to use (and avoid), and how to answer tricky questions honestly Common reactions in children and teens — from emotional outbursts to withdrawal, and how to respond with patience and aroha Tools for calming anxiety — including deep belly breathing, grounding exercises, and other simple practices that make a real difference Creative activities for support — 22 ideas for helping children express themselves through art, storytelling, movement, and rituals When to seek more support — signs that your child may need extra help from a counsellor or professional This booklet is designed to be practical, easy to use, and something you can return to again and again. I want the free guide About Skylight Skylight Trust is a national not-for-profit that specialises in helping tamariki, rangatahi, and whānau navigate tough times. We provide counselling (in person and online), group programmes, resources, and training for professionals. We believe no one should face grief, loss, or change alone . This guide is just one way we share that support. 24k+ Hours of therapy each year 400+ Families supported per month 130+ Schools running our programmes What support do children with ADHD need most? Every child experiences ADHD differently – their emotions, energy and reactions can ebb and flow throughout the day. Still, there are a few things that almost all neurodiverse children benefit from in the adults around them. Here are a few of the essentials: Reassurance – Children need to know they are loved, safe, and not to blame for what has happened. Honesty – Clear, age-appropriate explanations help reduce confusion and fear. Listening ears – Space to share feelings and ask questions without judgement. Routine and stability – Keeping familiar patterns helps children feel grounded when everything else feels uncertain. Patience and understanding – Reactions like anger, tears, or withdrawal are normal. They need time and gentle guidance. The full guide explains these needs in more detail and offers practical tools and language you can use to support tamariki and rangatahi through emotional ups and downs, change, and challenging moments. Help me support my child Jacob School Counsellor "Through counselling [the child] has been able to acknowledge their fear and connect with joy, family and the other protective elements in life." Glenda Facilitator "Creative activities gave the girls space to express themselves in ways that felt safe and empowering, often opening conversations that may not have happened otherwise." Noel Student "It’s different now. Before I went to Travellers I didn’t really get along with my friends. N ow I speak up to them and I’m not invisible anymore." Practical activities to support your child The Change and Loss guide includes 22 creative activity ideas that parents and whānau can use at home to help tamariki and rangatahi express their feelings and build resilience. These activities are simple, meaningful, and easy to adapt for different ages. Here are a few examples: My Wall of Hearts – Draw or cut out hearts and write the names of people who love and care for your child. Display them on the wall as a daily reminder of support. Make Whānau Handprints – Trace each person’s hand or fingerprint and display them together. A powerful reminder that everyone grieves differently, but you’re all in it together. Storytelling – Share whānau stories, both old and new. Encourage children to add their own tales, helping them see strength and connection through difficult times. Music for Comfort – Help your child create a playlist of songs that soothe or uplift them. Singing and music can sometimes express what words can’t. The full guide contains all 22 activities, along with tips for when and how to use them. Send me the guide Here’s how we’ll support you after you sign up Your free guide, instantly The Change and Loss booklet will arrive straight to your inbox — ready to use whenever you need it. Helpful emails, step by step Over the next few weeks, we’ll send you short, practical emails with tips, stories, and resources to support you and your whānau. Webinars and more resources You’ll also get invitations to free webinars and updates on new tools as they become available. You’re free to unsubscribe any time — but we hope you’ll find value in staying connected with us. Get my free guide Our funders and supporters Support your child — download the free guide We’ll send you the Change and Loss guide straight away, and follow up with more short, helpful emails. You can unsubscribe any time. First name* Email address* Yes, I want the free guide and email support series * Get my free guide By submitting this form, you consent and agree to Skylight Trust collecting and handling your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy . If you have any questions or wish to view or amend your information, please email us at [email protected]

Trauma Browse our articles below. To explore our full collection of resources on other themes, click here . Helping Tamariki and Rangatahi Cope with Natural Disasters How to manage emotional wellbeing during a disaster Read more Trauma Trauma is a response to either a one-time event or to many adverse experiences over time. Read more Abusive relationships Partner abuse is a sign of an unhealthy relationship. Read more Explore all resources

Bella - Resilience Web Series Bella focuses on how resilience is finding your voice and bouncing back. By sharing her experiences, she shows the importance of finding strength through connections and community. You might also be interested in: Trevney shares his story Rose - Resilience Web Series Practical Strategies for Self-Care and Resilience Good Mood and Food

Anxiety Anxiety is a natural part of how our body prepares for challenges, but when it becomes overwhelming or constant, it can impact daily life and wellbeing. Anxiety is a natural, though often uncomfortable, feeling of worry, nervousness, or fear when we face situations we cannot fully control. It is part of our body’s way of helping us prepare for challenges. Before a stressful event, like an exam, a job interview, or meeting new people, you might notice your heart beating faster, your breathing quickening, and your mind racing. This is your body getting ready to respond to what it perceives as a challenge or threat. Sometimes the “threat” is obvious, such as presenting in front of a group of people. Other times, it is more subtle, for example, attending a social gathering might feel like a big test of how you’ll be perceived, bringing on the same physical responses. In the short term, anxiety can affect sleep, appetite, and concentration. Once the situation passes, the anxiety usually fades. The “What If?” Loop Anxiety often comes with a stream of “what if?” thoughts, such as: What if I fail? What if they do not like me? What if something goes wrong? It can be triggered by new experiences such as starting a new school, moving to a different neighbourhood, or even watching a scary movie. This is a normal human response. What is anxiety telling us? Anxiety is important because it is part of our body’s built-in warning and preparation system. At its core, anxiety is trying to communicate: “Something might threaten your safety or wellbeing.” It alerts us to potential danger or challenge, whether physical (a fast-approaching car) or social (a difficult conversation). “You may need to prepare or act.” Anxiety boosts alertness, sharpens focus, and mobilises energy so we can respond more effectively. “Pay attention to this.” It highlights situations, decisions, or uncertainties that matter to us. In a healthy range, anxiety is protective. It helps us avoid harm, prepare for important events, and adapt to change. It becomes unhelpful when the alarm keeps ringing too loudly, too often, or in situations that are not actually dangerous. Then it can stop us from thinking clearly, taking action, or living the life we want. When Anxiety Becomes a Disorder Anxiety becomes a concern when it: Happens without a clear cause Continues long after the trigger is gone Feels out of proportion to the situation Stops someone from doing everyday activities or things they enjoy Anxiety disorders involve intense, overwhelming fear that can be triggered by specific things such as spiders, heights, or dogs, or by more general situations such as public speaking, illness, or loss. Types of Anxiety Disorders Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) : Ongoing worry about many everyday things, with a sense of being unable to control the worry. This constant anxiety often affects sleep, concentration, and overall wellbeing. Social Anxiety: Intense fear of embarrassment or judgment in social situations, leading to avoidance. This can significantly impact relationships, education, and participation in everyday activities. Separation Anxiety : Experiencing intense distress when apart from loved ones, most commonly seen in children separated from parents or caregivers. The reaction is greater than expected for the person’s age and can interfere with daily activities, such as attending school or visiting friends. Phobias: Extreme, irrational fear of a specific object or situation, for example, birds, water, or heights. This fear can lead to avoidance behaviours that interfere with daily life. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Intrusive thoughts, obsessions and/or ritualistic behaviours, or compulsions that causes extreme anxiety. These behaviours are often repeated to reduce distress, even when the person recognises they are excessive. Common Signs and Symptoms Feeling something bad is about to happen Shaking, sweating, dizziness, or vertigo Stomach aches, headaches, or chest pain Feeling out of control and unable to think clearly Avoiding situations or objects that trigger fear Panic Attacks A panic attack is an extreme version of the body’s fear response. Symptoms can include: Rapid heartbeat Shortness of breath Sweating and nausea Dizziness Fear of losing control or dying These episodes usually peak within 10 minutes and fade within about 30 minutes, but can feel exhausting. People often avoid situations linked to past panic attacks. If you experience a panic attack: Stop what you are doing and, if possible, tell someone nearby. Focus on your breathing and try grounding techniques until you feel calmer. If you feel you might harm yourself or others, call 111 immediately . Grounding technique example: Look around you, while you breathe as calmly as you can, and notice: 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell , and 1 thing you can taste. Repeat if needed. How to Support Someone Who Is Anxious Anxiety is not broken; it is a protection system that has become overactive. Acknowledge and validate what they are feeling rather than dismissing it. Face it together. Offer reassurance and stay calm, rather than trying to “rescue” or minimise their feelings. Teach coping skills in calm moments. Breathing and grounding techniques work best when introduced before anxiety strikes. Your calm matters. A steady, supportive presence helps them feel safe enough to practise courage. Getting Help Anxiety disorders can often be treated effectively with therapy, lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and in some cases, medication. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent or severe anxiety, reach out to a GP, counsellor, or mental health professional for support. Useful links: Anxiety In Children | KidsHealth New Zealand's Trusted Voice On Children's Health Anxiety In Children | School Age | Kidspot NZ Anxiety | Mental Health Foundation Dealing with Anxiety in Children & Teens - Hey Sigmund Obsessive compulsive disorder | Mental Health Foundation Listening to Families https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2019005761/parenting-teenagers-anxiety-and-perfectionism You might also be interested in: ADHD Depression Trauma Autism Spectrum Disorder (Takiwātanga) If you are feeling suicidal Family break-up Parenting Moving house? Helping your kids and teens through it. Subscribe to our newsletter Looking for more support? Get insights, tools, and stories from Skylight — and a free guide to help you get started. You can unsubscribe at any time. First name Email address* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Subscribe By submitting this form, you consent and agree to Skylight Trust collecting and handling your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy . If you have any questions or wish to view or amend your information, please email us at [email protected]

Waves Waves is an eight week programme that aims to support adults aged 18 and older who have been bereaved by suicide. The programme combines learning about suicide and bereavement, with group discussion and support. The group is facilitated by two trained facilitators over eight weeks and supports members to: meet and share with others who are also experiencing the impact of suicide explore aspects of their grief and reduce isolation and stigma associated with bereavement by suicide in a safe and supportive environment get information and strategies about how to care for themselves and others (including children and young people), after a suicide adjust to living with loss and moving forward While Skylight is no longer running Waves or training facilitators , the programme continues to be offered throughout Aotearoa. Please connect with Tony's Place to learn more about Waves facilitator training opportunities and visit the Mental Health Foundation for current Waves groups. Upcoming Dates | Areas Henderson, Tamaki Makaurau - eight weeks commencing 4th February 6.30pm - 8.30pm - to express your interest in attending please contact Christine Jones [email protected] You might also be interested in: Sound Bridge

Page not found. (Error 404) Double check the website address and retype it in the address bar—or return to homepage. Back to Homepage

Page not found. (Error 404) Double check the website address and retype it in the address bar—or return to homepage. Back to Homepage