My name is Carina Gwynne ...
And I’ve had my own private practice as a professional coach and counsellor for over 10 years. My work is primarily about supporting people to shape their ideal lives, working through obstacles and providing direction, so that they are able to focus on what matters most.
I’ve been interested in human potential and solving problems for as long as I can remember. From a childhood of reading fantasy and sci-fi books, to studying psychology and philosophy at university, to raising three daughters, to now running a business where I feel I’m making a difference.
Who am I?
Originally from the United Kingdom, I’ve lived and worked in Wellington, Sydney, Melbourne, Nelson, and Christchurch. I’ve worked for government departments, training organisations, merchant banks, computer companies, and temping agencies. I’ve seen up-close how personal and professional issues prevent people from doing their best work.
I realised there was a dissonance between the exciting possibilities of our younger years, and the ‘real world’ cultural and financial pressures of our adult lives. This makes it difficult to stay aligned with our true selves and we lose track of what makes us happy. I found my way to coaching when looking for ways to solve this dissonance by supporting people to pursue paths that enable them to live up to their potential.
As a lifelong learner I’ve spent most of my adult life studying. I hold a Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences in Counselling, a Bachelor of Science majoring in Psychology, a Certificate in Counselling and Social Work, a Diploma in Psychosynthesis, and a Diploma in Professional Coaching. I am also a Full Member of the Career Development Association of New Zealand (CDANZ).
When I’m not working you can find me spending time with family, going on meandering road trips or forest walks with friends, or collecting more house plants.
"What will you do with your one wild and precious life?"
This quote of Mary Oliver‘s has always resonated with me. So many of us feel that we’re living a life not aligned with who we really are, that we’re just surviving instead of thriving, trapped between our ideals and the demands placed upon us. I want to help you move in the direction of a life based on what matters most to you, so that you can spend your one wild and precious life well.
My modalities and techniques
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
SFT is a goal-oriented and future-focused approach that highlights your strengths and abilities. By focusing on solutions rather than problems, it helps you move forward and build on what’s already working in your life.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps you identify and reshape unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, providing practical tools to build healthier habits and emotional balance. It combines cognitive restructuring and behavioural interventions to address specific challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or phobias.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT encourages you to accept your thoughts and feelings with compassion while committing to actions aligned with personal values. It encourages mindfulness and psychological flexibility to handle life’s challenges with resilience.
Psychosynthesis
Psychosynthesis integrates psychology and spirituality, helping you explore your inner world and the different aspects of yourself with creativity and mindfulness. It nurtures your sense of purpose and balance, fostering self-awareness and wholeness.
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
IFS invites you to explore the different “parts” of yourself with compassion and understanding. By harmonizing these parts, it fosters a sense of inner acceptance, self-leadership, and connection to your true self.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy empowers you to see yourself as the author of your story. By separating you from your problems, it creates space to rewrite your life in ways that reflect your values and strengths.
What my clients say: