Kia Ora, my name is James Hutton, I am a counsellor working in private practice in Otautahi Christchurch. Although I see all sorts of people in all sorts of circumstances, my specialty is working with addictions and substance use issues.

​

I have been the team leader of the Hapori Ora intensive outpatient AOD programme, as well as Manu Ka Rere, a mental health support service for 13-24 year olds across Canterbury. In addition I also teach 3rd year counselling students about working with addictions. I am lucky enough to work with some wonderful people in supporting others to reinterpret their relationships with psychoactive substances.

​

I also enjoy educating people, especially about the brain, and to this end I have created my own educational modules about the brain and how it works. It features anthropomorphic animals representing parts of the brain to help communicate concepts to people.

​

In my life I have experienced many varied and challenging environments. I have lived in New Zealand and Central Asia, taught English in Tajikistan, counselled children in Hamilton, and worked with prisoners at Christchurch men's prison.

​

I believe that for those whom I counsel, their human networks also provide them with strength to draw on. As I continue this journey as a professional counsellor, I am constantly amazed and encouraged by the resilience and strength of the people I meet, and those around them.

Appointments are $130 for 45minutes