Tom Atkinson
Wellbeing
Life can feel out of balance at times—whether that’s through stress, anxiety, or challenges with alcohol or drug use.
I’m a fully registered Alcohol and Drug Counsellor with nearly a decade of experience supporting people to regain a sense of stability, wellbeing, and control. I offer a calm, non-judgemental space where we can work through what’s going on and find a way forward that feels right for you.
Hi, I'm Tom
You’ll often find me running the trails of Whakarewarewa Forest in my home town, Rotorua. If I'm not there, I'm discovering new cafes, or simply enjoying time with friends and family. I'm a husband and a father to a lively five-year-old daughter. I practice balance in life through exercise, quality time with family, and making space for rest, curiosity, and laughter.
You'll find I'm someone who values some of the simplest pleasures in life - a meaningful conversation, a well-cooked meal, a decent coffee, or simply the sun on my face. I bring that same appreciation for the small, grounding things into my work, helping people navigate life’s challenges with a real down-to-earth approach.
Discover the joy of meaningful change
Meaningful change often happens in small, quiet ways—through shifts in perspective, small steps forward, and the moments where things start to feel just a little more manageable.
I take a grounded, down-to-earth approach to counselling, helping you untangle what’s weighing you down, explore what truly matters to you, and take practical steps toward change.
Together, we’ll focus on building patterns and strategies that last, recognising progress along the way, and finding a sense of balance that helps life feel a little lighter—one step at a time..
What I Offer
Alcohol and Drug Counsellling
I provide a supportive, non-judgemental space for people who are concerned about their alcohol or drug use. With nearly a decade of experience in alcohol and drug counselling, I work alongside you to better understand what’s going on and support you to make meaningful, lasting change.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure if your use is a problem, we can explore practical ways forward at a pace that feels right for you.
Support may include:
- Comprehensive alcohol and drug assessment
- Goal setting and personalised treatment planning
- Understanding patterns of use and triggers
- Developing healthier coping strategies
- Reducing harm or working towards abstinence
- Managing cravings and relapse prevention
- Building confidence and stability
Support for life's Challenges
Life can feel overwhelming at times, and you don’t have to manage it alone. In addition to my experience in addiction counselling, I am highly experienced in supporting people with anxiety and worry - including the racing thoughts, physical tension, and sense of overwhelm that can come with it. I have also supported people through a wide range of mental health challenges, including depression and everyday life difficulties.
I provide a calm, supportive space to help you make sense of what’s going on and find a way forward.
This may include support with:
- Anxiety, worry, and the physical symptoms of stress
- Low mood or depression
- Stress and overwhelm
- Relationship or family challenges
- Work-related pressure or burnout
- Major life transitions
- Feeling stuck, lost, or unsure about the future
Clinical
Supervision
I offer professional supervision for individuals working in health, social services, or related fields. My approach is supportive, reflective, and focused on both professional growth and personal wellbeing.
Supervision can support you to:
- Reflect on your practice in a safe space
- Navigate complex client situations
- Maintain ethical and professional standards
- Prevent burnout and compassion fatigue
- Build confidence in your role
I offer supervision for practitioners who are either working towards registration with the Drug and Alcohol Practitioners’ Association Aotearoa New Zealand (DAPAANZ), or are already registered, and are seeking a supportive and reflective space for their professional development.
What my clients say about me
"Working with Tom feels refreshingly real. He has this way of making even tough conversations feel grounded and manageable, and you can tell he genuinely values the small, meaningful moments in life. Whether it’s a laugh, a thoughtful insight, or just helping you see things clearly. I always leave our sessions feeling lighter, more focused, and ready to take the next step forward."
“I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, I was in a pretty dark place. But sessions with Tom finally felt like I was talking to someone who actually gets it. He listens, keeps it real, and somehow makes the hard stuff feel a bit lighter. I left our first session feeling like I could make sense of things I couldn’t work out on my own, and that’s been worth more than I expected.”
What to expect in a consultation
Sessions are warm, grounded, and straightforward, with a pace guided by what feels right for you. I value honesty and real progress - taking time to acknowledge the wins, explore challenges thoughtfully, and offer perspective when it’s helpful (and sometimes a bit of well-placed humour too).
Most people leave sessions feeling clearer and lighter, with practical steps they can use straight away.
Sessions run for 50–60 minutes and are $140 per session. You may also choose a six-session package ($750), as therapeutic progress and sustainable change often emerge through ongoing work together.
Get in Touch:
Reaching out for support can feel like a big step - but you don’t have to do it on your own.
If you’re ready to make a change, or even just want to have a conversation about what’s going on, you’re welcome to get in touch. I offer a safe, confidential space where we can take things at your pace and work out what support feels right for you.
You can contact me to book an appointment or ask any questions - there’s no pressure, just a starting point.