Kōwhai
Therapeutic
Services (KTS)
The KTS Co-founders and Counselling Team
Sam and Steph - KTS Co-Founders and Counsellors
We are both extremely passionate about mental health and helping others in their personal growth. Together, we have over 30 years of experience in mental health education, psychology, and counselling.
Sam Dudek
Founder, Mental Health Educator & Counsellor
Steph O'Brien
Founder, Mental Health Educator & Counsellor
Steph has a decade of experience in the field of mental health, honing her skills as both a teacher of psychology and neurobiology. With a passion for helping others, she has dedicated her career to developing her counselling abilities, working with a diverse range of individuals including teenagers and adults.
Steph’s qualifications include:
Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
Masters of Teacher and Learning (Distinction)
Postgraduate Certificate in Public Health
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling
Papa Reo NZ Certificate in Te Reo Level 1
NZ Tikanga Certificate
Courses include:
QPR suicide triage training
John Henden Solution Focused Suicide training
Restorative Practice one-to-one training
Restorative Practice group situations training
Restorative Practice high-end situation training
Restorative Conferences training
Restorative Practice Mini Conference Training
Restorative Circles training
Restorative Essentials training.
Sam has worked as a teacher of psychology and counsellor for twenty years. During this time, Sam has taught a broad range of psychological theories, mental health issues, behaviors, and emotional regulation strategies. Sam's experience and qualifications are unique in Aotearoa, as she holds a postgraduate qualification in teaching psychology. As a counsellor, Sam incorporates her understanding of psychology into her practice to further her client's well-being.
Sam's qualifications include:
Bachelors in Psychology and Counseling (Hons)
Postgraduate Certificate of Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling
Courses include:
QPR suicide triage training
Quetzal Specialist in-house training in how to work with childhood sexual abuse
Restorative Practice one-to-one training
Restorative Practice group situations training
Restorative Practice high-end situation training
Restorative Conferences training
Restorative Practice Mini Conference training
Restorative Circles training
Restorative Essentials training
Sam and Steph's qualifications and experience demonstrate their extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of mental health and education. The range of courses they have completed, such as QPR suicide triage training and Restorative Practice training, showcase their commitment to staying current with the latest practices and techniques in the field, and being able to provide the best service to their clients.
Affiliations
Members of NZAPP
Provisional Members Registered with NZAC