“We develop in relationship, hurt in relationship, and are healed in relationship.”

Johanna Capill is a qualified counsellor with 15 years experience, providing counselling services at her practices in Rangiora, Loburn, and Shirley, Christchurch. Johanna’s practice, Willowburn Counselling, is based on the belief that we are all relational and need connection with another: We develop in relationship, hurt in relationship, and are healed in relationship.

What does counselling with Johanna look like?

Individual counselling

Whether you are trying to manage anxiety, depression and anger, or suicidal ideation and addictions, Johanna can help with what is present for you in the here and now.

Relationship counselling

We all have a need to connect to another for healthy living. Understanding our early life relationships, and the significance of emotion and holistic experience in the present moment, plays a significant role in the process of change.

Equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP)

Willowburn’s rurally located practice involves horses and ponies in the EAP counselling process, helping you in the present holistic experience and to the understand the significance of emotions and relationship patterns.

Horses model safe relationship and are socially connected with each other.

The new experience of safe relationship - where the practitioner and the horse are the safe other - will encourage new neurological pathways and developments in the brain.

The presence of the horses often evokes surprising emotional and other responses.

The inquisitive nature and majestic presence of safe and healthy horses will invite a response from you, often leading to a new experience and discovery.

Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT) and Gestalt Therapy

EFT and Gestalt therapy focus on the significance of emotion and holistic experience in the present moment - in the here and now - with these playing a big role in the process of change.

Counselling sessions can be in-person or online

The recent pandemic has demonstrated that counselling through these media can still be very effective when people are unable to attend in person.

Finding the right tools to help you make choices.

Drawing on other counselling modalities, such as Person-centred, Narrative, Solution Focussed (SF) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), helping you find the right tools that work for you.

I pay attention to your body language both in the room or with the horses outside.

Working with what is present for you, in the here and now, giving you opportunities to learn to regulate your aroused nervous system through breathing exercises and mindfulness practise.

The counselling methods mentioned above are tailored to your individual needs.

You are never forced to do anything that does not feel safe in counselling. Johanna’s goal is to encourage and re-enforce your ability to make choices that are beneficial for you.

About Johanna

After immigrating from Holland some 35 years ago, living in a different culture, getting married, and having children, my longing to understand the human psyche only increased, culminating my embarking on part-time and online studies in the areas of counselling and pastoral care about 15 years ago. During that time I also gained considerable practical experience, initially in connection with my studies. Following graduation as a counsellor, I began practising from Loburn, Rangiora, and more recently in Shirley, Christchurch.

Having a life long love for horses, I find great joy in teaching people to ride, and seeing the relationship develop and deepen between person and horse. This has naturally progressed into Equine studies and my desire to include horses in the counselling process.

Certified EAP Practitioner

I am a member of several professional associations, including the International Centre for Excellence Community in Emotionally Focussed Therapy and the Equine Psychotherapy Institute, and am approved as a counsellor for the I Am Hope Trust.

Qualifications

Professional Association Memberships

Membership & Accreditation In Progress

Professional Supervision

I receive regular supervision for the different professional associations.

Get In Touch

Contact Johanna today, and either book an appointment at Willowburn Counselling’s practice closest to you, or arrange a counselling session over the phone, or online via Zoom.

  • Address

    Shirley, Christchurch
  • Address

    Rangiora, North Canterbury
  • Address

    Loburn, North Canterbury