The Salvation Army Johnsonville counselling centre is a professional agency which operates under the code of
​ethics of New Zealand association of counsellors.

We provide a safe, non-judgemental and accepting environment for you to work through your issues. Our Counsellor is a qualified professional who believe that there is a God who cares for everyone and that love can change, heal, restore and give hope.
 
You can expect to be treated respectfully, to receive quality professional care, complete confidentiality at all times, your beliefs and cultural differences to be respected and to have the right to make your own decisions.

​A counselling session is generally 50 minutes. The Centre has established an affordable fee structure. If you are on a benefit or low income, there is provision for subsidized counselling.

About our Counsellor

Lakshmi is Sri Lankan born but grew up in Zambia.  However, she has lived in New Zealand most of her life. She is a mum of 3 young adult children. As a counsellor she brings with her a deeper understanding of cultural knowledge and the connection or lack of connection to their own culture.  She became a counsellor through her own life challenges, with many suggesting she studies counselling.  Drawing from her experience and wisdom she gained, she has better insight into human behaviour.  Lakshmi believes that adversities can break us or make us.  She likes to walk along with clients not treating them as clients but as people who are needing someone to journey with them in that season of their life.  She does not like to see people as clients but people visiting The Salvation Army (TSA) where she has an opportunity to build a deeper connection with.  Lakshmi never takes this for granted as she sees it as a privilege and honour to listen to people share their stories.  She does this through her natural gentle manner, unassuming and being open to caring.  Lakshmi has a bachelor’s in counselling and uses the different theories and modalities alongside with art, play and cooking to connect with each person.  To name some of the areas she has worked in: depression, anxiety, unemployment, self-harm and suicide, her clientele range from young children to the elderly.  Lakshmi is a member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors and expands her knowledge with attending courses when she is not working.

Lakshmi Prendergast

If you have any enquiries or would like to book an appointment, please click the button below to fill out your details & The Salvation Army Counsellor will be in touch.

Get in touch to find out more