years of experience
Andrew and Susannah Connolly bring over two decades of experience in counselling, spiritual direction, supervision and debriefing, offering compassionate support to individuals, couples, and families. Andrew, a qualified counsellor with a Master’s in Counselling, works with men and young men (10+), focusing on life transitions, spiritual and sexual abuse, sex addiction recovery, anger, parenting, and contemplative practices. He believes in helping people connect with their strengths and values to move towards healing and purpose. Susannah offers a gentle, creative, and contemplative approach in her work as a spiritual director, counsellor, and supervisor. She creates sacred spaces where individuals can listen deeply, explore their inner life, and respond to God’s presence with honesty and hope. Both Andrew and Susannah are passionate about working holistically—honouring the emotional, relational, and spiritual dimensions of each person’s journey. Through counselling, spiritual direction, supervision and debriefing, they provide a safe, grounded, and spiritually sensitive environment for reflection, growth, and restoration.
At Counselling Creatively Ltd we have a high regard for the human soul. We work sensitively with the whole person and seek to honour your life's journey and the things that are important to you. We are well qualified experienced and supervised. We are members of relevant professional associations eg NZCCA, ACSD, NZCEFT, APSATS.
M.Ed. (Hons) Counselling, University of Auckland (UoA)
B.Min. (Bachelor of Ministries), BCNZ
Cert. HRD (Human Resource Development), UoA
Graduate Certificate in Career Development, AUT
Registered Counsellor with NZCCA (NZ Christian Counsellors Association)
Member of ACSD (Association of Christian Spiritual Directors)
ERCEM trained to work with couples
Certified by C-SASI (Christian Sexual Addiction Specialists International)
CCSAS (Certified Clinical Sexual Addiction Specialist – C-CASI)
CCPS (Certified Clinical Partner Specialist – APSATS)
NZCEFT Level 2 – Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT for Couples)
Director, Counselling Creatively Ltd
Andrew grew up in the Huapai/ Helensville area and after time in other NZ cities and four years working in the squatter communities of Asia he returned to the Helensville area in 1996. Since then he completed a number of qualifications including a Masters in counselling. He has worked as a counsellor with men, young men (10+) and their families since 2002. Andrew specialises in transitions, spirituality, spiritual and sexual abuse, sex addictions, clearing anger, parenting, contemplative spiritual practices, supervision, debriefing and community development. The thing I love about counselling is the privilege of engaging deeply with people and supporting them to identify their strengths, values and motivations and move towards their goals and dreams in life. I believe we only have one shot at this life and we need to risk making the most of it.
Susannah works contemplatively & creatively in her Spiritual Direction, counselling, Debriefing and Supervision work. Together we create a sacred Space to tune into the voice of love and hear the invitation being offered. We tend to the garden within, what season it is in, what needs are there. How might we respond to God’s intimate welcome? I work with all areas of life and experiences, I am a constant learner myself in the ways of God and have Supervision and Spiritual Direction monthly. I love to create retreats for people, couples and families with rhythms of healing work, and rest and fun play as well. Andrew and Susannah have two grown children one gradchild and have lived in the South Kaipara most of their lives.