Creative Therapy
My Approach
I'm a creative therapist, which just means that I have other tools I can use when words alone aren’t enough. My practice weaves together artmaking, movement, play and nature alongside more traditional talk therapies. I trust our bodies and breath and much as I trust our words, and I'm a firm believer in the power of play & creativity and the therapeutic capacity of nature.
Whether working with children, teenagers, adults or couples, relationships are at the heart of what I do. Relationships with each other, with ourselves and with our past and present. Those relationships influence the stories that we tell and the patterns we inhabit. Therapy can be a space to interrupt those patterns and shift those narratives, explore new ways of knowing and being and begin to hold things more gently.
Neuro-affirming Practice
As a neurodivergent creative therapist, my practice is neuro-affirming and grounded in the neurodiversity paradigm. Neuro-affirming practice means rejecting approaches or therapeutic models that reinforce neurotypical expectations or aim to ‘fix’ neurodivergent people or behaviours.
Our sessions are your time, and are a safe space where you can truly be yourself. Your emotional, sensory and physical needs are prioritised, your passions and special interests are welcomed and stimming or fidgeting is encouraged. There are no expectations to make eye contact, and no forms of communication are prioritised at the sake of others.
Our focus will not be on changing behaviours or forcing you to ‘fit in’, but instead on understanding and appreciating your own needs, reducing distress or anxiety, empowering you to advocate for yourself and supporting you to discover and embrace your authentic neurodivergent self.
The Healing Power of Nature
As humans we have an ancient and deep-rooted connection with the natural world, and nature has an incredible ability to soothe and inspire us. Being outdoors, even for a short amount of time can have lasting positive effects such as lowering stress levels, reducing anxiety and boosting our learning ability.
I offer outdoor sessions suitable for all ages and physical abilities. You choose the location and pace that works for you, whether seated on a bench in your local park, a walk on the beach or even kayaking in the harbour. The simple act of being outdoors improves our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, and amplifies and enhances the work we do together.
My Offerings:
1:1 Therapy
Weekly or fortnightly sessions, either online or in person in Auckland | 55 mins | $160 inc. GST
Couples Therapy
Ongoing or one-off sessions that give you the time and space to be curious and creative together | 2 hours | $300 inc. GST
Group Therapy
Experience the restorative power of creative community and group therapy at a fraction of the cost of 1:1 sessions | 12 x 2-hour sessions | $1195 inc. GST
Therapeutic Coaching
Structure meets substance: the accountability and practicality of coaching with the depth and understanding of therapy | 6 x 75 minute sessions | $1195 inc. GST
Get in touch
"Lee is fantastic! When I am in a session with Lee, I feel fully supported, seen, and heard. He always seems to understand the bigger picture, even when I'm not sure of it myself! I feel forward momentum when I work with Lee, and he shows up with authenticity, humour, curiosity, and compassion"
Lets kōrero
Reaching out or asking for help can often feel impossible, and so I've tried to make it super simple to get started.
The easiest way to get in touch is to send me a message. Or, if you're feeling brave and ready to get going, you can go ahead and book a free, 30 minute intro session right now. During those 30 minutes, we can talk through what is going on for you, what you'd like from our sessions, and we can see if we might be a good fit. No obligation, no pressure, and no charge.
Or, if you'd prefer, you can drop me an email at lee@leeyoung.co.nz and i'll get back to you as soon as I can.