New Year, New Expectations? Why Now is a Good Time for a Kōrero.

leticia_tweakstowellness
Jan 5
3 min read

The start of a new year usually comes with a lot of noise about "fresh starts" and "resolutions." But for many of us, January doesn’t feel like a clean slate—it feels like a mounting pressure.

Whether you’re a student bracing for a new year of study, a professional questioning your career path, or someone navigating the quiet shifts of midlife or retirement, these transitions can be surprisingly heavy as we create many expectations for ourselves.

If you’re feeling more overwhelmed than "refreshed," I want you to know that’s okay. You don’t have to carry the weight of 2026 alone.

Support for Every Season of Life

Life doesn't happen in a straight line, and neither does mental health. We often think of counselling as something for "emergencies only," but it’s actually most powerful as a space to gain clarity before life feels like it’s boiling over.

For the Young & Young Adults: Navigating the "what now?" phase of school, uni, or first jobs.
For Those in Midlife: Balancing the "sandwich generation" pressures—caring for children and aging parents while trying to find your own identity again.
For the Later Years: Navigating the shift into retirement or managing the changes that come with a new season of life.

Counselling isn’t about being "fixed." It’s a quiet, safe space to offload the mental clutter and build a toolkit that actually works for your specific life stage.

Eye-level view of a quiet counselling room with a comfortable chair and soft lighting — A calm space for youth counselling in Kumeū

A Space That Fits Your Life

Whether we meet in person or connect via an online session, the goal is the same: a judgment-free zone where you can be heard.

There is no "right" age to start prioritising your wellbeing. Whether you are 16, 36 or 76, having a neutral person to kōrero with can provide the perspective needed to move forward with a bit more ease.

Making Support Accessible

One of the biggest hurdles to seeking help is the worry about cost or "where to start." In Aotearoa, there are several pathways designed to take the financial pressure off so you can focus on your health:

Youth & Young Adults: Gumboot Friday offers free sessions for those under 25.
Students: StudyLink Disability Allowance can often help cover the costs of regular counselling.
Work & Family: WINZ and Victim Support offer various grants depending on your financial situation or life circumstances.
Trauma Support: ACC Sensitive Claims provide fully funded, long-term support for those who have experienced sexual trauma.

Note: If you aren’t sure which pathway fits you, just ask. We can help you navigate the options during your first contact.

How Funding Makes Counselling More Accessible

One of the biggest barriers to getting help can be the cost. That’s why it’s so reassuring to know there are funding options available to support you. In New Zealand, youth counselling services often work with funding schemes like:

Gumboot Friday: A nationwide initiative that helps young people access mental health support.
ACC Sensitive Claims: For those who have experienced the trauma of sexual abuse or assault, ACC can fund counselling through sensitive claims.
StudyLink Disability Allowance: If you’re a student with ongoing mental health needs, this can help cover counselling costs.
Victim Support and WINZ: These pathways also provide financial assistance for counselling, depending on your circumstances or financial situation, if you meet the requirements.

Knowing these options exist means you don’t have to put your wellbeing on hold. You can prioritise your mental health without worrying about the price tag.

Close-up view of a desk with a laptop and counselling brochures about funding options — Information about funding options for counselling

Taking the First Step in 2026

It’s normal to feel a bit hesitant about reaching out. But taking that first step in the New Year is a powerful way to say, "My peace of mind is a priority."

As you head into this year, remember:

You don’t need a "big enough" problem. If it’s weighing on you, it’s worth talking about.
It’s your space. You control the pace, the topics, and the goals.
Asking for help is a strategy. It’s not a sign that you can’t handle life; it’s a sign that you’re choosing to handle it well.

You’re Not Alone

Whether you’re in West Auckland or anywhere else in Aotearoa, there is a community of support ready for you. Let’s make 2026 the year you stop just "getting through" and start feeling like yourself again.