How we can help you

Gaining balance in life can be a battle in itself. When something doesn't work, some of us will get up and try again, others will just give up. If you are anxious, depressed or living with a chronic physical problem, you need something that is effective and will help you not just now, but also in the long term.  At CBT West™ Pukekohe we can help you to develop the skills, tools and techniques to cope with what life throws at you. Using proven therapies and an evidence-based approach, we will work with you find solutions that are right for you.

Armed with the skills you need for managing different life events, your life will be challenging but also fulfilling. This website will give you some useful pointers to get you started.  We hope you find the information useful and if you need extra help, you can always come in to see me.

Caroline Hurst

Owner, therapist and avid paper crafter

I am a registered mental health nurse and a qualified CBT, DBT and ACT therapist. I qualified as a nurse in the UK, where I worked predominately in Community Mental Health Services. I emigrated to New Zealand 16 years ago and worked at Waitemata District Health Board for 4 years, before moving into my own private practice. I have over 30 years experience working with people in both public and private mental health care.

I established CBT West™ in 2005 to provide a service to the community of West Auckland. I have now moved to the Franklin area and have opened an office in Pukekohe. I am available for appointments two days a week, during daytime hours, at 22a King Street, Pukekohe. As well as offering individual therapy, I will also be running therapeutic groups on Wednesdays, using mixed media and creative methods as a way of teaching skills. Follow this link for my creative groups.

I am also a fourth degree black belt in a traditional Korean martial art called Kuk Sool Won™.  I have been practicing this martial art for over 20 years and am testing to become a Master.  I run two schools in the Franklin area with my wife, Jane Hurst: Kuk Sool Won™ of Pukekohe and Kuk Sool Won™ of Onewhero. I have run self defense classes for women to build their confidence, self-esteem and to look after themselves better. I also teach adults and children the importance of respect, whilst being able to help themselves and others.

Crafting for wellness

I started crafting for stress relief and quickly became hooked. I have always liked to make things, but was not always the best at it. I would give things a go and as I practiced, I got better over time. I found I needed more instruction than just watching YouTube videos, so I joined a craft group. I enjoyed the company of others and learning different crafting techniques.

In 2015 I went to my first Senz (a crafters expo in Auckland) just for the day and realised that they offer master classes during the weekend. Since then I have done a variety of classes and extended my knowledge of different craft mediums.

I will be running a therapeutic craft group on Wednesdays at my professional rooms in Pukekohe, with an emphasis on mindfulness and wellness though crafting. I also have a monthly card making group at Te Kohanga Hall on a Sunday afternoon, and hope to  start a scrapbooking group once a month on either a Wednesday evening or as part of the Sunday afternoon class.

For me, helping someone create an awesome project for a special occasion or to promote stress release and wellness is the best feeling in the entire world. After all, creating cards, scrapbook pages, and gift items is about more than just stamps and ink—it’s about sharing a part of yourself with the people you love. You can also visit my Stampin'Up website for more information on the products I used to teach crafting.

Our mission

We are a person-focused service.  We work collaboratively, confidentially and respectfully in a supportive environment, motivating people to feel able to explore their psychological problems and discover their own solutions. Through educational programmes, we build awareness, confidence and strength for those who choose to live their lives to their fullest potential.

Our values

Potential - that everyone has the potential to change and nothing is impossible.
Empowerment - giving people the skills they need to be able to help themselves.
Integrity - reducing the stigma of mental illness.
Motivation - helping people see they can.
Diversity - celebrating the strengths people bring through their culture, sexuality and spirituality.

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