Mr Neil Westwood, BSW

Registered Social Worker

“I am an experienced Counsellor and Group Facilitator that has been involved in clinical work for the past 10+ years. I work alongside male clients who are navigating major life transitions, coping with mental health challenges, or seeking greater self-awareness.”

About Me

Navigating significant shifts or inner challenges can feel isolating. I work alongside adult and youth clients, offering a grounded space to process major life transitions, address mental health challenges, and deepen self-awareness. Beyond individual sessions, I offer group facilitation, where shared experiences build connection and insight. My aim is for you to feel truly heard and supported, exploring how to move forward with clarity and purpose.

Approach

When life shifts feel overwhelming, I move from attentive listening into practical, paced exploration... mapping what's draining energy and what matters most. Sessions in Feilding or via secure online calls are steady and direct, pairing reflection with doable behavioural steps and brief check-ins between meetings to track progress. We focus on patterns tied to anger, control, relationship breakdown or past harm, using safety-first pacing, role practice and clinical supervision lenses when complexities emerge. This way of working tends to suit clients seeking honest, practical change and clearer direction.

Contact Neil

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Papaioea, New Zealand

In-person & Online

Services

Our In-Person Locations: Monday — Wanganui Tuesday — Hastings & Palmerston North Wednesday — Dannevirke & Palmerston North Thursday — Palmerston North Sunday — Taupō To make counselling more accessible, early‑morning and evening sessions are available. Online sessions are available Sunday to Thursday.

Services Offered:

Clinical Supervision
Professional oversight and reflective practice for clinical practitioners, ensuring quality of care and supporting ongoing development.
Counseling
A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.
Learn more about Counseling
Crisis Counseling
Immediate, short-term psychological support during an acute mental health crisis such as a panic episode, suicidal thoughts, or overwhelming distress.
Divorce Counseling
Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.
Family Therapy
A form of therapy that works with family members together to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships within the family system.
Learn more about Family Therapy
Trauma Counseling
Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.
Learn more about Trauma Counseling
Relationship Counseling
Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.
Online Therapy
Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.
Learn more about Online Therapy

Works With:

Adolescents
Adults
Couples
Elderly
Families
Groups
Individuals
Organisations
Parents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

Abuse
Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.
Anger
An intense emotional response to perceived threat, injustice, or frustration that, when persistent or uncontrolled, can damage relationships and well-being.
Learn more about Anger
Behaviour or Conduct Issues
Persistent patterns of defiant, aggressive, or rule-breaking behaviour in children or adolescents that significantly disrupt home, school, or social life.
Stress / Burnout
The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).
Learn more about Stress / Burnout
Control Issues
A persistent need to control situations, people, or outcomes, typically driven by underlying anxiety, fear of uncertainty, or past experiences of helplessness.
Divorce Counseling
Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.
Men's Issues
Psychological challenges commonly experienced by men, including difficulty expressing emotions, anger, relationship struggles, fatherhood pressures, and societal expectations of masculinity.
Parenting Support
Guidance for the psychological challenges of raising children, including discipline, communication, co-parenting, and managing the emotional demands of parenthood.
Relationship Counseling
Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.