An integrative therapeutic approach to coping with life transitions

A bit about me – Claire James

Kia ora, thank you for visiting my page. 

As a busy mum to two young children, I have experienced the juggle that comes with becoming a mother and some of the challenges that can arise during this period of matrescence. Nurture Well Therapy developed from my personal experience of navigating the balance between work and parenting, and my ten plus years of therapeutic experience, enable me to offer warmth, compassion and understanding to māmās. My hope is for all mothers to move towards feeling less confused, distressed, burdened, and overwhelmed – to having a more transformational understanding of their experience.

I also work with individuals facing a range of life challenges, including low mood, trauma, anxiety, stress, and work/life balance. My therapeutic approach is compassionate, confidential, and non-judgmental, offering a safe and supportive space where you can explore your experiences and reconnect with what truly matters to you.

Based in Wellington, NZ, I offer both in-person and Zoom sessions. Contact me to book a session or to find out more about how I can help. 

Enquire Here

Approach

With a background in Mental Health Nursing (BN, with Distinction) and Developmental Psychology (MSc, with Merit), I provide tailored support for individuals.

As a mental health clinician, my work is grounded in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — evidence-based approaches that support healing from trauma, reduce distress, and help you reconnect with a sense of balance and meaning. I also integrate Mindfulness-based practices and elements of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to offer a flexible, holistic approach tailored to your individual needs.

As a Certified Matrescence Practitioner, I have a deep understanding of the profound physical, emotional, and identity shifts that occur in motherhood. This perspective informs much of my work with women navigating the transition into — and through — motherhood, offering a compassionate and validating space for exploration and growth.

I am a member of the EMDR Association of New Zealand (EMDR NZ), Matrescence NZ and Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa (PADA). Before establishing Nurture Well Therapy, I worked in the Student Counselling Service (Mauri Ora) at Victoria University of Wellington, supporting young adults with a wide range of mental health and wellbeing concerns. Earlier in my career, I worked in the UK within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), supporting young people and their families — experiences that have enriched my understanding of change, resilience, and connection across the lifespan.

With over 10 years of therapeutic experience,
my areas of interest include:

  • Perinatal distress
  • Early parenthood
  • Matrescence
  • Trauma
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Emotional wellbeing in postpartum period
  • Women’s health
  • General wellbeing
  • Anxiety
  • Work-life balance

Get in touch

Based in Wellington, NZ, I offer both in-person and Zoom sessions. Contact me to book a session or to find out more about how I can help. I look forward to hearing from you!

← Back

Your enquiry has been sent

Fees and cancellation policy

My fee is $155 per hour (Inc. GST). I appreciate that things don’t always go to plan! If you are unable to make an appointment you have booked (or if you want to change the appointment), please let me know at least two working days in advance. Any missed appointments, or those cancelled with less than 1 working days’ notice will be invoiced in full.

Claire James, Wellington, New Zealand