Practitioner Reference Guide for Counsellors

Designed for counsellors practising in Aotearoa New Zealand, this A5 pocket guide is your go-to clinical companion — whether you're preparing for a session, reviewing in supervision, or reaching for a quick reference mid-day.

Packed into a printable, booklet-style PDF, this guide covers the major therapeutic modalities you use every day, each with a clear cheat-sheet summary, session flowchart, and suggested language.

What's inside:

• CBT — cognitive distortions, techniques, thought record guide
• DBT — all four skill modules (TIPP, ACCEPTS, DEAR MAN, and more)
• Motivational Interviewing — PACE, OARS, DARN-CAT change talk
• Narrative Therapy — externalising, re-authoring, useful questions
• Person-Centred / Talk Therapy — Rogers' core conditions, active listening skills
• Brief Solution-Focused Therapy — miracle question, scaling, exceptions
• ACT — the full Hexaflex, defusion techniques, values work
• Modality selection guide — match presenting issue to approach
• Crisis & safety planning flowchart
• DSM-5 quick reference for common presentations
• Client worksheets — Thought Record, Behaviour Activation Planner, Scaling Worksheet, Safety Plan, Values Clarification
• NZ resources directory — crisis lines, Māori & Pacific services, AOD, DV, youth, and more
• SOAP note template & MSE quick reference

Print it. Fold it. Keep it close. Formatted for A5 double-sided printing — print, fold, and staple for a professional handheld booklet.

Disclaimer: This guide reflects Peak Online Counselling's interpretation of therapeutic modalities. It does not represent the guidelines of NZAC or any other professional body, and does not replace clinical supervision.