What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 2:30am Tuesday 8:30am - 12pm Wednesday 8:30pm - 12:30am Thursday 8:30am - 2:30pm Friday 8:30am - 1pm

Amy Benjamin Counselling

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Ponsonby
Amy Benjamin Counselling

Walk and talk nature counselling
Experience the healing power of nature and counselling

06/07/2025

Ileodictyon cibarium (basket fungus)

02/07/2025

Sharing the recipe for the 4 Ingredient Almond Cake (Flourless + Fluffy!)
Dairy and gluten-free 💛

You’ll need:

* 2 cups almond flour 🌰
* 4 large eggs, separated 🥚
* 1/2 cup sugar (or honey/maple) 🍯
* 1/2 tsp vanilla extract ✨
* Slithered Almonds to decorate

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to (175°C). Grease or line a cake pan.
2. Separate eggs: Place yolks in one bowl and whites in another (no yolk in the whites!).
3. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form (use a clean bowl + mixer for best results).
4. In another bowl, whisk yolks with sugar and vanilla until pale. Add almond flour and mix.
5. Gently fold egg whites into the almond mixture, a little at a time — don’t deflate the air!
6. Pour into pan and bake for 25–30 mins until golden + set.

Let it cool, dust with icing sugar, and enjoy ✨

02/07/2025

🌿 Nature Mandala at Huia Bay 🌊
As part of our final gathering for Revive Adventure Therapy, we created a nature mandala on the sands of Huia Bay — a collective offering made from shells, driftwood, leaves, and stones gathered with intention and care.

A mandala is a symbol of wholeness and unity. In nature-based therapy, it also represents the cyclical nature of healing — how we can find balance, even in times of change. Each person added to the mandala, contributing their own piece of beauty, their story, and their presence. Together, it became a reflection of our group: diverse, strong, and interconnected.

After completing the mandala, we gathered in circle to share personal journal reflections, written by each group member. It was a moment of vulnerability, courage, and deep connection — witnessing one another with compassion.

We closed the programme by acknowledging each participant with a certificate of completion, honouring the growth, bravery, and shared journey over these past 8 weeks.

🤍 The mandala remains only for a moment, but its meaning stays with us — just like the memories, insights, and connections we’ve carried from this time together.

27/06/2025

Week 6
This week we explored Lake Wainamu—sandboarding dunes, sitting quietly by the lake, and following the stream back. It was a day of movement, stillness, and connection.

We also explored how trauma can affect the nervous system—why we sometimes feel numb, shut down, or disconnected—and how nature can gently help us return to a sense of safety.

Each week, we’re seeing more courage, care, and healing within this group. Nature, reflection, and community—this is what Revive is all about.

27/06/2025

It was inspiring to watch everyone offer and receive support during Week 7 of our Revive Adventure Therapy group at the ELTA High Ropes.
Our theme this week was Support | Tautoko. We reflected together on how Tautoko means to uphold, encourage, and walk alongside someone with presence, respect, and care. It’s about standing beside others in their moments of courage, uncertainty, or vulnerability—and, just as importantly, allowing others to stand beside us.
Today’s Adventure Therapy high ropes experience wasn’t just about climbing. It was about how we show up for ourselves and one another when things feel challenging, exciting, or uncertain. Whether on the ropes, holding the belay, offering words of encouragement, or simply being present on the ground, each person played a vital role.

14/06/2025

Green Spaces: Why They Heal Your Brain, Body & Spirit 🌿🧠✨

🌿Spending time in green spaces reduces cortisol by calming the brain’s stress response system—the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis—helping you feel more peaceful.
🌿Being surrounded by trees and plants stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, especially the vagus nerve, promoting deep relaxation and recovery.
🌿Breathing in phytoncides—natural compounds released by plants—increases natural killer (NK) cells that strengthen your body’s defenses.
🌿Natural environments enhance prefrontal cortex activity, helping your brain recover from fatigue and sharpen concentration.
🌿Time spent in green spaces quiets the brain’s default mode network (DMN), lowering repetitive negative thoughts and calming the mind.
🌿Exposure to nature raises brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that encourages neural growth and resilience.
🌿Natural light in green spaces helps regulate your circadian rhythm via the suprachiasmatic nucleus, supporting better sleep and emotional balance.
🌿Green spaces reduce amygdala hyperactivity, easing feelings of fear, worry, and stress.
🌿Being in leafy environments boosts serotonin pathways, naturally lifting your mood and easing depressive symptoms.
🌿Walking among trees and plants increases heart rate variability (HRV), indicating a healthy balance between stress and relaxation responses.
🌿Ecotherapy reminds us that we are nature—our minds, bodies, and spirits are deeply interconnected with the living world around us. By immersing ourselves in green spaces, we not only heal our nervous system but also reconnect with the essence of who we truly are.

Step outside. Breathe deeply. Feel the healing power of nature flow through you. 🌿💚✨

14/06/2025

🌊 Why the Beach is So Healing: Neuroscience Explains 🧠✨

1️⃣ Negative ions from the sea boost serotonin, lifting mood & easing stress.
2️⃣ Floating gently on water calms your nervous system — pure weightlessness!
3️⃣ Fresh sea air is packed with clean oxygen, clearing your mind and body.
4️⃣ The sound & feel of waves activate your relaxation response.
5️⃣ The steady rhythm of waves syncs with your brainwaves for a calming effect.
6️⃣ Sunlight boosts vitamin D & regulates your sleep cycle — hello, better mood!
7️⃣ Bare feet on sand or in water ground you, reducing inflammation & stress.
8️⃣ Looking at the blue ocean relaxes your brain and refreshes your mind.
9️⃣ Minerals in seawater, like magnesium, soothe your skin and body.
🔟 Breathing salty air supports your lungs and helps you breathe deeply.
1️⃣1️⃣ Moving in nature (paddling, walking) sparks new brain connections.
1️⃣2️⃣ Time in nature lowers cortisol — the stress hormone — helping you heal.
1️⃣3️⃣ Gazing at the horizon quiets overthinking & brings meditation vibes.
1️⃣4️⃣ Birdsong and natural sounds slow your heart rate and calm your nerves.
1️⃣5️⃣ The mix of cool breeze & warm sun gently soothes your body temperature.

How does the beach make YOU feel? Share below 👇

11/06/2025

Revive - Week 5
After several days of relentless rain, the sun finally broke through—and with it came a renewed sense of energy and appreciation. Our group embraced the stunning weather, spending the afternoon immersed in the natural beauty of Arataki. Walking the trails, surrounded by towering kauri trees and breathtaking views, was a reminder of how special this place is. If you haven’t been before, consider planning your own adventure. Apply today for terms Revive group - https://www.adventurespecialties.co.nz/programmes/revive-auckland/.

11/06/2025

Week 4 - Revive
Indoor rock climbing

It was inspiring to witness the courage, support, and encouragement shared during our session, as we came together on a rainy day to experience indoor rock climbing. Everyone honoured their own path and pace, with many recognising that it’s okay to meet yourself exactly where you are—with strength, care, compassion and confidence.

10/06/2025

Exploring in Milford today - lots of mushrooms and mud 🩷

08/06/2025

Availability Update

I currently have limited availability due to work commitments at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) on Mondays and Fridays.
1-on-1 sessions are available Tuesdays and Thursdays only for existing clients.

New clients - if you’re looking to book a session in August, please contact me in advance to secure a time.

Thank you for your understanding!

Address

Ponsonby

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 2:30am
Tuesday	8:30am - 12pm
Wednesday	8:30pm - 12:30am
Thursday	8:30am - 2:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 1pm

Telephone

0212403178

Website

https://www.amybenjamincounselling.co.nz/

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