About me
Rand Buttrus
“I am passionate about walking alongside my clients as they move towards healing and meaningful change.”
I spent the first part of my working life designing places for people. Now I help people find room within themselves.
I'm a qualified counsellor working with children, young people and adults. I offer a warm, safe and compassionate space where people can feel heard, accepted and supported.
My journey
The path that led me here
Many cultures, one story
My life has been shaped by more than one culture. I grew up in the Middle East, speaking Arabic and Armenian at home. I moved to New Zealand in the early 2000s with my family. Like many migrants, I knew the hope of a fresh start alongside the grief of leaving people and places behind. Those experiences help me understand clients who are finding their way between cultures, or rebuilding their lives somewhere new.
Designing spaces for people
Before becoming a counsellor, I worked in architectural engineering and urban design. That work taught me to listen deeply, and showed me how much our environments and relationships shape our wellbeing. My creative background still informs the way I work with people today.
Walking alongside people
I completed my Bachelor of Counselling degree at Laidlaw College, and I am a provisional member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC). I believe everyone has a unique story, strengths and capacity for growth, and I value walking alongside people as they navigate life's challenges and explore positive change.
New Dawn Counselling
I work with children, young people and adults, drawing primarily on Person-Centred, Narrative and Strengths-Based approaches. With children, I use developmentally appropriate, creative and play-based methods to support emotional expression and exploration of their experiences.
I work at each person's pace, prioritising trust, emotional safety, and a therapeutic relationship where they feel heard, respected, and accepted. I support people navigating anxiety, grief and loss, family and relationship difficulties, life transitions, questions of identity, and challenging or traumatic experiences.
My practice is grounded in empathy, respect, authenticity and genuine care, recognising each person's unique story, strengths and capacity for growth.
From architecture to counselling
Building spaces where people feel they belong
My background in architecture taught me that space is fundamental to how people experience the world.
In counselling, space is just as important, not built with walls and windows, but through trust, empathy and understanding, allowing you to be yourself, explore your story and grow at your own pace.
What I believe
The values I bring to every session
Acceptance
You are welcome exactly as you are, without judgement.
Presence
I'll be fully present with you, offering time and space for you to be yourself and for your story to be heard.
Empathy
Understanding your experience as you live it.
Respect
For your story, your culture and your own pace.
