Our Team

At Little Shadow, we understand that seeking help is a brave and essential step towards personal growth and emotional wellbeing. That's why we are proud to introduce our team of compassionate counsellors who are dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey towards healing and self-discovery.

Our counseling service for parents is made more affordable by kind donors, fundraising and grants.

To book an appointment with one of our Little Shadow counsellors, click on the button below their profile

We look forward to supporting you on this transformative journey.

Danni Ridley (she/her)
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BACHELOR OF COUNSELLING and addictions practice, NZAC PROVISIONAL MEMBER

Danni is a 2nd generation Pākehā/tauiwi practitioner who grew up in the Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington region. Having recently become a mother (to her daughter in November 2022), Danni is interested in the contradictions and hurdles faced in modern parenting. These include identity concerns, relationship changes, external and internal pressures, and lack of support.

Danni believes we all possess unique inner strengths and works in a pluralistic manner - drawing ideas from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Narrative Therapy - to help the people she works with to find these, and use them to their full potential.

She creates a safe and non judgemental place to explore different issues. Her interests lie in identity issues, relationships, grief, intergenerational concerns and anxiety. She previously worked in the Drug Treatment Unit at Arohata Women’s Prison - giving her experience in trauma, addiction and abuse. She works at your pace and is dedicated to empowering you through the peaks and troughs of parenthood.

Rate: $55 per session

Available: Thursdays - Waterloo Plunket Clinic, Lower Hutt or online. Fridays - Johnsonville Plunket Clinic, Johnsonville or online

Tracey Shackleton (she/her)
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2nd year Student, Bachelor of Counselling and Addictions practice.  Student Associate, NZAC

Tracey grew up in Wainuiomata and now lives in Te Motu Kairangi (the Miramar Peninsula).  She was introduced to the challenges and joys of modern parenting when she became a mother to two children later in life.  

Tracey is interested in supporting clients to explore their experiences, problems, and concerns so they can reach a fresh understanding in line with their own values and feel empowered to parent, and live their lives, on their own terms.

Tracey uses Client Centred Practice and ideas from Solution Focused Therapy to create an empathic and safe space.

Rate: $30 per session

Available: Fridays - Johnsonville Plunket Clinic, Johnsonville or online

Minon Wijeyeratne (she/her)
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2nd year Student, Bachelor of Counselling and Addictions practice.  Student Associate, NZAC

Minon migrated to New Zealand 15 years ago. Leaving her career in Geneva Switzerland, she embraced motherhood later in life, giving birth to two boys via IVF.   The challenges she faced both as a mother and a woman, made her choose a career in counselling later in life, to share and contribute her lived experiences with other women.  

Minon has worked at Greenstone Doors counselling young mothers and prefers to work using a pluralistic approach when working with her clients, tailoring more to the client’s needs and challenges. Minon is of Sri Lankan descent.

Rate: $30 per session

Available: Thursdays - Johnsonville Plunket Clinic, Johnsonville or online

Can’t find a counsellor that suits your needs? You can find other counsellors and support here. We have a range of independent perinatal mental health professionals, including psychologists, art therapists and counsellors who are able to support you on your journey to wellbeing.