My name is Tori Spellar
Counsellor, Creative Arts Therapist & Behaviour Specialist
In 2005, I began my journey in the field of Wellbeing as a certified Holistic therapist. My deep desire to understand the intricacies of human Wellbeing was driven by my own personal experiences. This fascination with psychology and the human psyche led me to a career in psychology and, more recently, the expansion of my therapeutic skills in counselling. These personal experiences continue to fuel my passion for helping others find balance and discover their unique strengths.
Working in the mental health, community, and education sectors has given me invaluable experience and knowledge. I obtained my undergraduate degree in Education Studies in 2013 and a master's degree in Psychology in 2016 while residing in the UK. I emigrated to Aotearoa, New Zealand, in 2019 to be closer to my family. During my time here, I gained valuable experience working at the Ministry of Education, Wellstop and Explore before launching my company, Creative Psychology Ltd, in January 2024. I completed a postgraduate diploma in Creative Arts Therapy in 2025, and I am incredibly enthusiastic about it. As part of my continuing professional development, I am currently attending Massey University to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Educational and Developmental Psychology.
In addition to my professional pursuits, I am deeply committed to advocating the transformative power of aerials and performing arts in promoting emotional Wellbeing. When I am not dancing in the air, I immerse myself in the expressive world of painting, enjoy outdoor escapades, or cherish moments at home with my beloved partner and cats.
Professional registration and supervisors
Registered member with New Zealand Association of Counsellors - provisionally since Nov 2022
NZAC Clinical Supervisor: Bren Balcombe
Cultural Supervisor: Sharron Fabish- Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa, Te Whānau-a-Apanui, Ngāti Maniapoto
Education
2026 - current
Postgraduate Certificate in Educational and Developmental Psychology
Massey University
The Postgraduate Certificate in Educational and Developmental Psychology is for you to learn about the multiple dimensions of learners in their formal and informal learning contexts and the complex environments and settings we learn in.
2024-2025
Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Arts Therapy
Whitecliffe College
Creative Arts Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilises creative modalities - including visual arts-making, drama, dance/movement, creative writing, and nature-connected arts - to improve and inform physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
2013-2016
MSc Psychology
Nottingham Trent University, UK
In addition to focusing on cognitive, biological, social, and developmental psychology, the course delved into individual differences and conceptual issues, developed my statistics skills, and built my expertise in experimental, qualitative, and psychometric research methods.
2010-2013
BA (Hons) Education Studies and English
Bishop Grosseteste University, UK
I completed a degree program that extensively explored various aspects of education, including the psychology of learning, child development, contemporary issues in education, the incorporation of Drama and English literature in education, as well as diversity and inclusion in educational settings.