RFCB Values & Motto
Professional Excellence. Strengthening Relationships. Serving Communities. Supporting Practitioners.
Aim
An organisation for public protection and member advocacy.
Values of the Relationship and Family Counselling Board NZ
Integrity
We uphold ethical, transparent and accountable professional practice.
Compassion
We recognise the dignity, worth and potential of every person, family and community.
Excellence
We are committed to high professional standards, lifelong learning and evidence-informed practice.
Partnership
We work collaboratively with members, communities, government agencies and professional organisations to strengthen the profession and improve outcomes for those we serve.
Inclusion
We value diversity and promote equitable access, opportunity and representation within the profession.
Cultural Responsiveness
We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and support culturally safe practice that respects the diverse cultures, beliefs and traditions of people living in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Advocacy
We actively champion the wellbeing, recognition and sustainability of the relationship and family counselling profession.
Accessibility
We seek to reduce barriers to professional participation, development and advancement while maintaining public confidence and professional standards.
Our Founding Values
The Relationship & Family Counselling Board NZ was established to strengthen the counselling and therapy profession while improving outcomes for the people and communities we serve. We believe that supporting mental health professionals ultimately leads to better care for clients.
Our Board is founded on the following values:
1. Supporting Excellence in Practice
We are committed to promoting high standards of professional competence, ethical practice, ongoing learning, and accountability. We believe every practitioner should have access to the support and development they need to provide safe, effective, and evidence-informed care.
2. Advocating for Both Professionals and Clients
We believe strong professionals create better outcomes for clients. While protecting the public remains essential, we also advocate for the wellbeing, recognition, fair treatment, and professional interests of counsellors and therapists. We seek practical solutions that benefit both practitioners and the communities they serve.
3. Lifelong Learning
Learning does not end with qualification. We are committed to providing members with accessible, high-quality professional development, practical resources, webinars, workshops, and learning opportunities that encourage continual growth throughout their careers.
4. Cultural Understanding and Inclusion
New Zealand's communities are diverse, and effective counselling requires cultural humility and understanding. We actively support learning about the cultures represented throughout Aotearoa New Zealand by providing education from cultural experts and community leaders. We encourage members to develop culturally responsive practice that respects every person's identity, values, beliefs, and lived experience.
5. Valuing International Experience
Mental health professionals from around the world bring valuable knowledge, skills, and perspectives to New Zealand. We advocate for fair, transparent, and supportive pathways that recognise overseas qualifications and professional experience while ensuring safe practice within the New Zealand context. We seek to reduce unnecessary barriers for appropriately qualified immigrant practitioners entering the profession.
6. Professional Support and Connection
Counselling can be professionally demanding and personally isolating. We believe practitioners thrive when they are connected to supportive professional communities. We are committed to providing supervision, peer supervision, group supervision, networking opportunities, and mentoring to help members grow, reflect, and maintain their wellbeing.
7. Investing in the Future Workforce
The future of counselling depends on developing the next generation of practitioners. We advocate for meaningful, paid internship opportunities that recognise the value student counsellors bring while making the profession more financially accessible and sustainable.
8. Collaboration Over Competition
We believe the counselling profession is strongest when practitioners work together. We encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, interdisciplinary relationships, and mutual support across counselling, psychology, psychotherapy, social work, family therapy, and related helping professions.
9. Accessibility and Equity
Professional development and support should be available to practitioners regardless of where they live or the size of their practice. We strive to provide affordable membership, accessible learning, online supervision, and resources that support professionals throughout New Zealand.
10. Integrity and Professional Leadership
We are committed to transparency, integrity, fairness, and responsible governance. We aim to be a trusted voice for the profession by listening to our members, advocating with government and stakeholders, and contributing positively to the future of mental health services in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Our Commitment
The Relationship & Family Counselling Board NZ exists to build a profession where practitioners are supported, clients receive high-quality care, cultural diversity is celebrated, international professionals are welcomed, and continuous learning is valued. Together, we are creating a stronger, more connected, and more sustainable future for counselling and therapy in New Zealand.