About Me
I work with women who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling now — including those who have experienced childhood trauma. My aim is simple: to help you feel less distressed and support you to a place where life feels more manageable again.
ABOUT ARAHURA
ARAHURA is a Māori word meaning “pathway to discovery.” I chose this name because it reflects both my ancestral heritage and my belief that healing is about finding your own unique path. Like my clients, I’m human. My own life experiences — including trauma and questions of identity and belonging — have shaped the way I work and the compassion I bring to therapy.
The photos on this page are Mount Tarawera and the Redwood Forest in Rotorua Aotearoa/New Zealand. These are important in my family, tribal, personal story.
HOW I WORK
I bring warmth, compassion, humour, and a down-to-earth approach to sessions. I have a natural ability to help people feel safe, accepted, and understood. I support clients to reconnect with their body, heart, and mind, and to recognise the strengths and wisdom they already carry.
I’m comfortable sitting with the hard parts of life — and I also believe there is room for lightness and laughter along the way.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN SESSIONS
Therapy is focussed on you. Coming to counselling takes courage, and I honour that by offering a calm, respectful, and safe space. I won’t try to fix or change you — you are the expert in your own life. Together, we’ll explore what’s happening for you, at your pace.
Our sessions may include conversation, gentle mindfulness, body-based awareness, quiet reflection, laughter, or tears. We work collaboratively, with curiosity and compassion, and you will always be treated with dignity and respect.
GUIDING PHILOSOPHIES
My work is grounded in the Buddhist heart qualities of Loving-Kindness, Compassion, Equanimity (Balance), and joy, alongside Māori health and wellbeing principles that honour mental, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual wellbeing.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
I’ve worked as a Mental Health Social Worker and Trauma-informed therapist for more than 30 years in Australia and New Zealand, including in public mental health, child protection, family violence, hospitals, and community services. I have supported people with a wide range of mental health concerns and other challenges including complex trauma.
My approach integrates evidence-based Western therapies with somatic and mindfulness-based practices, including Somatic Experiencing®, guided meditation, breathwork, grounding, soothing, and self-compassion practices.
SOME OF MY PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS:
- Bachelor of Social Work
- Graduate Diploma Buddhist Counselling & Psychotherapy
- Somatic Experiencing® Trauma Practitioner
- Graduate of Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy
- Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy Certificate
- Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra
- EMDR Trained
IF THIS RESONATES WITH YOU OR YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE, I OFFER A FREE 10 MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION ON 0416957231