I am a somatic trauma therapist and an Affiliate Practitioner at Wai Counselling & Psychotherapy. I bring over two decades of experience in the fields of mental health and embodied healing. My professional journey began as a registered nurse, working across acute mental health, forensic services, drug and alcohol detoxification, and therapeutic communities in both Aotearoa and Australia.

 

These early experiences profoundly shaped my understanding of trauma, the nervous system, and the importance of safe, relational therapeutic practice.  Over time, I retrained in bodywork, where I began to notice that many physical symptoms were deeply connected to unresolved trauma held in the body. This realisation led me to pursue advanced training in somatic therapy, myofascial release, trauma-informed mindfulness, breathwork, and integrative trauma frameworks. This path has shaped how I work today — integrating body-based awareness with trauma-informed therapeutic support.

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At Wai Counselling & Psychotherapy, I offer somatic enquiry and somatic healing sessions. These are especially helpful for people who need body-based support alongside more traditional psychotherapy. My work is gentle, grounded, and paced, with a focus on supporting nervous system regulation, softening protective patterns, and restoring a sense of inner safety, presence, and connection.

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I am also the owner of The Healing Portal, a purpose-built somatic therapy studio located in Tomahawk, where I offer individual sessions. In addition to my individual practice, I co-facilitate Wai’s Breathwork and Healing in Communityweekends alongside Nel Fentiman. These gatherings support people to explore breathwork and embodied healing within a safe, relational, and connected group environment.

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I am known for my calm and attuned presence, and I hold a deep respect for the body’s innate capacity to heal. My work is rooted in an embodied, relational, and gentle approach that honours both the body and the wairua (spirit), supporting people to heal in ways that feel safe, respectful, and aligned.

You can find more about my work at:
https://www.thehealingportal.info