counselling
my philosophy of practice
My philosophy of practice is informed by the concept of the Korowai and the weaving of the three principles – partnership, participation and protection – of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi).
Korowai, is a Māori cloak made by flax and feathers. It reflective of honour, leadership, identity, warmth, protection, skill and beauty. I have been blessed to have guidance and support from tangata whenua (Māori) as I weave korowai and the three principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi into my philosophy of practice. In my practice, I develop, maintain and protect a respectful and trusting relationship through working together. I understand everyone has up and down moments, and these may happen in various situations or even quite a few times a day, especially for those who are gifted and/or sensitive personality. I support clients to build confidence, resilience and the ability to face different circumstances and stressful events. I focus on individual differences, and am culturally responsive and aware of the diversity of family backgrounds.
what I focus on
giftedness
twice-exceptionality
family background
dream therapy
interactive drawing therapy
self-identity
self-worth
life/work balance
planning and time management
goal setting
motivation
learning challenges
life-changing events
communication challenges
bullying
workplace challenges
grief and loss
mood swings
counselling areas
The tūpoupou, or dolphin, represents protection and harmony in Māori symbolism. It embraces by my philosophy of practice because I appreciate who you are and believe that your past does not define you nor your future.
giftedness & creativity
These are my specialised area of practice.
I also teach and research, and more importantly, I have an extensive passion for the areas of giftedness and creativity.
There is no single definition to tell what a gifted person should look like – the term “giftedness” is interpreted and understood differently in practice. I use the term “giftedness and creativity” because it gives space to celebrate thinking and learning differences in any context.
Are you living with too many "too”
I have professional and personal experiences responding to people who see giftedness as a curse. I understand gifted people may have wounds of being living with too many “too”:
too moody, too sensitive, too intensive, too anxious, too smart, too silly, too much energy, too strong a sense of justice, too ideal, too boring, too many questions, too determine, too needy, too… too… and too…
Working together, we can turn your “too” into opportunities.