About Me

From an early age, I was fascinated by how the human mind works, and I was lucky enough to study Psychology at Oxford Uni in order to pursue this interest. Although my academic study was helpful, I was looking for something a bit more heart-centred, as I've never been a fan of labelling or pathologising people who are simply trying to make sense of their own experience; instead preferring to see mental and emotional wellbeing as a 'journey.'

So after finishing Uni, I took my life in a variety of directions, with overseas travel, a variety of different work experiences (including a marketing job and being an Educational Assistant for the Saudi Arabian Royal Family), before returning to study with an MA in Anthropology at University of Kent.

During this time I also explored improving my own wellbeing, by continuing to practise mindfulness and other forms of yoga and meditation, and exploring various personal growth modalities.

After moving to NZ in 2012, I turned back to my original passion, when I discovered more recent approaches in Psychology based on Mindfulness, Positive Psychology and treating the 'whole person,' that felt more in alignment with my own belief system. Hence, I spent several years retraining myself (see below) in these therapies, alongside working in a mental health/addictions support role, delivering Mindfulness Programs in High Schools (for Ember Korowai Takitini) and for parents (with Renew Your Mind).

My aim with Bloom, is to combine the best of the new, more 'whole person' approaches to psychological wellbeing and relationships, with my own extensive experiences and insight gained from working to improve wellbeing, with many diverse people. I combine a science backing with an empathetic, whole person, & empowering approach. I have been working providing individuals, couples, parents and teens with counselling, various therapy modes and coaching since 2019.

Training/experience

I have the following qualifications and/or have completed trainings in the following modalities:

BA Experimental Psychology (Oxon)
MA Environmental Anthropology
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
Mindfulness (including for stress reduction, teens and parenting).
Solutions Focused Brief Therapy
Breakthrough/Transformative Coaching (certified life coach, NZ Life Coaching).
Compassionate/Non-violent Communication
Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1)

I also use elements of: Te Whare Tapa Wha, somatic therapies, Emotional Processing, Positive Psychology and Internal Family Systems in my work.

In order to help me practice, and embody, what I preach, I have a longstanding commitment to my own personal growth, undertake regular supervision, participate in new trainings on a yearly basis, and have been practising mindfulness and meditation myself for several decades.

What inspires me...

When I'm not 'working,' other areas I am passionate about include; community building, permaculture gardening, sustainability, contemplative social change, conflict resolution, personal and spiritual development, spending time in nature, and dancing.

I am inspired by the thought of building a better world, that acknowledges and supports ALL of our gifts, talents and wellbeing, whatever our cultural background, economic status or state of wellbeing. Finally, I see the areas of wellbeing, community and sustainability as being intrinsically linked (he waka eke noa); genuine solutions in one area are synonymous with solutions in the others as well.

Voluntary roles I have undertaken include:- kaitiaki member/hui organiser for non profit organisation Mindfulness for Change; Co-ordinator/Founder of Te Henga Community Hub; Secretary for Te Henga/Bethells Emergency Response Group; founder member of WAWII - West Auckland Women's Interfaith Initiative.