KATHERINE TAITAI GATT

Counselling, Romiromi & Qi Gong

Talk therapy meets body-based healing — breath, touch movement, and soul.

You don’t have to carry it all alone. You don’t have to keep pretending, performing, or pushing through.Something in you already knows—it’s time for softness, honesty, and coming home to yourself.Welcome. I’m so glad you’re here.I offer support in two ways:
1:1 Counselling, Somatic Therapy and Romiromi
Whether you’re navigating life transitions, unravelling trauma, or rebuilding trust with your body, I'd be honoured to walk alongside you. I especially support those who feel deeply, including people who are burnt out, neurodivergent, or spiritually deconstructing.
My work weaves together talk therapy, somatic healing, and Romiromi — so healing becomes something you feel, not just something you talk about. Sessions are personalised, attuned, and held in a safe, compassionate space.
Qi Gong & Embodied Classes
Gentle, accessible classes to help anyone slow down, release stress, and feel more grounded and connected in their body. No experience or particular background needed — all bodies and abilities are welcome.

Healing is not about fixing what’s broken—it’s about coming home to what was always wise, whole, and beautifully sensitive within you.

Essential Qi Gong Classes

Weekly classes in Snells Beach
Thursdays 9.15 - 10.15am
25 Amanda Lane

Qi Gong (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient Chinese mind–body practice with over 3,000 years of history. It combines gentle movement, breathwork, awareness and energy cultivation to improve vitality, regulate the nervous system, support emotional wellbeing, and strengthen long-term health.
Traditionally used alongside acupuncture and herbal medicine, Qi Gong helps the body release tension, build resilience, and restore natural flow.
These classes offer a grounded, welcoming space to slow down, move gently, and reconnect with yourself.

What makes this class different?

This isn’t a fitness or yoga workout.
It’s a small-group, circle-based practice that weaves together:
• gentle flowing movement• breathwork for nervous system regulation• simple teaching so you understand what’s happening in your body• guided visualisation• vocal toning and sound for vibration and release• light shaking and flowing movements to discharge stress• seasonal and elemental themes from Traditional Chinese Medicine
You’re always invited — never pressured — to participate at your own comfort level.
Resting, observing, or modifying is completely welcome.
No experience or fitness required.

A seasonal journey

Rather than random weekly sessions, the year follows a natural arc through the Five Elements:
Earth — grounding & nourishmentMetal — breath, boundaries & letting goWater — rest, resilience & inner strengthWood — growth, expression & directionFire — joy, connection & heart energy
Each month has a theme, helping you build skills gradually and experience deeper change over time.
You can join anytime — but regular attendance helps the practice really land.

Who's it for?

Perfect if you’re wanting:• less stress and tension• better sleep and energy• gentle, sustainable movement• emotional regulation• a calm, supportive community space• or simply time to reconnect with yourself
All ages and bodies welcome.

I believe in slow, honest healing rooted in the body, soul, and story.

About Me

Hi, I’m Katie — Qi Gong Teacher, Counsellor, Somatic Therapist & Romiromi PractitionerBased in Snells Beach, I offer both 1:1 therapy and small-group embodied classes, blending talk therapy with body-based healing and gentle movement practices.
My work is rooted in both professional training and lived experience.
I am Ngāi Te Rangi, and my approach is shaped by a whakapapa of Māori healers. I honour both modern therapeutic tools and traditional ways of healing — holding space for wairua, land, body, and deep restoration.
Whether we’re working together privately or moving together in class, my intention is the same: to help you feel safe in your body, connected to yourself, and supported to heal at your own pace.
I’ve walked through religious deconstruction, burnout, chronic illness, and identity loss — and bring that grounded, compassionate understanding to everything I offer.

Training

  • Bachelor of Counselling (Integrative)

  • Trauma-Informed Practice

  • Romiromi Practitioner

  • Qi Gong & Embodiment Facilitation

Modalities

Somatic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, ACT, CBT, Gestalt, Creative Expression

Also me

Parent, artist, ocean lover, slow morning enthusiast.

Session Types

Work With Me

Integrated Counselling & Somatic Therapy/Romiromi

Combines hands-on bodywork, breath work and movement with counselling. For emotional and physical alignment.

75 mins $120 special for Feb/March
22 Sunrise Blvd, Snells Beach

Talk Therapy

Compassionate conversation with practical tools and trauma-informed insight. Client-led and deeply attuned.

$120 (60 mins) Online or in person, 22 Sunrise Blvd

Romiromi

Deep tissue healing using pressure points, karakia, and breath. Powerful and sacred.

$100 (60 mins)
22 Sunrise Blvd

Qi Gong Classes

Gentle, accessible classes to build attunement, calm, and body awareness through slow movement, intention and breath.

$20 casual rate (60 min)
$170 (10 class concession card)

Thursdays, 9.15-10.15am
25 Amanda Lane, Snells Beach

Session info

The Work

Why Body-based Healing?

We carry stories in our bodies. Even long after something is “over,” our nervous system remembers.Somatic therapy, Romiromi and Qi Gong gently bring these imprints into awareness—not to re-live them, but to release and transform.This work honours your:

  • Past (through compassion)

  • Present (through embodied presence)

  • Future (through tools, choice, and capacity)

What is Somatic Therapy?

Somatic therapy uses body-based tools—movement, breath, sound, touch, pressure, and stillness—to support emotional healing and nervous system regulation. It gently brings awareness to how your body holds and expresses stress, trauma, and unspoken emotion.
Tools might include:

  • Grounding techniques and breathwork

  • Sounding and intuitive vocal release

  • Hands-on massage or body holds

  • Movement to express or shift energy

  • Stillness, visualization, or energetic clearing

What is Romiromi?

Romiromi is a traditional Māori healing practice that uses deep tissue pressure, breath, karakia (prayer), and sound to release blocked energy in the body. It works on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level to clear pain, trauma, and disconnection.Romiromi is intense, powerful, and sacred. You may shake, cry, feel heat, see colours or visions—or simply feel deeply grounded and clear.

What is Talk Therapy?

Talk Therapy & Integration Sessions are emotionally attuned, client-centred spaces that combine meaningful conversation with practical tools for insight and change.We draw from evidence-based modalities including:

  • Narrative Therapy – helping you explore and reshape your story through meaning, values, and identity

  • ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)– gently accepting what’s hard while moving toward what matters

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) – noticing and challenging patterns of thought and belief

  • Client-Centred Therapy – holding space for you with warmth, attunement, and unconditional regard

What happens in a 1:1 therapy session?

These sessions support you to explore your beliefs, patterns, and life story—shaping your identity through fresh perspective, values, and re-authoring. We often include nervous system and attachment education to help you understand your stress responses and relational patterns, growing self-trust, compassion, and capacity for choice.We also practise real-life skills like communication, self-soothing, acceptance, reframing, visualisation, curiosity, and empathy—so you can embody change, not just gain insight.This work is always collaborative, responsive, and respectful—led by your pace, your goals, and your body’s wisdom.

Every session is unique and responsive. We begin with a kōrero (conversation) to check in with how you're feeling, what's alive in your world, and where you need support.
Then we co-create the session.
This might include:

  • Talking and reflecting

  • Bodywork or gentle touch

  • Sound, breath, or movement

  • Drawing or visual mapping

  • Ceremony, energetic release, or stillness

You don't need to know what you need beforehand—just come as you are.

Session Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear to a 1:1 session?
Wear something comfortable that allows you to breathe, move, or lie down with ease. If you're receiving bodywork (Romiromi or somatic therapy), loose clothing like track pants and a T-shirt is ideal. You’ll stay fully clothed throughout.
Do I need to know what to talk about?
Not at all. You’re welcome exactly as you are. Some people come with a clear focus, others just know they need support. We’ll begin with a gentle check-in and let the session unfold from there.
Can I combine talk therapy and bodywork?
Yes—this is one of the unique offerings of my practice. Integrated sessions blend conversation with somatic tools like breath, movement, touch, and sound. You can also opt for talk-only or bodywork-only sessions depending on your comfort and needs.
What’s the difference between Somatic Therapy and Romiromi?
Both work with the body, but they differ in approach.
Somatic Therapy is gentle, intuitive, and responsive—blending touch, breath, sound, and movement for emotional regulation and trauma release.
Romiromi is a traditional Māori practice involving deep tissue pressure, karakia (prayer), and energetic clearing. It can be intense and powerful, working on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.
Is this work safe if I’ve experienced trauma?
Yes—sessions are always trauma-informed and guided by your pace. There is no pressure to go anywhere you’re not ready for. We work collaboratively, with tools to support grounding, choice, and nervous system safety throughout.
How many sessions will I need?
That’s completely up to you. Some people find one or two sessions clarifying and helpful. Others come regularly for ongoing support and integration. You're welcome to book at your own rhythm—weekly, monthly, or as needed.

What’s the cancellation policy?
Please give at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Short-notice cancellations may incur a fee, except in cases of emergency or illness. Just get in touch if something unexpected comes up.
Where are you based? Do you do home visits?
I work from a calming clinic space in Snells Beach, New Zealand. Local home visits are available—just let me know when booking if you’d prefer this option.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes—talk therapy sessions can be held via Zoom. Somatic and Romiromi sessions are in-person only.
Do you offer a sliding scale or payment support?
Sliding scale sessions are available for those experiencing financial hardship.
In alignment with Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to equity, I also reserve sliding scale and koha-based Romiromi sessions for Māori—honouring the indigenous roots of this practice and supporting culturally meaningful access to healing.
If cost is a barrier, please reach out. You're warmly welcome here.
What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
Please give at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations or changes. Late cancellations may incur a fee unless it's an emergency—just communicate with me.
Do I have to talk about everything?
No. You’re always in charge of what you share. We can begin with what feels safe and move at a pace that honours your body and boundaries.
What if I’m unsure what I need?
That’s completely okay. We can start gently, explore together, and let your body guide us. The work doesn’t require clarity—just a willingness to begin.

Free 10 minute consult

Not sure if this is the right step? Let’s connect.
Use this free, no‑pressure phone or Zoom call to:

Ask questions and get clear on your next stepsShare what’s bringing you hereGet a feel for how I work and how I can support you

How it works:Choose a 10‑minute slot via the booking calendar
No obligation—just connection

Book your free 10 min consult

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