Integrated Somatic Counselling

About Me

Hi, I'm Katherine — an Integrative Somatic Counsellor based in St Heliers, Auckland.I believe that understanding ourselves is an important part of healing, but that meaningful change often asks something more of us than insight alone.My work brings together counselling, psychological understanding and embodied exploration. I'm interested in the ways our experiences shape how we think, feel, relate and inhabit our bodies — and how, with curiosity and compassion, we can begin to discover new possibilities.My approach is shaped by both professional training and lived experience, including my own journeys through burnout, chronic illness, religious deconstruction and significant life transitions. These experiences have deepened my respect for the complexity of being human, and for the courage it takes to question familiar ways of being.I am Ngāi Te Rangi, with a whakapapa that includes generations of Māori healers. This heritage informs my respect for the wisdom of the body, the importance of connection, and the relationship between our physical, emotional and spiritual lives.I work from a neurodivergent-affirming perspective, recognising that we each experience the world through our own unique nervous system. I believe that growth involves not only healing what has hurt us, but also understanding, accepting and celebrating who we are.Above all, I hope to offer a space where you can be fully yourself — where you feel heard, understood and free to explore at your own pace.

Training & Professional BackgroundBachelor of Counselling (Integrative)
Provisional Member, New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC)
Additional training in attachment, trauma-informed and somatic approaches, Romiromi, Qi Gong and embodiment facilitation.Also me...A parent, artist, ocean lover and appreciator of slow mornings.

Work With Me

Integrative Somatic Counselling

A collaborative approach that brings together meaningful conversation, psychological understanding and body-based exploration. Sessions are tailored to your individual needs, creating space to understand familiar patterns and discover new ways of being.Available in person in St Heliers, Auckland, or online throughout New Zealand.70 minutes | $130

Somatic Embodiment Classes

Small, intimate classes offering a gentle and playful space to explore movement, breath, body awareness and self-expression.Drawing on Qi Gong, somatic practices and guided exploration, each class invites you to slow down, listen to your body and discover new ways of moving, feeling and being.With a maximum of three participants, there's room for individual attention, curiosity and connection. No previous experience is needed.Held in St Heliers, Auckland.60 minutes | $20 per person

Romiromi

Romiromi is a traditional Māori form of bodywork that uses intentional touch to support connection, release and restoration.Rooted in Māori healing traditions, my practice honours the relationship between body, emotions and wairua (spirit). Each session offers space to slow down, listen to your body and reconnect with yourself.Available in person in St Heliers, Auckland.60 minutes | $110

My Approach

Understanding Your Story

Together, we explore the experiences, relationships and beliefs that have shaped how you see yourself and navigate the world. With curiosity and compassion, we begin to make sense of familiar patterns and protective responses.

Listening to the Body

Our bodies can offer valuable information about how we're feeling, what we need and how we've learned to respond. By slowing down and noticing sensations, emotions and impulses, we create space for deeper awareness and understanding.

Exploring New Possibilities

Insight is important, but change can also be experienced through the body. Depending on your needs, our work may include movement, breath, visualisation, creative expression or therapeutic touch, offering opportunities to explore different ways of responding and relating.

Becoming More Yourself

The aim isn't to fix who you are. It's to understand what has shaped you, recognise what no longer serves you, and make room for your own needs, preferences and ways of being. Sometimes growth is less about becoming someone new and more about discovering who you've always been.

What happens in a counselling session?

Every session begins with a conversation. We take time to explore how you're feeling, what's happening in your life, and what feels important to you.
There's no set formula or expectation that you arrive knowing exactly what you need. We work collaboratively, following your curiosity, your goals and your pace.
Sometimes our time together may involve talking, reflecting and making connections between your experiences, beliefs, emotions and relationships. At other times, we might slow down and explore what you're noticing in your body, allowing space for feelings, sensations or responses that words alone may not fully express.

Depending on what feels helpful, a session might include:- Conversation and reflection
- Exploring beliefs, patterns and relationships
- Nervous system and attachment education
- Breath, movement and body awareness
- Visualisation, creative expression or chair work
- Therapeutic touch or bodywork, where appropriate and with your consent
- Quiet reflection and stillness

My intention is to offer a space where you feel safe enough to explore, curious enough to discover, and supported to find your own way forward.You are always welcome to ask questions, express preferences or decline any suggested practice. Nothing is forced, and we can change direction at any time.
You don't need to know what you need beforehand—just come as you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in a counselling session?Every session is different. We begin with a conversation about what's happening in your life and what feels important to you. Depending on your needs and preferences, we may explore your experiences through conversation, body awareness, movement, breath, visualisation, creative expression or therapeutic touch.You are always involved in deciding how we work together.Do I need to know what to talk about?Not at all. Some people arrive with something specific they want to explore, while others simply know they're struggling or ready for change.You don't need to have the answers before you arrive. We can begin wherever you are.Can I have counselling without bodywork?Absolutely. Conversation is central to my counselling practice, and body-based exploration is always an invitation, never a requirement.We can work entirely through conversation or incorporate somatic practices when they feel appropriate and helpful.What's the difference between Integrative Somatic Counselling and Romiromi?Integrative Somatic Counselling brings together conversation, psychological understanding and body-based exploration. It focuses on understanding your experiences, relationships, patterns and possibilities for change.Romiromi is a traditional Māori bodywork practice involving intentional touch and pressure, informed by Māori healing traditions. Sessions may incorporate karakia and can be experienced on physical, emotional and spiritual levels.Counselling may include some therapeutic touch, with your consent, but Romiromi is offered as a separate bodywork session.Is counselling suitable if I've experienced trauma?My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative and responsive to your needs.You won't be expected to share experiences before you're ready or participate in any practice you're uncomfortable with. We can work gradually, with attention to choice, boundaries and your responses throughout.Do you work with neurodivergent clients?Yes. My practice is neurodivergent-affirming, with a particular interest in adults discovering or exploring ADHD, autism and AuDHD later in life.

We can explore experiences such as masking, burnout, rejection sensitivity, sensory overwhelm, relationships, identity and the process of understanding yourself through a new lens.You don't need a formal diagnosis to explore these experiences in counselling.Do you offer online counselling?Yes. Integrative Somatic Counselling is available online throughout New Zealand.Online sessions can include conversation, reflection, guided body awareness, movement and other somatic practices. Hands-on bodywork and Romiromi are available in person only.What should I wear?For counselling, wear whatever feels comfortable.For Romiromi or sessions involving movement and bodywork, comfortable, flexible clothing is recommended. I'll explain any clothing or draping requirements for Romiromi before your appointment.What are Somatic Embodiment Classes?These are small, guided classes exploring movement, breath, body awareness and self-expression.Drawing on Qi Gong and somatic practices, they offer opportunities to reconnect with your body, explore new ways of moving and develop greater awareness of your inner experience.Classes are limited to three participants, and no previous experience is necessary.How many counselling sessions will I need?There's no set number. Some people come for a particular issue or transition, while others prefer ongoing support.We can discuss what you're hoping for and review how the work is going together. You're welcome to attend weekly, fortnightly or at another rhythm that suits your needs.Where are you based?My practice is based in a private, home-based clinic in St Heliers, Auckland.I'll provide the full address and arrival information when your appointment is confirmed.What's your cancellation policy?Please provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule.Late cancellations may incur a fee. If you're unwell or something unexpected happens, please get in touch as soon as possible.