KUMEROA HINENGARO
Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland
“It is in playing and only in playing that the individual child or adult is able to be creative and to use the whole personality, and it is only in being creative that the individual discovers the self.”
D. W. Winnicott
ABOUT CHILD PSYCHOTHERAPY
My approach involves relational child psychotherapy informed by psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theories. By utilizing a range of specific play materials, the child is encouraged to gradually express parts of their inner self and develop a therapeutic relationship both verbally and non-verbally. Within this relationship, connections can be made between the therapist and the child's whānau to better understand the nature of their conflicts and difficulties.
Child psychotherapy can be effective for a range of presenting challenges, including anxiety, low mood, self-harm, difficulty sleeping or toileting, anger, loneliness, grief, somatic complaints, ASD diagnoses, those questioning their gender or sexuality, adjustment difficulties, separations and trauma. This work is suitable for children aged 5 - 15 years however dyadic work with children younger than 5 may be possible with consistent participation from a parent or caregiver.
More information about this approach can be found in the blog section of this website.
KO WAI AU | ABOUT ME
Working in the mental health field through the lenses of DHB, NGO and private sectors has offered me a range of experience to draw from. I feel passionate about helping children and their families, particularly when difficulties with communication or understanding have created a sense of overwhelming inner struggle. Child psychotherapy can be very effective in understanding the confusing and confounding aspects of holistic health.
Ko Horouta te waka
Ko Moehau te maunga
Ko Harataunga te awa
Ko Tīkapa te moana
Ko Rākairoa te marae
Ko Ngati Porou ki Harataunga ki Mataora te iwi
No Tāmaki Makaurau ahau
I am based in Auckland, practicing within a playroom space in Albany suitable for children, adolescents and their families.
“Every child has a right to a thoughtful, regular presence accompanying her during a terrifying journey… regardless of whether or not she can speak, think, or experience being physically healthy”
Jeanne Magagna
ENQUIRIES
Please feel free to contact me via this website, or otherwise directly by email. I will get back to you as soon as possible.