TE AWHI RITO

Adult Services

At times it can be challenging to speak to whānau; it may feel difficult to express your thoughts or feelings, and there may be many reasons why. Kōrero with someone neutral and not a part of the whānau, can help you feel safe to express yourself. We will create a safe space and support you to identify tools.

At Āwhina Whānau Services, all our team members are experienced and qualified professionals, each registered with their relevant professional bodies.

We offer free, personal and confidential counselling services for whānau and tāngata whai ora aged 18 and above. Our purpose is to help support a multitude of feelings and situations that arise and to restore mana back into whānau and individuals. We provide a safe, non-judgemental, and confidential space to talk, with support tailored to you and your needs. You’ll gain information and skills to help navigate mental, emotional, and relationship challenges. Our service also offers an alternative to seeing a GP or psychologist, providing different psychological interventions and support through counselling.

HOW CAN COUNSELLING TAUTOKO YOUR LIFE?

WHAT WE FOCUS ON:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Trauma

  • Grief and loss

  • Sexual violence

  • Family violence

  • Conflict resolution

  • Parental separation

  • Relationship and communication

Personal counselling can assist you in addressing issues such as:

  • Changing environments

  • Neglect

  • Social stressors

  • Psychological abuse

  • Environmental issues

  • Esteem issues

  • Identity considerations

  • Low mental health

  • Attachment and abandonment issues

WHAT SERVICES DO WE PROVIDE?

Support for Abuse and Trauma
We offer confidential counselling for individuals who have experienced physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse, as well as those impacted by trauma from life-threatening events such as illness or accidents.

Help with Emotional and Mental Wellbeing
We support adults who are navigating painful, overwhelming feelings and intrusive thoughts, helping them build strategies for resilience and healing.

Specialist Support for Survivors of Sexual Violence
We provide dedicated counselling for survivors of rape and sexual abuse, offering a safe and empowering space to heal.

Advocacy and Guidance
We offer advocacy and support for individuals engaging with Police, navigating court processes, and seeking legal or medical advice.

Forensic Examination Support
Through a local agreement with Police and Te Whatu Ora, we provide support during forensic medical examinations, ensuring tāngata whai ora feel safe and supported throughout the process.

TAUNAKI PŪMANAWA
Testimonials

  • “After that experience, I felt healed. I felt I had let go of the trauma, of the guilt, the shame, and the hold that the experience had on me. And it was completely sincere - beyond anything I have ever experienced in my life. I am so grateful to my counsellor for being the person who has helped me through this. Each session I have with her is an opportunity for me to become a better person.”

  • “Beyond grateful. Life got hard and I couldn’t see a way out. [Counsellor] spoke life into those dark places and helped me to get back up. I’ve slowly integrated lessons, wisdom from former sessions and have noticed positive outcomes in my life. Amazing wahine, counsellor, does it with ease and grace. Right person to have in your corner in the valleys. Thanks 🤍 Thanks 🤍 Thanks 🤍 ”

  • “Thank you very much [Counsellor] for guiding and helping me through some big stuff that I had been holding onto throughout my life from childhood. And just being a great help and support in so many ways. Thanks for just being there when I needed you.”

  • “[Counsellor] has a lovely gentle, calm, demeanour. Is an active great listener. I feel my ADHD energy calm over the 3/4 hours in her room. It’s calming and feels a relief to relax into the seat and feel seen, heard, validated, that I’m not going crazy. Thanks 🤍 .”

  • “Thank you very much [Counsellor] for your tautoko and awhi throughout my journey.”

  • “Āwhina Whānau Services - the best in Te Matau a Māui. Thank you for your care and support.”

  • “Being part of AWS dramatically changed my life. I have learnt and gained enough knowledge about myself and the tools I require to help my mental health. Thank you so much for your time, it really is appreciated and I pray that others heal in your presence also. Arohanui.”

  • “The fog has gone … a welcoming environment counsellor was easy to talk to. The tools are just the best thing ever. Being able to completely let go and not be in control is awesome. No anxiety for 3-4 weeks.”

  • “[Counsellor] supported through a difficult time in my life. I have learnt tools to help with my anxiety and depression. I could not have got through this last couple of years without support. Thank you so much for all you have done, counselling was very helpful.”

  • “[Counsellor] is amazing at what she does. She’s saved my life and teaching me how to live again.
    I can never thank her and Āwhina enough!”

  • “My sessions with [Counsellor] have helped me in thousands of ways and the tools I have been shown have been life changing. [Counsellor] has been supportive, easy to communicate with every time, have always and will continue to recommend clients/family/friends to AWS.”

  • “I enjoyed the counselling sessions with [Counsellor], as it helped me to talk and release my stress & problems. Someone I could trust and have that much needed support, awesome thank you.”

THE NEXT STEP…

Process of engagement

  1. Aa referral is received, and contact will be made with you to discuss the referral.

  2. We initially meet for a whakawhanaungatanga hui. This hui enables the you to ask any questions and get an understanding of what service may be provided. The Kaiwhakmārie will complete an assessment that provides us with more information about your circumstances (hui is usually between 1 to 1½ hours).

  3. The next step is for the Kaiwhakmārie to discuss the referral with the Team Leader, who will then allocate to the most suitable Kaiwhakmārie.

  4. The allocated Kaiwhakmārie will then make contact you to to begin our services.

Know your rights with the Code of Health and Disability Services