YOUNG PEOPLE

COUNSELLING & THERAPY

Who Do We Help?

What do we focus on?

What services we provide?

How can counselling tautoko your tamariki and rangatahi?

Sometimes it can be challenging for tamariki and rangatahi to speak to their whānau; they may find it difficult to express their thoughts or feelings, and there may be many reasons why. Korero with someone neutral and not a part of the whānau, this can help a tamariki and rangatahi feel safe to express themselves. Sometimes tamariki and rangatahi need someone to help them identify tools and strategies to navigate struggles and challenges.

The Next Step…

Process of engagement

  1. An enquiry is received, and contact will be made with whānau to accept or discuss other options with a referral.

  2. We initially meet with whānau (parent(s), caregivers or guardians) for a Whakawhānaungatanga Hui. This hui involves the whānau to ask any questions and get an understanding of what service may be provided for their tamariki or rangatahi. The child therapist will complete an assessment and required paperwork with whānau (hui is usually between 1 ½ hours to 2 hours).

  3. The next step is for the child therapist to take the referral and assessment to an MDT where the tangata whai ora will be allocated a child therapist in Āwhina Whānau Services.

  4. The allocated child therapist will then make contact with the whānau to start the therapy process.


Enquire with us here to be contacted for a referral

Click below for more information on our FAQ page

Tangata Whai Ora Testimonies

  • “I admired the respect shown towards my faith and the fact that it was allowed. The diversity between the whanau and how we’re all here for the same reason despite our different circumstances. The freedom within our speech, the inclusion, building relationship. Shows we are ‘not alone’ especially in the struggle of raising children. Being a mother can be a very lonely part of life” — Parent

  • “We are really seeing some awesome changes in our wee man and tried some of the communication techniques you provided this evening with his fear of being told off and he not only told us what happened but apologised to his brother” — Caregiver of Tamariki

  • “He has moved from being so anxious that he can’t leave the house to interacting with the boys at Te Kura and realizing that not all children will bully him. He is giving things a go now. This is huge” — Parent of 10-year-old boy

  • “I don’t feel so scary going to talk to the judge because I feel safe and know that no one can hurt me anymore” – Tamariki aged 10 years old