Te Rito

How can counselling tautoko young people?

At times it can be challenging for tamariki and rangatahi to share what they are experiencing with their whānau; they may find it difficult to express their thoughts or feelings, and there may be many reasons why. Kōrero with someone neutral can help 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.

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

Who do we help?

  • We provide therapy and counselling for individuals aged 4 to 17.

  • We offer therapy and counselling for tamariki and rangatahi aged 4 to 17.

What services do we provide?

    • Depression

    • Anxiety

    • Trauma

    • Grief/loss

    • Bullying

    • Anger management

    • Conflict resolution

    • Parental separation

    • Changing environments

    • Neglect

    • Family violence

    • Sexual Violence

    • Attachment/abandonment issues

    • Emotional regulation

    • Self-esteem

    • Identity considerations

What do we focus on?

    • Talk therapy

    • Sand tray therapy

    • Play therapy

    • Interactive drawing therapy

    • Art therapy

    • Strengths based, solution focused, CBT

    • Parental and tamariki interactive therapy

    • Adventure based therapy and outdoor health

    • Cultural connection

    • Mentoring

  • Tools within a kaupapa Māori framework - including karakia, pūrakau, waiata, te taioa, mahi toi 

    Individualised interventions - focused on the needs of the tangata whai ora and what they are presenting with (may include: Talk therapy, Adventure based therapy, Play therapy and Outdoor health)

    Culturally appropriate and holistic tautoko - focusing on their overall wellbeing (hinengaro, tinana, wairua, whenua and whānau)

    School based programmes

  • Kaupapa Māori-Informed Tools
    We use a range of approaches grounded in tikanga Māori, including karakia, pūrākau, waiata, te taiao (the natural environment), and mahi toi (creative expression).

    Tailored Support
    Each journey is unique. We provide personalised interventions based on the needs of the tangata whai ora, which may include talk therapy, adventure-based therapy, play therapy, or outdoor health practices.

    Holistic and Culturally Grounded Tautoko
    Our support embraces the whole person — nurturing hinengaro (mind), tinana (body), wairua (spirit), whenua (connection to land), and whānau (family and community).

    School-Based Programmes
    We offer culturally responsive programmes in schools, supporting rangatahi within environments they are familiar with.

Testimonies

  • “I admired the respect shown towards my faith and the fact that it was allowed. The diversity between the whānau and how we’re all here for the same reason despite our different circumstances. The freedom within our speech, the inclusion, building relationships. 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

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 enables the whānau to ask any questions and get an understanding of what service may be provided for their tamaiti/tamariki or rangatahi. The Kaiwhakmārie will complete an assessment and required paperwork with whānau (hui is usually between 1½ hours to 2 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 with the whānau or tangata whai ora to start the process.

Referral
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