TE AWHI RITO

Adult services

HOW CAN COUNSELLING TAUTOKO YOUR LIFE?

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 help you find a safe space and support you identify tools and strategies to navigate struggles and challenges.

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

We offer therapy and counselling for ages 18 and above.

We offer free, personal and confidential counselling services for whānau and tangata whai ora. 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.

WHAT WE FOCUS ON:

Personal counselling can assist you in addressing issues like this:

  • Changing environments

  • Neglect

  • Family violence

  • Psychological abuse

  • Attachment and abandonment issues

  • Environmental issues

  • Esteem issues

  • Identity considerations

  • Low mental health

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Trauma

  • Grief and loss

  • Mood swings

  • Social stressors

  • Conflict resolution

  • Parental separation

  • Relationship and communication

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, accidents, or abuse.

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 tangata whai ora feel safe and supported throughout the process.

TESTIMONIALS

  • “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.”

  • “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] 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.”

THE NEXT STEP…

Process of engagement

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

  2. We initially meet with tangata whai ora for a whakawhānaungatanga 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 and required paperwork (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 tangata whai ora to start the process.

Know your rights with the Code of Health and Disability Services