Unique Beginnings

12/12/2025

OUT OF THE OFFICE till the 12 Jan 2026.

My family and I are off on a family Christmas back in Vancouver this year. I have meet and supported some incredible people this year and I am looking forward to the opportunities that will come along in 2026.

In the mean time I will be moving at a different pace (and time zone). Therefore, I may take time to respond to text and emails, I am still taking bookings for the new year. So reach out if you are looking to connect in 2026.

Incase you are needing urgent support see numbers below:
Crisis Service
Police: 111
Helplines
Youthline: 0800 376 633
Lifeline: 0800 543 354
Need to Talk: 1737

Or https://mentalhealth.org.nz/helplines

05/12/2025

Check out this update from the ACC hui

01/12/2025

I am really hopeful for our community next year, with more support becoming available for families to access maternal mental health within the Manawatu. Please reach out for support https://uniquebeginnings.co.nz

15/11/2025

Time for reflection. Today our youngest child turns double digits. Yes 10!

While on a family walk this morning along the Manawatu river the kids were drawn to the water, and today it was about creating a line in the stones to see the water flow and join back up to the river.

At the end a thought came to mind, ‘what stones are you needing to be move in your life, to allow the water to flow more clearly?’

This of course turned into a metaphorical dive about stones representing the barriers we have such as negative thoughts and beliefs about ourselves or others. While the water represents our waiora, spirit, or unique authentic self and how the barriers may prevent us from connecting to ourselves or others.

The family are getting used to my deep dives and often join in to expand on the idea or to ponder in thought.

This moments of reflection and wondering are often present with the counselling work that I do with others who are seeking wellness/hauora.

14/11/2025

💜 World Prematurity Day – Morning Tea Invitation 💜 Because some babies just can't wait 9 months to meet their parents…

Join us as we come together to honour the tiniest fighters and the incredible families who’ve walked the journey of prematurity.

📅 Monday 17th November 🕙 10:00 AM 📍 Foyer outside the Neonatal Unit, MidCentral Hospital

This event is especially for families who’ve had a premature baby, but everyone is welcome to share in the love and support 💕

☕ Morning tea will be provided — you're welcome to bring something to share, but it's completely optional. No RSVP needed — just come along and connect with others who understand the journey.

Let’s celebrate strength, resilience, and the beautiful beginnings that happen a little earlier than expected 💜

10/11/2025

This is a last minute request!
I am updating my photos for my website and looking for people who maybe to available tomorrow (12th Nov) evening between 6-7:30PM.
Individual, pregnant or not, couples welcome. This would help to display the space so most likely back shots of participants for counselling space set up. Please PM if you are available for the Awahuri location.

08/11/2025

Maternal Mental Health is very close to my heart in the work that I do. Because the ripple effect is massive for women and birthing people. During my research project (that can be viewed in the link attached) it became apparent the rippling effect mental health has over the perinatal period (pregnancy and beyond) and the relationships with the newborn, partners, whanau and then impacting future decision on childbearing.
The Hope Foundation has come about because of more passionate people who see the gaps within the health system and want to grow awareness and support. Please come along and support, I will be there with my mum Unique Fit, so come say hello.

https://uniquebeginnings.co.nz/traumatic-birth/

Send a message to learn more

03/11/2025

This question became the heart of my Master of Counselling research at Massey University:
How does the experience of a traumatic birth affect women’s sense of self: A systematic
review of qualitative and Kaupapa Māori studies.

My systematic review explores the emotional and psychological imprints of birth trauma, drawing from both academic inquiry and lived experience. It’s a vulnerable piece of work, and for a long time I believed it needed to go through a journal to be published in order for it to be considered “valid.”

But I’ve come to realise its true power lies in the conversations it sparks.
This year, I’ve shared my findings with local organisations and professionals—and the response has been humbling. There’s a growing recognition that birth trauma is real, impactful, and deserving of attention.

If you’re curious, or know someone who might benefit from support around their birth experience, I’d love to connect. Let’s keep the conversation going

📞 Phone: 021 066 0394
Website: https://uniquebeginnings.co.nz/

Check out my one and only Blog post for the research:
https://uniquebeginnings.co.nz/traumatic-birth/

03/11/2025

Often I hear from clients, 'I wish I had reached out sooner or known about your service'.

So please share around your groups and friends.

Check out my online home at https://uniquebeginnings.co.nz/

Feel free to click around and let know know if you have any questions or concerns.

24/10/2025

Such an amazing day with the team at Te Aroha Noa, deepening our understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and how this informs our own identity, the organisation and as practitioners 🌀

Ngā mihi nui ki ngā kaimahi tokorua nō Te Atakura, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa (Massey University) i tae mai ki tō mātou whare o Te Aroha Noa i tēnei rā. 💚

He wānanga hōhonu, he wairua mahana, he mauri ora! We’re so grateful for the mātauranga, aroha and kōrero shared as we deepened our understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the constitutional document of Aotearoa.

Mā te ako ka mārama, mā te mārama ka tū tika. 🤍

23/10/2025

Something unique about Unique Beginnings is that counseling sessions can flow alongside lactation support or infant and child development.

Please reach out if you are needing support
https://uniquebeginnings.co.nz/

21/10/2025

Self care/grounding doesn’t have to be big!

For me moments like this happen often in the day, like little 1-2min resets. In this moment the day is ending, with the kids in bed the last thing is taking the dog out (the cat also likes to join). Often it can be a rushed moment as I really wanting to be in bed. Tonight it’s a slow moment as my shoulders are tight, currently experiencing a headache. Which I don’t usually get. However, interesting fact, it was around this time last year while completing my research project that I last experienced it. Perhaps, it is due to the end of the year approaching sooner than expected and this time I am supporting the post graduate counselling program with finial assignment marking. My brain fatigues very easily with reading words.

Remember small moments each day help, it doesn’t have to be bigger/longer or harder in order for it to count 🫶 make self care assessable and achievable. (This is a message for myself also😉).