Patricia Pataki, Registered Psychotherapist

04/02/2026

Acts of gratitude create strong positive emotions and can also help build mental resilience over time.

Let's start the day with a grateful heart. 🫶

Gratitude is being thankful for the good things in life, like a sunny park to eat your lunch in, a good book, or a warm cup of tea. ☕

This isn't about ignoring the struggles, which are real and varied, but rather focusing on the positives we often overlook.

Practising gratitude has plenty of benefits like:
💛 improving your self-esteem
💛 enhancing empathy
💛 reducing aggression
💛 improving your sleep.

Acts of gratitude, like sending a thank you note or writing down something you're grateful for each day, creates strong positive emotions and can also help build your mental resilience. 💪

22/09/2025

Free support group for mums with children under two.

Explore the emotional layers of motherhood in a safe, supportive space, connect with others, reflect on your journey, and be gently held in your healing.

Whether you're a first-time mum or navigating life with multiple tamariki, this group offers eight weeks of guided support with Rachael, a qualified counsellor.

Good Grief I’m a Mum – The Legacy of Motherhood is a free, confidential therapeutic group for mums with children under two.

Explore the emotional layers of motherhood in a safe, supportive space, connect with others, reflect on your journey, and be gently held in your healing. Whether you're a first-time mum or navigating life with multiple tamariki, this group offers eight weeks of guided support with Rachael, a qualified counsellor.
This is our final group for 2025.
To join, contact Perinatal Support Nelson or Rachael directly.
Come as you are. There’s a place for you here.

16/09/2025

Sometimes when people come to therapy, they’re hoping to “get rid” of certain feelings — fear, anger, sadness, shame.

But often, what helps most isn’t elimination - it’s transformation.

When we stop fighting our emotions and instead get curious about them, they often reveal their purpose: anger might be a signal that our boundaries need attention; sadness can show us what we value most; anxiety might highlight areas where we long for more safety or support.

The goal isn’t to silence these parts of us, but to listen to them with compassion. Because emotions, even the uncomfortable ones, are not enemies to conquer—they are messengers asking to be understood.

16/09/2025

Unleash Your Creativity for a Good Cause!

11/09/2025

Feeling stressed or running on empty?

Burnout doesn’t usually arrive overnight; it sneaks up on us little by little.

Here are a few small things that can make a big difference:

Micro-breaks ⏸️ ⏯️
Even 2 minutes to stretch, step outside, or sip water mindfully resets your nervous system.

Boundaries 🚧
Say “yes” to rest as often as you say “yes” to others.

Body check-in 🧘‍♀️
Notice—are your shoulders up near your ears? Drop them. Unclench your jaw. Breathe. 🍃

What's your favourite way to pause? Feel free to share it in the comments.

10/09/2025

🕊️ World Su***de Prevention Day – Today we pause to reflect, remember, and remind each other that every life matters. 💛

Su***de prevention starts with open conversations, kindness, and knowing where to find help. Together, we can break the stigma and support those who are struggling.

👉 If you need help, please reach out. The following helplines are available 24/7:

📞 Lifeline 0800 543 354
📞 Need to Talk? Call or text 1737
📞 Youthline (for those agreed 25 years & under) 0800 37 66 33

You are not alone. 💛

***dePreventionDay

29/07/2025

29/07/2025

Kia ora, I understand it's a difficult time for many families affected by the floods. If your children or young adults are struggling mentally please reach out to Gumboot Friday for free counselling/therapy. Available for ages up to 25.
Take care x

22/07/2025

A quote from Dr. Becky Kennedy, Clinical Psychologist and mum of three.

22/07/2025

When your child is in therapy, it might look like we’re “just playing” — but what’s really happening underneath is far more complex.

As a child psychotherapist, I’m not just playing with your child — I’m thinking for them when they feel overwhelmed or confused. I’m holding hope when they feel stuck. I’m imagining possibilities when they can’t find the words. I’m tuning into feelings they may not yet understand and gently helping them make sense of it all.

Because young children express themselves through play, I use their natural language to connect, reflect, and support emotional growth. Therapy becomes a safe space where big feelings can be explored in manageable ways — and healing often begins in those small, playful moments.

So while it may seem like we’re building blocks or drawing pictures, I’m also co-regulating, co-thinking and helping your child build emotional tools which they will be able to rely on long-term.