Talkin Headz Counselling

Talkin Headz Counselling Irene is the owner of Talkin Headz Counselling, , Whakatane and Bay of plenty area..

EMDR Consultant/Facilitator Trauma therapist EAP therapist, Supervisor for NZAC EMDR Trauma Therapist, Member of NZ Association of Counsellors, Member of Aotearoa NZ Assoc. of Social Workers
Approved & Accredited Member of EMDR Institute of America. EAP Counsellor for (Employment Assistance Programme) Irene provides
Clinical Supervision.

07/11/2025

It’s a powerful thing — the way a child starts to believe the words they hear about themselves.

The tone we use, the way our eyes soften, the stories we repeat — they become part of their inner world. And slowly, they grow into the way they’ve been seen.

The whispers that surround them — spoken in moments we barely notice — become their inner chorus…

And those quiet echoes become the story of who they believe themselves to be. ❤️

Quote Credit: ❣️

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So true 👍🏻 👌
07/11/2025

So true 👍🏻 👌

07/11/2025
07/11/2025

Talkin Headz Counselling will be closed for Christmas from 23rd December until 19th January 2026.

07/11/2025

Just letting clients know I'm no longer providing ACC Sensitive Claims therapy.

16/07/2025

You're invited to a special live-online discussion with Deb Dana, LCSW, —renowned polyvagal expert, Co-Founder, and Course Partner at PVI.
Monday, July 28, 2025, 12:00pm-1:00pm ET

This free community event is a rare opportunity to hear directly from one of the leading voices in the field of Polyvagal Theory. Deb will answer your questions, share practical insights, and offer guidance on how to apply polyvagal principles in your own life and work. Whether you’re just beginning your polyvagal journey or have been integrating the theory for years, you’ll leave with renewed inspiration and deeper understanding. This is a special chance to connect not only with Deb, but also with fellow students and practitioners from around the world who share your commitment to creating safety, connection, and healing.
We can’t wait to come together, learn, and be inspired by Deb’s wisdom and warmth—you won’t want to miss this special event!

Please note: we are unable to offer a recording of this event. We hope you can join us live in real time.

Register here: polyvagal.org/events

16/07/2025

Cognitive dissonance is what happens when your brain and body are screaming one thing, but the words you hear from them tell you something completely different.

Your nervous system feels on edge. You feel the tension, the anxiety, the shutdown. But then they say, “I love you.” They tell you that you’re overreacting. They remind you of all the good times. You want to believe them, because believing the alternative would shatter everything.

This split between what you know deep down and what you’re being told creates emotional chaos. Your body registers danger. Your mind tries to rationalise safety. And the disconnection between those two states leaves you frozen in confusion, doubt, and shame.

This is not you being weak or dramatic. This is your brain trying to survive something it can’t fully make sense of. Cognitive dissonance is a trauma response. It’s your system trying to protect you from the unbearable reality that someone who claims to love you is also harming you.

If you feel stuck, unsure, or ashamed for staying too long, please know this. You were not confused. You were traumatised. And your survival system was doing its best.

You don’t have to keep questioning your instincts. You were right to feel what you felt. Healing begins when you stop trying to make the story fit and start trusting the truth your body always knew.

Have you ever been here? Let's share stories without shame

16/07/2025

The words we speak to our children don’t just echo in the moment — they settle into their nervous system, their self-worth, their sense of what’s possible.

When we speak with criticism, they learn to question themselves.
When we speak with compassion, they learn to trust themselves.
When we speak with belief, they learn they’re capable.
And when we speak with love — they carry that love into every corner of their lives.

This is how language becomes legacy.

Not through grand gestures — but in the quiet, consistent ways we shape how they see themselves.

Because how we speak to our children becomes how they experience the world.

And the stories they live tomorrow begin with the words we choose today. ❤️

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16/07/2025

This one stings — but it’s worth sitting with.

Because confidence isn’t built through praise alone.
It’s built through safety.
Through the tone we use. The way we respond. The energy we bring into the room.

Yes, we all have hard days.
But when raised voices and sharp words become a pattern, it teaches more than we realise.

Not just about us — but about them.
About their worth. Their safety. Their place in the world.

Apologies matter — but so does prevention.
So does self-awareness. So does repair.

Because every moment we choose calm over control, presence over power,
we’re not just avoiding a meltdown — we’re building a foundation.

Let’s raise confident kids by first creating a world where they feel safe enough to become confident in.

It starts with us. ❤️

Quote Credit: ❣️

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Address

Hallett Road Otakiri
Whakatane
3192

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+64273493536

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Our Story

EMDR Trauma Therapy NZ Consultant & Therapist, EMDDR NZ Board Member, Member of NZ Association of Counsellors, Member of Aotearoa NZ Assoc. of Social Workers Approved & Accredited Member of EMDR Institute of America. EAP Counsellor for (Employment Assistance Programme) Irene provides Clinical Supervision for other EMDR therapists, and staff in the Social Services sector, Government and Non Government Agencies.