Dargaville, Northland, New Zealand
Services
One to one coaching
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is suitable for anyone who is feeling dissatisfied with life, regardless of diagnoses or symptoms. The focus is finding out what makes life rich and meaningful for you and what reactions to thoughts and feelings are getting in the way for you.
Coaching with me is not about grasping and relentlessly pursuing goals! We do reach your goals but we do it in a gentle, mindful way, motivated by your values. This results in a deeper contentment that continues as life changes rather than being dependent on external circumstances.
Contact me to book an appointment
Exchange: $120 per session
Bring Balance Groups
Ongoing weekly groups that create the time and space to practise stillness, presence, mindfulness, awareness and intention setting.
Using a combination of ancient practices such as meditation, t'ai chi and qi gong alongside modern techniques from ACT and other therapies we develop awareness needed to respond rather than blindly react to situations of daily life.
The balance we strive for is not the superficial life/work balance but a deeper contentment, inner peace and resilience that comes from balancing the form and formless aspects of our lives.
See What's On page for current classes.
Day Retreats
I run day and half day retreats throughout the year, usually in Baylys Beach and Dargaville. (I am open to facilitating in other areas.)
These days give you a good chunk of "me time" to pause, reflect and set intention.
The retreats are not a distraction from everyday life, they are an opportunity to experience what comes up for you when you aren't distracted, and more importantly how to manage it!
We practice balancing internal and external awareness using various mindfulness practices alongside modern coaching techniques.
I am keen to do more of these so please let me know if you have a group and/or venue where you would like me to facilitate a retreat for you.
Exchange: varies due to venue costs
Taiji Quan
Taiji Quan is an internal martial art that focuses on developing relaxed forces in the body by letting go of unnecessary tension.
It is an excellent practice for anyone interested in meditation, martial arts, taoism, mindfulness and holistic wellness.
There are well documented benefits of practicing taiji and unfortunately there are also a few myths around it too! Taiji is not just for old people, it is a lifelong practice with no end to progress therefore you can continue to practice well into old age. It is also less known in the west that taiji is a martial art. The training of the martial side, tuishou, is very beneficial for further development of the art. It highlights areas to work on that may only become apparent when doing partnerwork, it also allows us to work with humility, letting go of ego and observing how we respond under pressure. How we respond in taiji reflects how we respond in life. By learning to let go, stay present, centred, grounded and connected in our taiji we then develop the same traits in life.
I teach Yang Style Taiji Quan as taught by Master Huang Sheng Shyan. I have been a student of Wee Kee Jin (a student of Master Huang) since 2002 and am a certified instructor of his School of Central Equilibrium.
Exchange: Varies due to duration and venues. One to one training: $60 per hour
Qi gong
I teach two qi gong practices usually within the Bring Balance groups, day retreats or on a one to one basis as part of coaching.
However there are sometimes pop up qi gong classes at outdoor sites during Spring, Summer and Autumn.
Qi gong is relatively easier than taiji quan and quicker to learn. It is an excellent practice for health.
I do not currently work with a qi gong teacher and would not claim to be a teacher myself, however I was taught in the past by my first taiji teacher, Dharmamudra (who has extensive knowledge and experience of qi gong) and enjoy leading groups in the practices I know.
Let me know if you would like a qi gong class for your group, community or workplace.