Psychodynamic Therapy - Hakomi - Breathwork - Naturopath - Nelson - Sam

	Sam 22 Nile Street West Nelson 7011 Nelson
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Sam | Psychodynamic Therapy - Hakomi - Breathwork - Naturopath

Introduction

I am an experienced allied health clinician who brings a compassionate, mindful, and deeply respectful approach to supporting people from all walks of life. With over two decades of clinical practice spanning naturopathy, somatic therapy, and psychodynamic training, I offer an integrative approach that honours the whole person in body, mind, and spirit.

My work is grounded in the understanding that our physical presence; posture, expression, movement, and voice reflects the rich landscape of our inner emotional world. As a Hakomi Graduate Psychodynamic Therapist and Internal Family Systems (IFS) practitioner, I work with body-centred approaches that honour the mind-body connection, helping clients access healing at multiple levels simultaneously.

I am currently a trainee in the Conversational Model psychotherapy programme with ANZAP, deepening my psychodynamic understanding of the therapeutic relationship as the central vehicle for change. I hold a Master of Health Sciences with a research focus on trauma in young people, a PGDip in Motivational Interviewing for Behavioural Change, and bring a trauma-informed lens to all my clinical work.

Whether you are navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, relational difficulties, or a sense that something in your life needs to shift, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where all parts of you are welcome. Together we can explore the deeper connections between your physical and emotional wellbeing, and move toward the life you are seeking.

I am based in Nelson, New Zealand, and available for in-person sessions and telehealth.

Qualifications and registrations

MHealSc, PGDipHlthSc, BHSc (Comp Med), DipClinHerbMed, Hakomi Graduate, IFS (Level 2)

MNMHNZ, MNZAMH, MAPANZ (student) MANZAP (trainee), IARRP (student)

Registrations

I offer therapy in

✓ English

Specialisations

1. Trauma
2. Anxiety
3. Depression
4. Somatic Psychodynamic Therapy
5. Hakomi Psychodynamic Therapy
6. Internal Family Systems
7. Conversational Model Therapy
8. Relationships issues
9. Burnout
10. Stress & Burnout

Specialisations and Expertises

I specialise in trauma-informed, somatic, and psychodynamic therapy, working with clients who are navigating the effects of past trauma, anxiety, depression, relational difficulties, and significant life transitions. Drawing on Hakomi, Internal Family Systems, and the Conversational Model, I work with the whole person body, mind, and emotional life to support deep and lasting change. My Master of Health Sciences included research into PTSD in young people following the Christchurch earthquakes, and trauma-sensitive practice underpins all my work. Sessions are typically open-ended and relational in nature, with the number varying depending on the depth of what is being explored. I work well with clients who are curious about themselves and ready to engage in a genuine therapeutic relationship.

Most common issues I support people with:

1. Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Supporting clients in processing past experiences including developmental, relational, and event-based trauma. I use somatic, IFS, and psychodynamic approaches that work at the body and emotional level simultaneously.

2. Anxiety and Stress Helping clients understand the physical and emotional roots of anxiety, develop greater nervous system awareness, and build lasting capacity for calm and self-regulation.

3. Depression and Low Mood Working relationally and somatically to explore what lies beneath low mood — including unexpressed emotion, unmet needs, and disconnection from self and gently supporting a return to vitality.

4. Relationship and Attachment Difficulties Supporting clients to understand patterns in their relationships, develop greater self-awareness, and build more authentic and satisfying connections with others.

5. Life Transitions and Identity Walking alongside people navigating significant change career shifts, loss, major life events, or a sense that something needs to be different helping them find meaning, direction, and a more grounded sense of self.

Therapies offered

Areas of counselling I can help with

Fees

Individual sessions: $120.00 per session (50 minutes).

I accept WINZ disability allowance payments for counselling in conjunction with GP authorisation. Please speak with your GP in the first instance to discuss eligibility.

Availability (Opening hours)

Monday	-
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 2.30pm
Friday	-
Saturday	-
Sunday	-

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