Joanna | Somatic and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Somatic Mindful Psychotherapy Christchurch

Hello, I’m Joanna. With over 18 years of experience as a holistic health practitioner, I’ve had the privilege of working and studying across Europe, South East Asia, and New Zealand, integrating the wisdom of Western and Eastern medicine systems. Currently, I provide short- and long-term psychotherapy (somatic and psychodynamic talking therapy) from my cozy clinic nestled in the beautiful Heathcote Valley, Christchurch.

I have a deep interest in developmental and relational trauma (complex trauma, cPTSD) and the integration of body and mind. With my background in medical and somatic training (see below), I bring an understanding of the body’s role in psychotherapy, allowing “body talk” to emerge in sessions. This approach enriches the therapeutic process, helping to reveal unconscious narratives and core beliefs. 

I am also interested in embracing opposites, particularly the dynamic between life and death. I strongly advocate for normalising conversations about death and grief, recognising their essential place in our human experience. Over the past decade, I have dedicated myself to studying these topics and processing my own relationship with death and the concept of "necessary losses." The insights and understanding I've gained on this journey inform my therapeutic work, allowing me to create a safe and supportive space where you can feel held during moments of fear, anger, confusion, doubt and grief. 

In my work, I integrate the wisdom of both somatic and talk therapy, drawing from Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (CM), Somatic Psychotherapy (Hakomi), Internal Family Systems, Jungian Studies, Mindful Focusing, Brainspotting - neuroexperiential trauma therapy, and other complementary approaches (see below).

I’m also passionate about the intersection of psychotherapy and art, welcoming creativity and play as a vital part of our collaborative work.

I am a registered psychotherapist, and my work is supervised. As a lifelong learner, I regularly attend workshops and webinars. I love long walks, watching movies and reading books.

Please get in touch with me if you want to know more or make an appointment.

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"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." - Maya Angelou

“Therapy is first about discovering. It’s about who you are and about what your deepest emotional attitudes are. It’s not just about who you think you are. It’s not something you can know with the intellect. It’s about who you are in the very heart of yourself. That’s the flavour of psychotherapy, discovering yourself, discovering your real attitudes toward the most important pieces of your life. At some point, you realise that the things that you thought you were stuck with, your character traits, are changeable. You can be free of them… At the end you have consistency and vision. You have resolved many conflicts, in which one part of you wants something and another part is against it. The journey itself becomes a way of life." ~ Ron Kurtz, Hakomi Founder