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Melanie
Somatic Therapist
Melanie
Introduction
Hi, I'm Mel
I’m a somatic therapist trained in Hakomi Somatic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and traditional psychotherapy. I work from a private, peaceful space in Muriwai, Auckland. I also offer online sessions via Google Meet.
I'm drawn to experiential, mindfulness-based approaches that blend modern neuroscience with a deep respect for each person’s inner wisdom and capacity for healing. I aim to work collaboratively, with warmth, humour, and integrity.
About My Approach
Somatic therapy recognises the deep connection between mind and body. Including the body in therapy can offer access to experiences and insights that don’t always surface through talking alone.
The work is gentle and collaborative, moving at a pace that feels right for you and supports a sense of safety. We combine conversation with moments of slowing down and noticing what’s happening in the present moment. By working with experience as it unfolds, we can actively change how memories, emotions, and patterns are held in the mind and nervous system, and how the body is felt and experienced.
Issues I Can Support
I have personal and professional experience supporting people with:
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chronic illness and pain
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depression and anxiety
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healing from trauma
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preparing for or integrating psychedelic experiences
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microdosing (coaching and integration)
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concussion and post-concussion syndrome
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a sense of disconnection, especially from the body
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life purpose and meaning
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personal development
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increasing joy and connection
A Bit About Me
I hold a postgraduate diploma in psychotherapy and am a graduate of Hakomi Somatic Psychotherapy. I continue to develop my work through regular supervision and ongoing learning. My approach is grounded in curiosity, honesty, compassion, and a genuine respect for the people I work with.
If you’d like to get a sense of whether working together feels right, I offer a free 20-minute discovery call. To arrnage please click on the Send me a message button above.
Online therapy
I work online through Google Meet with clients from all over NZ.
Qualifications and registrations
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Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy (with distinction) — AUT
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Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy (Graduate)
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Advanced Trauma Training: Working With Parts — Dr Paris Williams
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Internal Family Systems Training — Dr Tori Olds
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APANZ — Student Member
Melanie is listed among the counsellors in Auckland.
Therapy languages
Specialisations
- 1. Somatic Psychotherapy
- 2. Internal Family Systems
- 3. Psychedelics
- 4. Preparation & Integration
- 5. Chronic Illness & Pain
- 6. Recovering from Trauma
- 7. Embodiment
- 8. Nervous System Regulation
- 9. Microdosing
Fees
Sliding scale $90 - $110 per session
I am so grateful
I engaged very effectively with Melanie on line. I can highly recommend working with Mel if you want someone who is kind but firm, who works where you are at in the present, who is open to allowing possibilities and letting conflicts sit side by side until you find the key to modify or unlock it. Mel works at your pace and never pushes too hard; even when you are racing to a finish line in an old pattern!
She has a warm and engaging personality coupled with really effective and methodical work practises based in theories that help to bring change to your life. While working with Mel this year I have been able to make major changes which align me to my life goals. These seemed unobtainable previously.
Mel has helped me to acknowledge my strengths and vulnerabilities, to be more more responsive as situations unfold. With her help my inner child's voice is being heard, honoured and valued. Mel has helped me to find congruence in very centered, practical and realistic ways.
I am grateful to all the counsellors I have worked with over the years and as the saying goes: "When the student is ready the teacher appears". I feel Mel has helped me to honour and pull together my earlier learnings and understandings into a coherent whole so I can go forward curious, excited and achieving. Above all else Mel cares about people and she always holds the best for you. We can ask for no more.
Thanks Melanie, I am so grateful that you are doing this work and that I managed to find you.
Mary | Masterton | December 8 2025
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