About Me
I am passionate about empowering people to live a rich and meaningful life by introducing concepts of wellness & life skills to reach their full potential.
The blend of my skills promotes balance, and creativity increases confidence and self-esteem, and encourages people to move forward on their journey in life.
History
My clinical training was in Occupational Therapy at the Medical Faculty of the University of Liverpool in the UK and been practising for 30 years. I have worked in the UK, Guernsey (Channel Islands) and moved to New Zealand in 2006.
I have a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in mental health/addiction services, physical health, intellectual disability, work rehabilitation, children, Elderly services, probation clients and the men’s shelter.
I work in private practice and have previously worked for the DHB, NHS, NGOs, Education, PHO, and ACC providers and am a supervisor to clinical staff and students.
I am a qualified and experienced Therapist/Coach/Educator, specialising in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
My extensive knowledge and experience include providing individual/spiritual counselling, facilitating educational programmes/workshops in anxiety management, assertiveness/communication training, mindfulness/meditation relaxation, self-esteem, self-compassion, health/wellness nutrition, drug and alcohol, life skills, and motivational interviewing with adults and children.
I am also a Reiki Practitioner and use Tibetan bowls/toning and crystals for healing, and I am currently studying Herbal Medicine.
Like a Butterfly
Like a butterfly fear not
What you don’t know or what is new
Or what you haven’t experienced before,
As fear clips our wings,
And stops us in our tracks and we stand still
So spread your wings and grow.
Open your heart and mind
To all what is new on your journey
Be not afraid and stand still
As if trapped in a cocoon, without flight
Enrich your life and don’t stand still
And shine bright as a chrysalis begins its new life.
So spread your wings and take flight
And like a butterfly, which takes it first flight
Hold out your hand if you need help
But you alone can make this leap,
Believe in yourself, be strong and fear not
Show love in your heart and go forth
And spread your wings
Take Flight and Fly High.
Written by Paula Harrison ©2016
Additional Information
I am a qualified dance, singing, and drama teacher, teaching in NZ and the UK for 35 years.
My professions as a therapist and teacher of performing arts blend well together promoting a balance of both mental and physical well-being.
The flow of creativity increases confidence, and self-esteem and helps people to move forward on their journey in life.
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