Whakaora is a new programme available to clients throughout the motu. We are proud to offer sessions for anyone in New Zealand who wants to experience group EMDR therapy. We also work directly with employers to provide the highest quality care following a workplace incident. Whakaora is also available for clients with an established ACC Sensitive Claim.
For everyone, our goal is to improve the accessibility of EMDR therapy to clients who want to recover quickly from trauma. Whakaora is led by three experienced clinical psychologists and follows the evidence-based EMDR group protocol. We believe that group therapy is the means to achieve unity, and our goal is to whiria te tāngata, or to weave the people together. We look forward to working with you.
For employers, Whakaora is offering an evidence-based, clinically validated programme that supports employee mental health with actual therapy, delivered effectively and efficiently by clinical psychologists. We offer data, including before, during, and after treatment measures to back up the service that we provide. We are flexible, offering effective treatment in-person or online, anywhere in the country. We are also ready to respond expediently to crisis events, preventing the development of posttraumatic symptoms.
For our friends and neighbours, we have been involved with helping Aucklanders recover from the flooding in January 2023 and continue to help Kiwis affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. If you would like to join our next group, we will be happy to work with you.
For our colleagues, we were honoured to present at the 2022 EMDR New Zealand conference, and you can watch our presentation below. We are anticipating several presentations and public events in 2023, feel free to contact us if you'd like to talk about how we can help you.
Free trauma therapy programme for people impacted by the recent storms.
What: Whakaora Humanitarian Assistance Programme - A Group EMDR Session for All
When: March 9th 2pm – 4pm, March 23rd 2pm - 4pm, April 28th 12pm - 2pm
Where: Online – sign up here
Who: Anyone who was affected by Cyclone Gabrielle who needs support. You can attend as many sessions as you'd like, you do not need to attend all three. We are offering three sessions and will offer further sessions based on uptake and the needs of the communities affected by the storms.
Are you feeling distressed after the recent cyclone and floods? Are you struggling to sleep or feeling more on edge than usual? Whether you are a survivor or part of the support and rescue efforts, we are offering a free two-hour online session to help you deal with the effects of this significant event. The treatment provided is evidence based and recognized by the World Health Organisation. Even if you think you are managing well, this treatment session can also help build resilience and reduce the likelihood of symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression from developing in the future. This session is appropriate for adults and children with an adult to assist them.
Are you a registered health provider interested in supporting this group? Please click here to fill out our volunteer survey. We are looking for registered health providers to who are familiar with helping clients via video or phone call. You do not need to be trained in EMDR to volunteer. Thank you!
Here's what our alumni have to say about their experiences with Whakaora. If you'd like to learn more, why not join our next session?
What is EMDR?
EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviours resulting from the distressing issue, allows the brain to resume its natural healing process.