Ko wai māua? Who are we?

Matt Deverell

Counsellor

Ash Deverell

Youth Work Supervisor

What we offer

We are based in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) and at this point in time, we offer both online and in person counselling (Matt), professional youth work supervision (Ash) and couples counselling (both).

We offer sessions for individuals at $100 per session. Organisational or government funded sessions are $120 but please don't hesitate to contact us if this is unaffordable.

For anyone 25 years old and under, through Gumboot Friday you could get a few sessions for free.

If you would like to work with us, please click here to fill in a referral form.
Alternatively, if you have any questions, please email us at: puaawaitonu@gmail.com

What is Narrative Therapy and Counselling?

I (Matt) am trained in Narrative Therapy - a respectful, collaborative approach that honours you as the expert in your own life.

Counselling is often for when people may be facing something challenging (which at some point, everyone will experience). However, counselling can also be a powerful space for exploring your identity, making sense of the world around you, finding direction, or even learning how to support others. Sometimes, it’s simply about having someone to talk to.

Narrative Therapy sees you as separate from problems and is an approach based on the idea that people make meaning of their lives through stories, stories we tell ourselves, stories others tell and stories the world may try to write for us. Together, we’ll explore the stories that shape your life - stories influenced by culture, relationships, and the wider world. We’ll work to re-author these stories (stories from the past, present and future) in ways that uplift your mana, culture, celebrate your values, and recognise your strengths, hopes, and unique knowledge.

Youth Work Supervision

I (Ash) see youth work supervision as an extension of youth work - as you journey with rangatahi, so too do you journey with your supervisor. Supervision is a fluid and flexible space that can be shaped to meet your needs. It's a safe place to reflect on your practice, receive support, and grow in confidence and clarity.

Supervision is a supportive space to pause, reflect, and grow - helping youth workers strengthen their practice and wellbeing, while navigating the ups and downs of the mahi.

I work from a holistic, strength-based approach, grounded in the belief that all areas of our lives impact one another - as reflected in Te Whare Tapa Whā.

The foundation of our supervision is symbolised by the image of a tree, which we build upon together as we move through our sessions - nurturing roots, resilience, values and continued flourishing.

Contact

The best way to contact us is via email:

Feel free to email us with any pātai (questions) you may have and what you are hoping for (counselling, supervision, or couples counselling). We will then send you some more information about working with us.

Email us at puaawaitonu@gmail.com

Or click here to fill out a referral form.

Meaning of our name

The name we chose comes from a whakatauākī from Sir James Hēnare and another whakataukī that have guided us in our lives. Put together in puāwai tonu, they speak to a value and belief of ours that all people have skills, mana, and values that have already shown themselves or 'blossomed' in their life. In our work alongside you, we want to have kōrero which will see your mana continue to blossom, therefore, the name 'Puāwai Tonu' means to continue blossoming.