Brenda Hotene

Introduction

He uri tēnei nō Ngāti Awa me Ngāti Pukeko me Te Whakatōhea me McLaren Clan

Kei Waikato ahau e noho ana inaianei

Ko Brenda Hotene taku ingoa

Kia ora

My name is Brenda I am a descendant of the tribes of Whakatane, Opotiki, Moawhango and Dollar in Scotland.

I live in the Waikato and offer counselling in the surrounding areas.

I am a trauma‑informed counsellor and the owner of Awhi Counselling in Aotearoa. My practice is grounded in cultural integrity, relational safety, and deep respect for each person’s lived experience. I offer a therapeutic space where people feel protected, understood, and supported to move at a pace that honours their nervous system and their story.

My approach is warm, steady, and practical. I blend gentle attunement with clear, achievable guidance, helping clients build emotional regulation, sensory awareness, and self‑trust. I work from a strengths‑based, culturally responsive framework that acknowledges whakapapa, identity, and the importance of wairua in healing.

I am committed to turning complex emotional processes into gentle, realistic steps that clients can integrate into daily life.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Counselling

Post Grad Diploma Kaitiakitanga/Professional Supervision

Certified in Imago Relationship Therapy

Experience

I have six years of counselling experience, beginning my mahi in a community agency where I supported individuals and whānau across a wide range of needs. Working in an agency space gave me a strong foundation in collaborative, wraparound care and strengthened my ability to work alongside multiple community services, schools, health providers, and social agencies.

As my practice grew, I transitioned into private practice and founded Awhi Counselling, where I continue to serve the community with a culturally grounded, trauma‑informed approach.

Alongside counselling, I provide cultural supervision to practitioners across the professional community, supporting them to work safely, respectfully, and in alignment with cultural values. I also support student counsellors on their journey toward full practice, offering guidance, reflection, and encouragement as they develop their professional identity.