Emma Hunter

Introduction

Kia ora, I am a trauma‑informed therapeutic practitioner and registered EMDR therapist. My practice integrates trauma‑informed, wholistic therapeutic approaches with cultural responsiveness, offering a unique blend of professional expertise and cultural understanding to support tangata whai ora and whānau on their journey to wellness. I specialise in EMDR‑informed work with trauma, addictions, and co‑occurring mental health challenges.

My Approach

At the heart of my practice is a mana‑enhancing, culturally responsive framework that recognises the intricate connections between trauma, substance use, and cultural identity. I understand that healing is a multifaceted process, encompassing not just the individual, but their whānau and wider community.

Key aspects of my therapeutic approach include:

Integration of Te Ao Māori models such as Te Whare Tapa Whā, Te Wheke, and Pae Tata Pae Tawhiti

EMDR therapy for processing traumatic experiences and supporting nervous system regulation

Utilisation of Relational theory, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Focus on whānau ora and collective healing

Emphasis on building resilience and developing healthy coping strategies

Through my trauma‑informed and EMDR‑informed lens, I systematically address the well‑documented association between substance use and historical experiences of sexual abuse, trauma, and grief among tangata whai ora. At the same time, my work actively builds and strengthens positive internal resources – such as safety, resilience, and self‑compassion – and reconnects people with their own existing strengths, values, and aspirations. This approach is grounded in Māori‑centred perspectives that recognise all forms of violence as violations of mana and tapu, and it is designed to be both mana‑enhancing and accessible for Māori and non‑Māori tāngata whai ora.

Qualifications

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy  
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Trauma and Addictions 
• Motivational Interviewing (MI) 
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
• Post Graduate Cultural Supervision Level 8 
• Abacus Mental Health and Addiction Supervision Level 6 

Experience

My Commitment

As a trauma-informed therapeutic practitioner, I am committed to:

• Providing a safe, culturally responsive environment for healing
• Honouring your cultural identity and lived experiences
• Facilitating wholistic healing that encompasses spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual dimensions
• Supporting you in building healthier relationships and stronger connections to self and others
• Empowering you to develop resilience and effective coping strategies

I understand that trauma can profoundly impact every aspect of a person's life. My trauma-informed approach ensures that I remain sensitive to these impacts, avoiding re-traumatization while fostering a sense of safety, trust, and empowerment throughout our work together.

Through individual counselling and therapeutic group work, I create safe spaces for exploration, growth, and collective healing. My approach is particularly attuned to the needs of those dealing with historical sexual abuse, trauma, substance abuse, and complex interpersonal challenges.Together, we will work towards Pae Ora - healthy futures for you and your whānau. Through our collaborative journey, you'll discover your innate strength and capacity for recovery, all within a nurturing wholistic framework that respects and incorporates te āo Māori principles.