Jennifer Miller

Introduction

Ko Taranaki te maunga

Ko Tokomaru te waka

Ko Waiwhakaiho te awa

Ko Te Ātiawa te iwi

Ko Ngāti te Whiti te hapū

Qualifications

• Diploma of Applied Addiction Counselling, Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
• Diploma of Professional Training
• Whānau, Hapu, Iwi Kai Whakaruruhau, Indigenous Qualification - Te Korowai Aroha
• Certificate of Personal Training and Exercise Prescription,
• Diploma of Herbal Medicine
• Bachelor of Physical Education
• National Membership: DAPAANZ - Drug and Alcohol Practitioners Association Aotearoa NZ
• Working also currently as Kaitohutohu Māori/Māori Counsellor - University of Otago.

Experience

• ACC registered Counsellor for Sensitive Claims, ACC supervisor, DAPAANZ Supervisor
• Previous experience working at Arai Te Uru Whare Hauora, and Mirror Services

In the heart of Hiwa Navigation, I weave my journey as a dedicated practitioner, beginning initially as an Addictions counsellor. My pathway doing mahi within the Māori community naturally led me to embrace trauma-informed practice, drawing from the richness of models of Māori health and wellbeing, polyvagal theory,  as well as somatic and mindful approaches to trauma therapy. My own lived experience of recovery from addiction and trauma breathes life into my work.My diverse life experiences have gifted me with a unique perspective, adding depth and nuance to my practice. Before my transition to counselling, I was trained in Herbal medicine and Physical Education, with my first 'adulting' role as a personal trainer. A decade with a Māori health provider, focusing on healthy lifestyles and serving as a Cancer Navigator, deepened my understanding of the impacts of intergenerational trauma and institutional racism on whānau. This fuels my approach, often challenging the mainstream narrative perpetuated by capitalism.

I am committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering space for all my clients, driven by a strong sense of social justice, advocacy, and liberation-focused care. My own journey has led me to explore an array of modalities and self-care practices, inspiring me to share these with kiritaki. Currently, I am collaborating with my colleague Jasmin Dingemans to bring her Soma Yoga Journey to our kiritaki under the ACC groups. We are running both Women's and Mixed gender groups throughout 2025 and 2026.