Mikayla Mary Johnston
Region: Wellington
Provider Type: Counsellor
Specialities: Somatic Therapies, Trauma Sensitive Yoga, Online, Face to Face, Art Therapy / Toi, Group Therapy
Introduction
Kia ora (Hello), my name is Mikayla Mary (she/her pronouns).
My professional practice is rooted in transparency and authenticity. I know firsthand that healing is not a straight path but a winding, evolving journey. Life after trauma and violence is possible, it can be vibrant, meaningful and deeply fulfilling. My own lived experience has informed my academic specialisations and allows me to meet my clients with empathy, compassion and a deep understanding of the messy and magical parts of healing.
As a therapist, I don’t promise quick fixes, because I know true, lasting healing takes time. My role is to walk alongside you, offering support, tools and guidance as you navigate your unique journey. Together, we’ll honour the richness of your experiences and explore the possibilities of a life beyond trauma, one filled with connection, joy and hope.
I am pluralistically trained, meaning I integrate a range of different modalities into our sessions together to best suit your needs, which may include:
- Client-centred practice
- Narrative therapy
- Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)
- Interactive Drawing Therapy
- Expressive Arts Therapy
- Applied Polyvagal Theory
- Trauma informed yoga & somatics
- Tikanga based approaches in trauma
Qualifications
Qualifications
- Diploma in Health Psychology - Weltec
- Bachelor in Counselling and Addictions Practice - Weltec
- Postgraduate Certificate in The Trauma Responsive Organisation - BTI
- Postgraduate Certificate in Burnout Fatigue and Human Flourishing - BTI
- Postgraduate Certificate in Responding to Crisis - BTI
- Master of Health Practice (Specialising in Violence & Trauma) - AUT *
* currently completing
Trainings
- 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training - Rise Yoga
- Working with Trauma: with Maori Tikanga-based Models (Workshop) - Manuera Life Developments
- Interactive Drawing Therapy Foundations (Unit 1) - Interactive Drawing Therapy
- Diploma of Professional Study, Counselling for Sexual Abuse - KEW Training
- Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy Foundation Course - Trauma-Informed Practices & Expressive Arts Therapy Institute
- Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy - Trauma-Informed Practices & Expressive Arts Therapy Institute
Experience
- Trauma Therapist - Mikayla Mary & Hiwa Navigation
- Guidance Counsellor - Heretaunga College
- Mental Health and Addictions Advisor - Whakarongorau Aotearoa New Zealand Telehealth Services
- Acute Resource Support Worker - Capital Coast District Health Board
- Yoga Teacher - Mikayla Mary: The Yogi Counsellor
- Yoga Teacher - Seedling Yoga
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