Mind Garage

EMDR. Ocean. Integration.

At Turning Tides in Muriwai, we step out of the therapy room and into the elements.
We process the past… then we paddle out.

With the guidance of , our clients reconnect to their bodies, their courage, and their capacity to ride what once felt overwhelming.

Healing doesn’t always happen in a chair.
Sometimes it happens on a board, in cold salt water, under big west coast skies.

Get • We’re at Boxing Alley are proud to be working alongside the New Dawn Foundation on a 12-week fight camp with a purpose bigger than boxing.

This camp is about using structure, movement, discipline and community to help our people navigate trauma, not avoid it. Training becomes a safe container to show up, regulate under pressure, rebuild confidence and learn how to keep moving forward.

Trauma doesn’t always look loud. Often it’s carried quietly, shaping how we think, feel, connect and cope. New Dawn Foundation exists to bridge the gap between need and access, ensuring people aren’t denied effective, evidence-based trauma care due to cost, wait times or systemic barriers.

Throughout the 12 weeks, every fighter will also raise funds for New Dawn Foundation through Givealittle — fighting not just for themselves, but for others who are still waiting for access to the support they need.

This is training with intent.
This is community showing up.
This is fighting for something bigger than yourself.

Links coming soon.
🥊 🤝

The Connecting Circle 🌀
An 8-week, trauma-informed healing programme at Kula, Muriwai Beach (ocean views, quiet vibes). Designed for ACC kiritaki to gently reconnect with body, nervous system + inner wisdom.
What’s inside:
• Trauma-informed yoga & mindful movement
• Grounding breathwork + nervous-system regulation
• Creative expression & reflective circle work
• Heart-opening connection in a safe, supportive group
Facilitators:
Ampara Bouwens — Clinical Psychologist
Luisa Schreiber — Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher & Wellness Practitioner
When: Tuesdays, 2–4pm (4 terms across 2026)
Where: Muriwai Beach
ACC referrals welcome (Sensitive Claims).

Spots are limited — DM or email [email protected] to refer or learn more. 🌊🧘‍♀️

Think EMDR is just waving fingers in front of your face? 👋 Think again.
This powerful, science-backed therapy is helping people rewire their brains, let go of trauma, and finally feel like themselves again.

Swipe through to learn 5 things you probably didn’t know about EMDR — including how fast it can work and why it’s not just for PTSD.

📩 Ready to start your healing journey? Message us now.
We offer EMDR intensives that fast-track recovery — 9 months of therapy in just a few days.

Posted • .nz 🎙 Have you checked out our new webinar, by Clinical Psychologist Sheree Crump from 🎙

“Stress, Your Body & Building Resilience” is now live and available on First Steps NZ!

In this video, Sheree walks us through the science of stress and the tools we can all use to better manage it... especially when it starts to show up physically. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, physically tense, or mentally foggy then this episode is for you.

🎥 Watch the full webinar now via First Steps NZ:
👉 https://firststeps.nz/resources/video-library/ (or click the link in our bio)

—

Curious about Horse-Assisted Therapy? One of our amazing therapists offers this powerful, grounding approach. If you’re keen to explore it, get in touch—we’d love to help you connect

Posted • Another intensive EMDR programme completed!

Such a privilege to work with incredible people who show immense courage and trust in the healing process. Witnessing deep breakthroughs and transformation is always inspiring. Honoured to be part of these journeys of resilience and strength.

Posted • One of our team members on the intensive programme—perfectly mirroring how to chill. 🔥🐈

Introducing New Zealand’s first residential EMDR intensive programme! Experience transformative trauma treatment with Turning Tides’ immersive, evidence-based approach. Our programmes combine therapies like EMDR and Prolonged Exposure with activities such as surfing, waka ama, boxing, and yoga, offering a holistic path to healing. Begin your journey towards well-being today.  Go to www.turningtides.co.nz to learn more …

Posted • .nz Feeling anxious? You’re not alone. Anxiety is a natural response to perceived danger, but when it lingers, it can affect daily life.

Our latest article, “Understanding Anxiety: Practical Tools for Finding Calm in Everyday Life”, by Clinical Psychologist Sian Morgan, explores:

🧠 What anxiety is and why it happens
⚠️ Signs to look out for
🛠 Tools to manage it, like breathing exercises, mindfulness, and gentle movement

Small changes can make a big difference. Visit our First Steps NZ website to read the full article and start finding calm today.

📲 Click the link in our bio or head to: https://firststeps.nz/popular-resources/

➖

Posted • .nz 🎄✨ Thriving Through the Holidays: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Stress and Finding Joy - by Ampara Bouwens ✨🎄

The holidays can be a beautiful time of connection and celebration—but they can also bring stress, societal expectations, and complex family dynamics. Our latest article, "Thriving Through the Holidays: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Stress and Finding Joy", is here to help you embrace the season with balance and intention.

🌟 What you’ll learn:

▶ The psychology behind holiday stress.
▶ How to set boundaries and manage expectations.
▶ Practical mindfulness and gratitude exercises.
▶ Cognitive strategies for reframing negative thoughts.

This guide is packed with evidence-based tools to help you navigate challenges and focus on what truly matters this season.

Click the URL below, or the link in our bio, to visit the FirstStepsNZ Website and read the full article now:
https://firststeps.nz/popular-resources/

➖