Counsellor
Bachelor of Applied Counselling (B.A Counselling), Interactive Drawing Therapy (Foundational Level), Internal Family Systems Therapy/IFS Informed (Introductory Level), Symbol Work and Sandplay Therapy (Level 1), Provisional Member of NZAC
Centean works across the lifespan with children, young people, and adults. She advocates for a holistic and collaborative approach to wellness, firmly believing in the healing power of connection/whakawhanaungatanga and the therapeutic relationship’s ability to enhance the mana of the client, the counsellor, and the wider collective.
Her counselling style is warm, creative, and trauma-informed, grounded in person-centred therapy, attachment theory, family systems theory, and neurodiversity-affirming practice. She often integrates expressive and experiential modalities into her work including Interactive Drawing Therapy (IDT), sandtray and sandplay, symbol work, art-based interventions, play therapy, narrative therapy, mindfulness, and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) informed practice. Centean values how creative interventions can ground clients in the present moment and bring insights from the subconscious into conscious awareness – supporting release, resilience, self-awareness, and living more fully in line with one’s values and inner wisdom.
Her understanding of attachment and family systems has been shaped by both her lived experience and her facilitation of the Incredible Years parenting programme, where she witnessed the powerful impact of secure relationships on long-term wellbeing as well as the transformative potential of group work. She also recognises how intergenerational trauma can shape the lives of individuals and whānau, and holds hope for healing across generations through connection, creativity, and compassion.
Of Tūhoe and NZ Pākehā descent, Centean is on her own journey of reconnecting with her taha Māori while navigating both worlds. Her practice is guided by Te Whare Tapa Whā — a holistic model of wellbeing recognising the interconnectedness of spiritual, emotional, physical, relational, and environmental dimensions. This perspective supports clients from all cultural backgrounds.
Centean’s lived experience of mental distress and post-traumatic growth inspired her to pursue a career in counselling and has led her to explore a range of therapeutic pathways herself over the years. This firsthand experience equips her with a deep well of knowledge, empathy, and authenticity that she channels into her mahi. Centean believes that healing is a lifelong journey we each walk at our own pace. She looks forward to walking alongside you as you embark on your own healing journey.
“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell
