Havening was the missing piece in Gemma’s own healing arsenal and she feels honoured to now share this wonderful gift with those who may be struggling with the effects of encoded traumatic memories, anxiety, stress and phobias.
As a certified Havening practitioner, Gemma weaves sessions with threads from a varied professional toolkit gained over 25 years. This includes a degree in Arts Therapies, extensive Yoga Therapy training, and trauma informed certification in Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies. Whilst the PHENOMENALLY POWERFUL Havening techniques will likely form the bones of your session, if chosen by you; therapeutic movement, breath practices, somatic enquiry or creative exploration can be used to enrich and support your experience.
Gemma's compassionate and curious approach is warm, sensitive and client-led, ensuring you feel seen, heard and in control at all times. Whilst Gemma is not a psychologist (clients will be referred where necessary) she previously worked as a mental health support worker for many years. This professional background coupled with her own lived experience of C-PTSD, anxious attachment, addictions, panic attacks and burnout enables her to accompany you on your path with deep empathy and an authentic non-judgemental presence.
If you would like help experiencing and establishing internal safety, reclaiming autonomy, and building real life resilience please reach out. Sessions can be offered in person at Gemma’s practice in Kumeu, Auckland or over zoom.
Client Testimonials
“I came to Gemma carrying the weight of a painful breakup, anxiety that sat permanently in my chest, and old emotional patterns I just couldn’t settle. I didn’t know what to expect from Havening, but I’m so grateful I trusted the process and trusted her.
From the moment the session began, Gemma created a space where I actually felt safe enough to let my guard down. She has this calm, intuitive way of reading the nervous system without you having to say much at all. The rapport was instant and genuine and there was nothing forced or clinical. A real sense of gentleness that she was right there with me.
The session itself was incredibly soothing. It felt like my mind and body were finally working together instead of fighting each other. I could literally feel the emotional charge soften around memories that had been gripping me for months. By the time we finished, the heaviness had shifted in a way I can’t quite explain, only that something inside me had finally exhaled. If you haven't tried it, I would definitely recommend it! It sure was life changing for me and didn't become afraid of future situations that may have caused great distress and anxiety.
In the days after, I noticed I wasn’t waking with that same panic or dread. The spiralling thoughts eased. My body felt less braced. It wasn’t a magical ‘fix’, but it was a turning point and real one. I started feeling like myself again and it was a great tool to apply when I did feel like an emotional attack was coming up or experiencing one.
If you’re dealing with heartbreak, anxiety, or old trauma that keeps looping, I honestly can’t recommend Gemma enough. She’s skilled, kind, and has a presence that helps your system settle in a way talk therapy never quite managed for me. Havening with her gave me clarity, peace, and a sense of emotional strength I didn’t realise I could get back. Thank you so much Gemma. You are a gem and I really hope more people use your services.
Victoria, Remuera, Auckland (49 years old)
I came to Gem carrying traumatic stress from some deeply upsetting images I had discovered which led to years of life changing trauma. My mind felt dark, heavy, and strained. Within minutes of starting Havening with her, I felt an immediate shift — a light, tingling sensation all through my head where everything had felt so burdened before. The session was surprisingly simple, yet deliciously comforting and genuinely magical. Gem’s presence is gentle, intuitive, safe, and completely non-judgemental. I felt held the entire time, with no pressure to talk or explain — the non-verbal nature of the process allowed me to move through the trauma in a way I didn’t know was possible. After just two sessions, the issue felt noticeably lighter, and I’ve even been able to use some of the tools myself in moments of need.
For anyone curious or hesitant, I’d say: trust Gem and be open to giving it a go. This work is powerful in a way that’s hard to describe until you feel it. I’m incredibly grateful.
Jennie Rose
For many years, I lived with burnout/anxiety and rumination. Fortunately, I asked Gemma for some one-on one coaching and Gemma was able to work with me, to provide some wonderful insights into how my physical body was reacting to stressful situations. Gemma introduced me to several new practices, which have resulted in my body and mind feeling calm, safe and completely relaxed. Exercises such as Pandiculation, have given me the confidence to start a new journey. The workshops that Gemma provided have enabled me to break the repetitive cycles I found myself in. So a big shout out to Gemma and thank you for all your efforts and knowledge.
S.H
For many years, I lived with burnout/anxiety and rumination. Fortunately, I asked Gemma for some one-on one coaching and Gemma was able to work with me, to provide some wonderful insights into how my physical body was reacting to stressful situations. Gemma introduced me to several new practices, which have resulted in my body and mind feeling calm, safe and completely relaxed. Exercises such as Pandiculation, have given me the confidence to start a new journey. The workshops that Gemma provided have enabled me to break the repetitive cycles I found myself in. So a big shout out to Gemma and thank you for all your efforts and knowledge.
S.H