Herani Davey

I am a Havening practitioner, occupational therapist, and health improvement practitioner based in Raglan, in the Waikato where I was born and raised. With over 10 years of experience working across primary and secondary mental health services, I bring a depth of clinical knowledge alongside a grounded, compassionate approach to supporting people through change. Through my work, I began to notice a gap between supporting people in immediate, survival-level distress and addressing deeper, more entrenched trauma. This realisation led me to train in Havening Techniques, a modality that gently works with the nervous system to help process and release emotional pain. I have since integrated Havening into my practice, where I have seen the meaningful difference it can make for people. I value how it complements both evidence-based practice and person-centred care, offering a pathway that feels safe, accessible, and effective. A strong commitment to holistic wellbeing shapes my work. Havening supports the reduction of stress, trauma, and emotional distress, and I have found it especially helpful in creating a sense of calm and safety, allowing people to reconnect with their own strengths and resilience. A long-held goal of mine has been to weave Te Ao Māori perspectives and te reo Māori into my practice in a meaningful and respectful way. I am currently studying full-time immersion te reo Māori at the University of Waikato, deepening both my language skills and cultural understanding. This journey is personally significant and informs how I work, helping me to better support Māori/Non Maori and in ways that honour identity, connection, and wairua.

Whānau is central to who I am. I am a mother of two and married, and my own lived experience shapes my appreciation for the complexities of life, relationships, and wellbeing. I whakapapa to Tainui on my father’s side, and to Ngāti Toa and Ngāti Koata on my mother’s side, grounding me in a strong sense of belonging and connection. Living in Raglan, I enjoy both the beach and rural environments, reflecting the balance I seek in life and in my work. I regularly practise sauna and cold plunging as part of my own wellbeing routine, supporting nervous system regulation and resilience. I aim to offer a safe, respectful, and supportive space where people can explore, heal, and grow at their own pace. My approach is collaborative, culturally informed, and focused on empowering each person to move toward greater wellbeing.