Mrs Veita Harding

Kia Ora Koutou - Welcome I am an ACC trauma counsellor (sensitive claims and birth injury) that provides specialty focused counselling for women (and their whānau) who are struggling in the perinatal period (pre-pregnancy to 2 years of age). The perinatal period is a complex time of adjustment and coupled with past trauma can create an extra vulnerability that requires someone with skills and specialty training to navigate this time. Perinatal issues and trauma related to past sexual abuse require a sensitive lens and skilled assessment approach. Some common issues you might be experiencing are: • parenting adjustment • mood disorders (e.g. depression and/or anxiety) • obsessive compulsive disorder • PTSD • bonding issues • complicated thoughts and feelings towards baby • intrusive thoughts and baby loss Perinatal mental health also includes a focus on pepi/baby and their relationships within their wider whānau as their mental health and wellbeing co-exists with māmā. My passion for infant mental health has led me to support Infant Mental Health Aotearoa New Zealand (IMHAANZ) as a member on their board. My practice is grounded in a person-centered, trauma informed and strength-based approach which has been extremely successful in supporting individual growth and empowerment of clients. I believe in a holistic model of care and encourage self-exploration and education within a secure and private setting. I am Australian born to my Sicilian Papa and NZ pakeha Mother. I grew up in Southland yet have spent many years living in Brisbane and New Zealand. Last year I moved from the Waikato, where I had a busy private practice, back to Ōtautahi Christchurch to be closer to whānau.