Athena Tapu

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
– Maya Angelou

 

Areas of Special Interest

• Pasifika and Samoan cultural identity/displacement
• family dynamics
• grief and loss
• relationship challenges
• anxiety and depression
• impacts of colonisation, isolation
• anger
• shame
• trauma
• abuse

Therapy Services

Therapy is a chance to tell your story, seek your truth and understand the experiences that we have – Be it painful, infuriating or confusing. I see therapy as a pathway to lighten a dark path. I offer a non-judgmental space to talk, reflect and make sense of what’s going on for you.

In our first session(s) we will meet and talk (via zoom for now) about your situation, your history, family and work – this will help me to get a better understanding of the context. If we choose to continue then we will establish some aims for our work together.

I am a Samoan woman interested in Pasifika wellbeing, holistic ways of healing, the impacts of migration and colonisation and the culture of silence and shame.

Therapy Approach

My therapeutic approach is warm and relational. My training is in Psychodynamic psychotherapy. I draw from a range of different theories, namely attachment theory and family systems theory. I use Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills and techniques in my work. I also use a lot of imagery and metaphors in my work.

Background and Experience

I have worked in mental health services at ADHB and WDHB – In both Pacific Island mental health and Adolescent and Children mental health services. Recently I have worked at at Auckland City Mission in a women’s transitional/therapeutic programme. I am currently working in a charity/social service with youth and food insecurity.

I also have a private practice in South Auckland and I have completed short term and longer term therapy in the community as a psychotherapist with adults.