Eva Whakaata

From the time I was twelve years old, I found myself seated across from a counsellor, learning what it meant to share my story and explore the contours of my inner world. Counselling wasn’t just a resource for me - through adolescence it became a lifeline, a mirror reflecting back parts of myself that I didn’t yet understand. Those early experiences planted a seed within me, a quiet knowing that the power of connection and reflection could be life changing.

As I journeyed through life, I discovered that I had a natural desire to support others. I’ve always carried an innate empathy, a desire to listen deeply and to hold space for others in their moments of need. But beyond this instinctive care, I knew I wanted to equip myself with the skills and knowledge to provide meaningful, ethical, transformative support. This led me to pursue formal training as a counsellor, a path that has deepened my appreciation for the sacredness of sitting with another’s story.

My practice is informed not only by my formal training but also by my lived experiences. I have walked through childhood trauma, explosive relationships, domestic violence, addiction, grief and bereavement, social anxiety disorder, and depression. I am married, and I have five children. All of these experiences have shaped the way I understand pain, resilience, and the profound need for compassion. They allow me to connect with my clients on a deeply human level, offering not just professional insight but genuine empathy born from embodied struggles.

Now, with over 200 hours of one-on-one counselling experience, I’ve walked alongside people in diverse settings. I’ve had the privilege of working in an agency for women, a tertiary institute with high-achieving young adults, and with bilingual adolescents in a school setting.

When it came time to name my practice, I didn’t have to look far. Whakaata (pronounced fah-kaah-tah) is my middle name, inherited from my grandmother, whose first name it was. In te reo Māori, Whakaata means “mirror” or “reflection,” and this concept lies at the heart of my practice. The therapeutic space I offer is like a mirror: a place to see yourself fully, to reflect on where you’ve been, and to envision where you’re going. It’s a space where you are met with empathy, care, and an unwavering belief in your ability to grow and heal.

Whakaata Counselling is a place where stories are honored, challenges are navigated, and reflections lead to transformation. Here, you are invited to step into a space of safety and connection, where you can rediscover the strength and clarity that have been within you all along.