Nau mai haere mai, Welcome 

I specialise in holistic counselling & Ashtanga Yoga.

My mission is to help you heal, know your authentic self and thrive.

I work in a client-led, emotionally focused, trauma-informed and culturally-compassionate way.

I am here to support you on your journey home to wellbeing.

Book an appointment here

 

I am a graduate and an affiliate of The Centre for Healing. Please contact me directly for discount codes to their training courses or visit their website to learn more. 

Services

COUNSELLING & COACHING

 My compassionate, collaborative approach focuses on empowering you to understand and welcome all parts of your inner world, to move forward with hope in your heart.

Confidentiality, warmth and welcome abide in the safe space I create for your growth.

I am available in-person and remotely.

Yoga TEACHING

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, with traditional Ashtanga Yoga, in the lineage of Krishnamacharya and the Jois family of Mysore, India.

I am not currently teaching, but am an eternal, devoted student, and hold my teachers and Bharat/India in the highest regard. #decolonisation #HonourIndigenousWisdom

 

About me

Ko Kōtirana, Ko Aerana te whakapaparanga mai, engari ko Te Wai Pounamu te whenua tupu. Nō Ōtepoti ahau, kei Ahuriri au e noho ana. He tangata te Tiriti ahau.

My ancestors are Scottish and Irish, but I grew up in the South Island of Aotearoa/New Zealand. I am from Dunedin and currently live in Napier. I am a person guided by the Treaty of Waitangi.

I acknowledge the first people of Aotearoa and the privilege by which I live here.

I am an expert in communications, with a passion for holistic therapies and regenerative approaches.

I am dedicated to Ashtanga Yoga, Vedanta Philosophy, mind-body counselling & coaching and writing; all in service to individuals and community.

I believe in the transformative power of integrated solutions that nurture planet, mind, body, and spirit.

How can I help you?

My approach is informed by existential, humanistic and person-centred theories.

I support people through a wide range of challenges, including:

  • Death, dying & grief
  • Life transitions
  • Developmental or childhood trauma
  • Life trauma or sudden shocking events
  • Illness & injury recovery
  • Depression
  • Loss of direction, self-esteem & motivation
  • Anxiety
  • Stress & anger

If there’s something on your mind, or you feel overwhelmed by emotions or stuck, then reach out. I'm here to help you and your whānau through life’s journey.

My approach in counselling & coaching.

I am a holistic counsellor, certified Embodied Processing Practitioner, and currently studying a PGDip in Guidance & counselling, towards my Masters in counselling.

I am trauma-informed and use a pluralistic approach, with a toolbox of techniques from Yoga therapy, mindfulness meditation, Embodied Processing, Internal Family Systems, Hakomi therapy, Multi-brain coaching (mBIT) and Deathwalking.

I am tangata te tiriti and honour cultural differences whilst also embracing our shared humanity.

I am available in person and remotely.

More about my background in Yoga.

I have practiced Yoga since 2001, in New Zealand and have been teaching since 2006. I have been blessed with 2 senior teachers,who were both trained in Mysore, India; Nicky Knoff in my early years and then Peter Sanson since 2011. I have apprenticed to Peter since 2012, as his assistant and as a teacher in his shala AYHB 2015-2022.

I connected with the Jois Family Yoga shalas (KPJAYI & SYC), in Mysore, in 2023, after raising my own family for 20 years. I am deeply grateful for the wisdom of Saraswathi Jois, supported by her daughter Sharmila as well as the energy and dedication of Sharath Jois. I studied with them over a period of 6 months in 2023, 6 months in 2024 and again in 2025.

I have benefitted from ongoing study in New Zealand and with my beloved teachers in India; Yoga Shastras, ancient Sanskrit texts, mantra, japa, mudra and pranayama. Deep gratitude to BNS Iyengar, Arvind Pare, Sindhoora and Lakshmish Bath.

Yoga asana (postural practice) in the school of Ashtanga, benefits individuals both physically and mentally. It promotes self-awareness, stress reduction, and personal growth. With dedicated practice, students will gain strength and flexibility in body and mind, whilst slowly gaining an understanding of the nature of self and the nature of reality. 

Contact ME

Initial meeting is a free discovery video-call.

Reach out today and take the first step towards positive change.

Testimonials

"Gemma is compassionate, present and attuned. She has an excellent skill for guiding the body to a sense of presence and awareness... a beautiful session which allowed me to acknowledge and welcome a part of me that I had been avoiding. This then transformed into a sense of freedom, joy, self love and gratitude." (Vesa, EP student practitioner, May 2024)

 

"Gemma adeptly holds space, facilitating exploration and creating an atmosphere where one feels open to delve into new experiences." (Deb, EP student practitioner, May 2024)

 

"I felt very safe and comfortable, which allowed me to go deeper into my process, knowing I was taken care of with such integrity. Gemma is simple and clear in her language, to invite further exploration of feelings and sensations, rather than complicating the process with too much jargon... she was great at keeping me focused on feeling, without getting 'caught in story'." (Chelsea, EP student practitioner, May 2024)

Location

Gemma Carroll
Ahuriri/Napier, Aotearoa/New Zealand