Kōwhai Therapeutic Services
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Ashley Church
Student Counsellor
Tēnā koe, I’m Ash! I’m a māmā, proud Tangata Tiriti, and emergent Creative Arts Therapist in the final year of my Master’s degree at Whitecliffe. Grounded in a lifelong relationship with creativity (photography, painting, collage, crafting) I believe in the holistic power of creativity to process life’s challenges and deepen relationships with self and others.
I offer a warm, person-centred and trauma-informed approach to therapy and I’m committed to creating inclusive spaces for all. I understand how vulnerable this work can feel; I’ve been a client too, and I bring that empathy into every session. I see therapy as a shared process, created together around what feels most supportive in the moment.
What is Creative Arts Therapy?
Creative Arts Therapy uses various art modalities and artmaking to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences — especially when words are hard to find. Art can help slow things down, support emotional regulation, build self-awareness and confidence, and help to navigate life’s challenges at your own pace, in a space that is invitational, supportive, and co-created together. There’s no right or wrong way to create, and no artistic skill is needed. In sessions, we might use a range of materials, create and talk together, or I may simply witness your process. My role isn’t to interpret what you create, but to support you in discovering your own meaning.