View our testimonials from our clients. At Wellbeing Aotearoa, the vision is to support wellbeing from the ground up. We guide organisations and individuals on how to establish strong foundations to their wellbeing.

Wellbeing Aotearoa uses evidence-based research in neuroscience; attachment theory;  trauma-informed care and positive psychology around the framework of Te Whare Tapa Whā in our models of wellbeing. We strive to honour the principles of Partnership, Protection, and Participation in all that we do.

Some services we offer: Helping The Helpers, Trauma Services, Private Practice, Growth Mindsets, Workshops.

Dr Kristen Hamling is the person behind Wellbeing Aeoteroa. She is a professional psychologist, facilitator, coach, and researcher with a formal educational background (BSc(Hons), MAppPsych, PhD (Wellbeing)). now 46 and a psychologist for 20 years, Kristen has supported and educated thousands of people over the years on how to deal with traumatic events.  Schools, emergency service organisations and multiple corporate organisations through to diverse government agencies.

Values reflected through the concept of wai ora
Wai refers to water and ora is a feeling of being well, healed and fully alive. The concept reflects our need to have access to certain foundational resources so that we can sustain our wellbeing.

Wai ora is reflected in Wellbeing Aotearoa’s vision of achieving foundational wellbeing for all New Zealanders. Just as water is a foundational resource for life, so is safety and connection. We aim to support New Zealand in its current quest for wellbeing for all.

Stable foundations from which to grow
Wellbeing Aotearoa relies on research in trauma-informed care; neuroscience; attachment theory; and positive psychology to grow wellbeing from the ground up.

We value the Te Whare Tapa Whā approach to wellbeing and strive to honour the principles of Partnership, Protection, and Participation in our work and lives. See the testimonials from our clients.

Testimonials

“At MSD we were looking for a practitioner who had an excellent understanding around wellbeing as well as an ability to connect with a diverse audience of employees. Kristen was a dream to work with. She tailors her workshops to the needs of the clients and works tirelessly in this planning to get it ‘just right’. The day was absolutely amazing. The feedback we received from the participants was glowing. They loved the material Kristen put in front of them and thoroughly enjoyed her relational style and approach. I would not hesitate to have Kristen involved in future work with our group. She has so much to offer as an expert, as a facilitator and as a good human.”

Marni StevensonNational Manager: Training and Quality at Ministry of Social Development

“Directly following the March 15 mosque attacks in Christchurch – Kristen immediately went to the aid of Countdown employees.

We knew as a business that the response required for our team needed to include specialised trauma support, that could be deployed immediately and respond appropriately and support our team members most at risk. We were connected with Kristen who within hours was on her way to Christchurch and worked tirelessly for days on end to connect with and support our team, many of which were suffering including in the days and weeks after. Kristen worked directly with our team members helping them in their own personal situations and circumstances to give them the tools and ability to work through the recovery process.

No hurdle was too high, no case was too difficult and our team was always treated with respect and dignity confidentiality and ensuring they had the best possible care”

Ben SheidowHead of Health, Safety and Wellbeing at Countdown Supermarkets New Zealand

“Kristen’s level of compassion and dedication to people’s wellbeing is absolutely flawless. Her personality is warm, approachable, friendly and puts people at ease almost immediately. Kristen is a honest, trustworthy and an upstanding member of her community. She gives tirelessly to the cause of the wellbeing of others.

To try to provide adequate description of Kristen’s personality on paper is quite a task indeed. How do you capture sufficiently, in words, one who has such a vivacious, enthusiastic and dedicated nature? Once you have met Kristen, you will understand this.”

Anna KudricIntensive Care Paramedic – Peer Support Officer at NSW Ambulance and Aspen Medical (Australia)

“Kristen is a person of absolute integrity and infectious positive energy for all things to do with improving wellbeing and how people work together at difficult times.

Kristen is a leader and an expert in this field of how to develop resilience across organisations, teams and individuals whose ability to do work can be severely compromised by trauma and its corrosive effects. I consider her to have a depth of competence, coupled with a passion to make a difference rarely seen in her chosen profession of psychology. I work in the mental health sector myself.”

Frank BristowGeneral Manager at Balance Aotearoa

“Dr Kristen Hamling is exceptionally empathetic and created a safe environment focused on nurturing both the individual and the team. She delights in seeing others growth and celebrates the uniqueness that each person brings to a group. She was quick to establish a way forward for the team because she has an ability to connect theory and research into discussions. Kristen's mindfulness exercises were a particular highlight for all when she worked with the Hub Kindergartens.”

Katie Fry and Raewyn Mc KennaHead Teachers, Whanganui Hub Kindergartens

“The course speakers were extremely motivating and I learnt a lot. I especially enjoyed Kristen’s Session, she was powerful, entertaining and informative.”

Police OfficerNZ Police

“An entertaining and informative presentation. I think teachers are becoming more cynical about the next educational fad and Kristen was able to provide a balanced viewpoint on Growth mindsets by referring to actual research.”

Conference Participant

“Thank you, Kristen, for your support, smart “evidence based” words, and for your compassion. You are gold”

Passenger aboard the Greg Mortimer