Who we are
Nau mai, haere mai, welcome to Mokonui Talk – a nurturing therapy practice in Timaru. We've built this space to feel relaxed and genuinely safe, especially for adults grappling with trauma.
Our aim is about deep connection and understanding. We use a conversational approach in longer-term therapy, because we believe real healing happens when you have the time and space to explore your story. We strive to create a truly inclusive and caring environment where everyone feels understood and supported.
We're also passionate about social justice. As māori feminist practitioners, we're here to support you in navigating the impacts of inequality. And of course, we're a completely queer/rainbow safe space.
No matter what you're facing – old wounds, life's ups and downs, or just wanting to feel better – we're ready to listen and work alongside you. We'll explore your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs together, empowering you to build a life that feels right for you.
Want to know more? Drop us an email. Just remember, we often have a waitlist, so there might be a bit of a wait to get started.
Meet the team
I’m a compassionate and down-to-earth therapist specialising in trauma, sexual assault, and relational/psychodynamic interpersonal therapy. With a background in social work I bring a wider lens to therapy, with an understanding of the complex intersections of trauma and social factors.
With a special interest in grief and bereavement, I can create a safe space for individuals to navigate the difficult emotions and challenges that come with profound loss.
My aim is to help you explore and understand the "why" behind your experiences, which often leads to profound insight and healing. I pay close attention to how early experiences and relationships have influenced you, leaning into ideas from attachment and developmental theories. This helps us make sense of your past, empowering you to move forward on your own terms.
Prior to moving into private therapy practice I worked as a social worker and educator across hospitals and social services for over a decade in New Zealand and Australia. I have completed several evidence-based trainings over the years specialising in mental health, grief and loss and trauma work. I am an accredited ACC Sensitive Claim Counsellor and generally work long term with adults in this capacity. I am a current trainee of the Conversational Model which is an evidenced based form of psychodynamic psychotherapy particularly helpful for people who have experienced complex trauma.
I believe in the power of real, compassionate relationships and work authenticity to create these with you during therapy. This space we create together is crucial for exploring trauma in a safe and meaningful way.
I am of Kai Tahu decent (Kati Hurirapa, Arowhenua) and grew up here in Timaru where I currently live with my young family.
Soraya has a BSW is registered with the SWRB and is a member of ANZASW as well as a trainee member ANZAP.
Soraya McGartland
I am therapist who is dedicated to helping individuals navigate their healing journeys. With a strong background in social work and 18 years of professional experience, I have developed a deep understanding of trauma and its profound effects on individuals' lives. Through my therapeutic approach, which integrates DBT skills, attachment theory, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Trauma focused CBT, and a strengths-based perspective, I strive to empower my clients and facilitate their growth and resilience.
One area that I am particularly passionate about is supporting survivors of sexual assault and abuse. I create a nurturing and nonjudgmental environment where survivors can explore their experiences, process their emotions, and begin the journey towards reclaiming their sense of self. Together, we work towards healing and building a strong foundation for moving forward in life.
In my therapy practice, I firmly believe in placing clients at the centre of their healing process. With every individual having unique experiences and needs, I work collaboratively with my clients to create a treatment plan that aligns with their goals and values. By actively involving clients in their therapeutic journey, we foster a sense of empowerment and ownership, which often leads to transformative and lasting change.
While my work as a trauma therapist is rooted in professionalism and expertise, I also strive to create a warm and welcoming space for my clients. I value authenticity and aim to foster a genuine and compassionate connection with those I work with. I understand that healing from trauma can be a vulnerable and challenging process, and I am committed to providing a safe and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their experiences and find support and guidance.
I am a current trainee of the Conversational Model which incorporates developmental psychology, cognitive theory and attachment theory. It is a relational model, emphasising how early developmental relational trauma profoundly shapes adult lives.
I have lived and worked in this community for many years although I grew up in the North Island. I enjoy travelling and spent time living and working in the UK. Since having my children my travels are closer to home where I exploring the outdoors. I am of Ngati Maniapoto descent.
CJ has a BA and PGDip in Social and Community Work, she is registered with SWRB and a member of ANZASW. Trainee member ANZAP.
CJ (Cynthia) Cotterell
Nicola Bartlett
Cultural Advisor
Nau mai haere mai, welcome.
Ko wai au,
Ko Moumoukai tōku Maunga,
Ko Nuhaka tōku Awa,
Ko Takitimu tōku Waka,
Ko Rakaipaka tōku Hapū,
Ko Ngāti Kahungunu tōku Iwi,
Ko Nicola Bartlett tōku ingoa.
A little bit about myself, currently I am a kaiako for a tertiary institution within Timaru. My past mahi has been within mental health and addiction and family harm services in Timaru. I have worked and sat within the whānau, hapu and iwi in various roles both professionally and whānau based which includes being a part of leadership teams, within the role of chairperson. This includes marae of Mata Waka, Te Whare Mahana Ki Manahuna, Te Aitarakihi. Building relationships and maintaining them with mana whenua is essential when working in the whenua with whānau. My strength is my ability to see and harness the unique wairua of a person.
I can offer a unique perspective grounded in Māori tikanga and values, providing culturally sensitive support to takata whaiora (clients), their whānau and their providers who recognise their hauora can benefit from the awhi and understanding of kōrero in healing.
Whakapiki te wairua (enhance your spirit) and whakapono (believe) in the power of our indigenous wisdom. Our kaiwhakarite ahurea Maori (Maori cultural advisor) offers awhi (support) and manaaki (care) rooted in Maori tikanga (customs) and values. Embrace whakapapa (ancestry) and whānaungatanga (relationships and aroha) as you embark on a journey of hauora. My mahi kaupapa is guided with the weaving of Te Whare Tapa Wha within the Manaaki for takata whaiora and their whānau.
The Māori perspective is one that believes in the importance of ancestry and the customs of our ancestors. It is crucial to strengthen the connection to the land, the gods, and the people. By helping individuals understand their customs and genealogy, we can also assist them in improving their connections to the Māori world and its values. Through faith and spiritual growth, individuals can be guided to thrive within their identity. Welcome to the Māori world - a place of significance, empowerment, and love. My priority is to work gently and at the pace of those I am connected to. Safety for takata whaiora is paramount in my practice working in partnership with Lead Providers and all others apart of the healing journey.
For ACC Sensitive Claims information- head here to see how I can awhi.
Phone: 0272943045 (text or call)