Lisa Chaplow

Kia ora, welcome. I’m Lisa.

I offer a confidential, warm and non-judgmental space where you can share what’s going on for you. Together, we can explore ways to work through current challenges, and gently understand past experiences that may be holding you back from living more freely.

Alongside my work as a therapist, I’m also a mother to three sons, and a partner, sister, daughter and friend. These relationships are an important part of who I am and how I understand people.

My approach

I am an experienced counsellor, Certified Hakomi Therapist, and Certified Hakomi Teacher. I completed my training in Hakomi Mindful Somatic (body-centred) Psychotherapy in 2014, and my Master of Counselling in 2019. I work from a private clinic in Whanganui, in a quiet, nature-filled setting beside our home.

My approach is collaborative, warm, and responsive to you as a whole person. I draw on your strengths and stay attuned to your unique needs and experiences. I don’t see therapy as “fixing” you; I believe in your natural capacity for growth and healing.

I value kindness, compassion, curiosity, authenticity and respect. I welcome people of all cultures, backgrounds, identities and orientations. A strong sense of trust and connection is central to the work we do together.

How I work

My work is grounded in Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy, a gentle, experiential and body-centred approach. It recognises that our bodies hold memories and beliefs shaped by our early experiences.

In our sessions, this may include:

• Bringing mindful awareness to your present experience
• Noticing sensations, gestures, or emotional responses
• Gently exploring these together

This process can help bring unconscious patterns into awareness, allowing space for understanding, choice, and change.

You can read more about Hakomi Somatic Psychotherapy.

Experience

I work with individuals in private practice across a range of life challenges, and am particularly drawn to supporting people to navigate developmental and sexual trauma.

In 2019, I was awarded a postgraduate scholarship from Graduate Women New Zealand, and my Master’s research was published in the New Zealand Journal of Counselling.

Before becoming a counsellor, I worked in writing and communications, and as a primary school teacher in both Aotearoa New Zealand and Alaska.

About me

I was born in Titahi Bay (Porirua), and spent much of my childhood in Manawatū, later living for many years in Wellington. I have also lived in France, Italy and Alaska.

Since 2017, my husband, our three sons and I have called Whanganui home. I feel deeply connected to this place – its river, coastline, and green landscapes.