I have experienced various traumas from early childhood through to adulthood. I have suffered from anxiety and depression my entire life. It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with complex PTSD in 2017 that I understood the impact of my traumatic experiences. This was a defining moment in my wellbeing journey.

The second defining moment in my wellbeing journey was when I learnt about human physiology and how it is responsible for our survive/thrive responses. This learning has changed everything for me. It has changed my entire life. Understanding my physiology, and the partnership between my physiology and psychology, has helped me let go of my trauma and become more in control of my triggers, emotions and choices. I’ve changed my negative beliefs about myself. I’ve let go of the rage I felt towards my abusers. I’ve forgiven myself for all the bad choices I made from trauma, familial isolation and low self-worth. I’ve also let go of the fear that controlled every choice I made… or didn’t make. I’m more selective of the people I let into my life. Just as importantly, I no longer feel like my heart is heavy, closed and drowning in a thick soup of heaviness. My heart now feels light, bright, safe and open… with good boundaries in place of course!

I am super passionate about helping people, particularly wahine (women) to let go of stress and trauma, to know that they deserve more than just day to day survival. I am super passionate about helping people practice strategies that lift them, guide them, and support them to thrive and live their best life… whatever that means for them.
I’ve worked with at risk youth in educational settings. I’ve worked with at risk adults in marginalised communities, to help them into employment opportunities. However, I was unable to help any of these people make meaningful changes with their wellbeing, because at the time I didn’t have the tools or strategies. Now I do!…And so, Be Your Own Sunrise was born.