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Michelle-Tukana-Counselling-and-Professional-Supervision-logo
Michelle-Tukana-Counselling-and-Professional-Supervision-logo

Compassionate, trauma-informed support providing a steady path toward healing, wellbeing, and professional growth.

ABout Michelle

Te Wāhi o te Hauora — The Place of Wellbeing

Sandy Grass Pathway

Welcome - I'm Michelle Tukana

My work is driven by a commitment to helping people find their way back to themselves. Whether through direct counselling/therapy for individuals, or clinical supervision for professionals, I focus on creating a space where healing is not just a goal, but a lived experience.

I am a registered social worker, mental health clinician, and clinical supervisor with over 20 years’ experience supporting children, young people, adults, and whānau through trauma, mental health challenges, and complex life experiences. My practice is grounded in trauma‑informed, client‑centred, and evidence‑based approaches that prioritise safety, empowerment, and meaningful change, and is centred in compassion, safety, and a deep respect for the courage it takes to reach out for support. I focus on guiding and empowering individuals and whānau to identify their needs, goals, and pathways forward

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Across my career I have worked extensively in child and adolescent mental health, sexual assault and abuse services, youth justice, care and protection, addictions, and community practice. I bring a calm, steady, and compassionate presence to my work, supporting people to navigate difficult experiences with dignity, clarity, and hope.

Portrait of Michelle Tukana

How I Can Support You

Private Counselling & Therapy
 

Healing begins with connection. I offer therapy that is trauma‑informed, strengths‑based, and culturally responsive, creating a space where you can talk openly, feel understood, and move at a pace that feels right for you.
 

I provide confidential and respectful therapeutic support for:

  • Sexual abuse, sexual assault, and family harm trauma

  • Anxiety, depression, and emotional distress

  • Relationship challenges, peer issues, and life transitions

  • Stress, burnout, and wellbeing concerns

  • Child and adolescent mental health

  • Eating disorders (traiMaudsley Family Based Therapy - FBT)

  • Grief, loss, and complex trauma
     

My therapeutic approach draws on evidence‑based therapeutic approaches including CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, psychoeducation, and strength‑based practice. I work collaboratively to help you understand your experiences, build coping strategies, and move toward stability, healing, and growth.

 
Trauma‑Informed Practice


Trauma‑informed care is at the heart of my work. I have specialist experience supporting individuals affected by:

  • Sexual abuse and sexual assault

  • Family harm

  • Intergenerational trauma

  • Mental health challenges

  • Complex behavioural and emotional needs

  • Eating disorders
     

I provide a safe, steady, and non‑judgmental environment where people can explore their experiences at their own pace. My practice is guided by the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, cultural safety, and respect for each person’s values, identity, and lived experience.



 
Professional Supervision


I offer reflective, supportive, and robust professional supervision for:

  • Social workers

  • Counsellors

  • Youth workers

  • Mental health clinicians

  • NGO practitioners

  • Students and emerging professionals
     

I offer supervision that’s reflective, practical, and sustainable—so you can keep showing up well for the clients and organisations you serve. Working with people is relational, fast-moving, and often heavy. My supervision style meets you where you’re at: grounded, reflective, and focused on real-world challenges like crisis response, boundaries, safety planning, engagement with hard-to-reach people, interagency collaboration, and sustaining your own wellbeing. Expect a space where you’re both backed and stretched: we’ll celebrate wins, unpack the tough stuff, and turn your values into clear, confident practice steps.


 

Across my career, I’ve supported individuals and whānau through some of their most difficult moments. I bring steadiness, professionalism, and genuine care to my work, helping clients feel safe, seen, and empowered. My background includes specialist sexual assault services, crisis response, therapeutic intervention, and senior clinical roles—experience that strengthens the clarity and confidence I bring to client sessions.
 

Clients and professionals describe me as calm, reliable, and deeply committed to ethical practice. I bring:

  • Over two decades of frontline and clinical experience

  • Specialist expertise in trauma, sexual violence, and mental health

  • Warm, grounded communication and relationship‑building skills

  • A safe, confidential, and culturally respectful therapeutic space

  • A commitment to professionalism, integrity, and continuous learning

Smooth River Stones

What You Can Expect

  • A calm, grounded, and supportive environment

  • Clear communication and a client‑centred approach

  • Respect for your story, your pace, and your goals

  • Practical strategies to support wellbeing and recovery

  • A therapist who brings extensive experience from sexual assault services, mental health, child protection, and leadership roles

Why People Choose to Work with Me

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