23.Jemma Bennet on becoming a therapist, overcoming loss, abuse and reconnecting with her Māoritanga
Today on the pod we have Jemma Bennet an educator/counsellor/sex therapist in private practice in Tauranga Moana. She is a mum of five and is of Māori and Pākehā descent. Jemma is passionate about having kōrero (conversations) that supports holistic wellbeing with a focus on facilitating greater emotional wellbeing through loving communication and obliterating shame, approached through an ever growing te Ao Māori lens. Jemma has had this incredible life, she has been served a series of challenging experiences that have allowed her to touch a vast range of human emotion - what an amazing canvas to then becoming a therapist. She intimately shares her story of loss, which led to a devastating disconnection to her culture. She speaks on being in a psychologically abusive relationship and overcoming negative inner self talk. She provides tools and insights to support us through seasons of grief and how we can better support people who are grieving loved ones. This is a powerful episode that is heartful, relatable and incredibly insightful. We talk about how Jemma is on the journey to reconnecting with her māoritanga, how to work with triggers, healing in relationship and understanding there is whakapapa (lineage) to mamae (pain). What we cover: Jemma tells her story of grief, abuse and loss Her disconnection to her Māoritanga and the reclamation of her voice Working through triggers Shifting negative internal dialog Healing in relationship Becoming a therapist and leaving an abusive relationship Engaging more Māori in counseling An important conversation around sexual health and wellbeing. The whakapapa (lineage) of grief Working with Grief, it’s a journey not a destination. Tools to support a grieving friend POTENTIAL TRIGGERS Please discern for yourself. We discuss: Physiologically abusive relationship Eating disorders Mention of sexual Abuse Misscarridge JEMMA BENNET instagram | @the_maori_therapist AIO instagram | @aio.thepodcast tik tok | @aio.thepodcast TARIKURA instagram | @tarikura_ DONATE: My loves, help keep this podcast alive by donating! A few dollars can go a long way. Your donation will directly go to studio hire, software, equipment and direct operational costs, helping me bring on high calibre guest and continueing to provide you with this free resource. Your hard earned cash is greatly valued - thank you xx https://buy.stripe.com/7sI3fr09E3Xocyk7ss
ĀIO: a road to peace
Welcome to Āio: A Road to Peace — a sanctuary for deep, soulful conversations at the intersection of indigenous wisdom, holistic health, and spiritual embodiment. Hosted by Tarikura Kapea (Te Ati Awa, Te Ati Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Apa), this award-winning podcast is rooted in the rich soil of Aotearoa New Zealand. Each episode offers a powerful kōrero (conversation) with healers, artists, thought leaders, and cultural practitioners who are reshaping the future of wellness. Together, we explore what it truly means to be well — in body, mind, wairua (spirit), and whenua (land). Guests share practical tools, ancient systems, and embodied practices to help you reclaim your sovereignty, nurture your nervous system, and become your own healer. “Āio” is a Māori word for peace, calm, and tranquility — and this podcast is here to help you define what peace means for you, access deeper states of balance, and live in harmony with your truth. Whether you’re walking the path of decolonising wellness, reconnecting to your cultural identity, or simply longing for more presence and groundedness — this is the place for you.
- No. of episodes: 44
- Latest episode: 2025-04-29
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