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Welcome to Brainspotting Aotearoa NZ ​

“Where you look affects how you feel.”

- David Grand 

Meet the Team

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Kelly Whitewood

BAHonsCrim, PGDipAdvCBT, SP, NZ 

Approved Brainspotting Consultant & Trainer.

Kelly has over 20 years of clinical experience in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. her background in forensics and addictions have supplemented her experience of working with Complex trauma populations, adding to this she is a qualified in advanced CBT, HeartMath, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (SP), EMDR and  Trauma informed Yin Yoga (TSY) teacher. Kelly initially trained in Brainspotting in 2018 and was certified in 2020 she became NZ Consultant in 2022, and hosted the first humanitarian Brainspotting training in NZ in 2024, with over 40 practitioners in attendance ranging from diverse clinical backgrounds .  Kelly is a passionate practitioner  supporting, empowering and facilitating individuals toward total body wellness.

Kelly is currently New Zealand's only Consultant for Brainspotting and New Zealand first Brainspotting Trainer. 

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Dr. Roby Abeles

Psy.D., LMFT, International Brainspotting Trainer

Dr. Roby Abeles, Psy.D., LMFT, is an esteemed International Brainspotting trainer and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner with over years of experience in trauma and addiction therapy. As the co-developer of MATES Regulation & Resourcing Program, she is dedicated to helping individuals overcome challenges. Recognized for her innovative approach, Dr. Abeles received the 2022 Brainspotting Leadership Award and is sought after for her unique techniques, including the Trademarked Brainspotting Crocodile Set Up, aimed at preventing addiction relapse. Her latest work, "Brainspotting and The Hero’s Journey," empowers individuals to transform adversity into heroism

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Brooke Randolph,

LMHC, LIMHP, LPC, LPCC-S International Brainspotting Trainer

Brooke is a speaker, author, and therapist in private practice. She is passionate about promoting excellence in Brainspotting and excited about how Brainspotting is expanding growth and healing. Brooke is committed to never stop learning and growing, regularly reading half a dozen non-fiction books at a time.
Brooke took her first Brainspotting Training in 2016, was Certified in 2018, and became a Consultant in 2019. She led her first Brainspotting with Adoption Specialty Training in 2020, and became a Phase trainer in 2022, under the guidance of master international trainer Roby Abeles, Psy.D. With Roby’s support, Brooke led the first ever Brainspotting training in Sāmoa in 2022. All Brainspotting Phase trainings led by Brooke raise funds for continued humanitarian Brainspotting trainings in Sāmoa and throughout Oceania. 
She is the author of The Bully Book: A Workbook for Kids Coping with Bullies (2016), The Loss Book: A Workbook for Kids Coping with Loss (2017), The Choice Book: A Workbook for Kids Making Choices (2019), a contributing author to Adoption Therapy: Perspectives from Clients and Clinicians on Processing and Healing Post-Adoption Issues (2014), and the organizing editor of It’s Not About You: Understanding Adoptee Search, Reunion, & Open Adoption (2017). She has also authored adoption education materials for parents and therapists.

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The connection between Brainspotting and Matauranga Māori by Lynne Honotapu Irwin

The connection between Brainspotting and Matauranga Māori lies in their shared holistic understanding of human experience, encompassing the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and environment. 

 

Matauranga Māori principles like whakapapa, whanaungatanga, and mauri inform Brainspotting practice, enabling practitioners to consider ancestral trauma, foster relationships and trust, and honour the life force within individuals. 

 

By integrating these principles and incorporating spiritual practices like Karakia, Tauparapara, and Waiata, practitioners can create a sacred space that honours Te Ao Māori and promotes deeper healing and connection. 

 

This holistic approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual realms, allowing participants to tap into their deeper selves and ancestral connections and feel more grounded, connected, and supported throughout the process.

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