Certified Matrescence Practitioners
Every mother experiences matrescence, but no two journeys are the same.
A Certified Matrescence Practitioner provides a safe, non-judgemental space to help you make sense of the changes you're experiencing, understand what's happening beneath the surface, and navigate motherhood with greater confidence and self-compassion.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, questioning your identity, struggling with the mental load, or simply wanting to feel more like yourself again, a Matrescence Practitioner walks alongside you, helping you feel seen, understood and supported.
Each Certified Matrescence Practitioner has completed our comprehensive practitioner certification, equipping them with a deep understanding of matrescence and the knowledge, skills and confidence to support mothers through this profound life transition. Working across private practice, healthcare, community organisations, education and group programmes, our practitioners are bridging the gap between clinical and peer support by providing evidence-informed, compassionate care that recognises both the science and lived experience of becoming a mother.
It is a genuine privilege to work alongside these professionals as they support mothers across Aotearoa and beyond.
Actively Accepting Referrals
Janet Horwell | Matrescence Practitioner
I deeply care about designing a better future for mothers where they are truly supported and no mother is without some support.
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Before becoming a mother I worked in technology and corporate roles and this shift from a daily life focused around achievements and progress made it hard for me to understand and value the art of Mothering that I had found myself in. I remember asking my midwife if I had postpartum depression, because I felt so lost and didn’t feel like myself anymore. She assured me I didn’t, but I didn’t have a clear path and felt quite lost. I now realise I was one of those 82% of mothers who didn’t have a clinical diagnosis of postpartum depression, but was still really struggling to understand myself in motherhood. This is such a common challenge as mothers navigate changes in identity as they grow into the role of a Mother. If this is how you feel, I would love to work with you.
Sarah Rowe | Matrescence Practitioner
Thriving Mums Kia ora, I’m Sarah—a mum and HR professional passionate about supporting women as they navigate the realities of motherhood while building fulfilling careers.
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Thriving Mums was born from my own experience of parental leave, where I felt unsupported and unprepared for the significant personal and professional changes that came with becoming a mother. That experience inspired me to create the support I wish I’d had. Today, I help women prepare for parental leave, navigate matrescence, and return to work with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose. Through practical coaching, tools, and guidance, I empower mums to thrive through every stage of the transition into and through motherhood. I believe women shouldn’t have to choose between their career ambitions and their family. My vision is a world where all mums feel supported, understood, and empowered to succeed in both.
Renee | Matrescence Practitioner
Kia ora, I'm Renee - a registered occupational therapist based in Dunedin.
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I bring over 13 years of experience in mental health and disability support, including the past 3 years working in perinatal mental health with Plunket's Perinatal Adjustment Program (PPNAP). My passion lies in supporting parents during the tender, complex transition into parenthood - a journey I've also walked myself. In 2020, I welcomed my beautiful son into the world and , like many, faced unexpected challenges in my matrescence journey. This personal experience deepened my empathy and commitment to walking alongside others as they navigate the emotional, physical, and identity shifts that come with becoming a parent. I believe in holistic, compassionate support - holding space for the full spectrum of human experience, especially in times of transformation.
Our Certified Matrescence Practitioners
Stacey May | Matrescence Practitioner
May She Flourish I’m a Registered Social Worker who brings warmth, empathy, and down-to-earth understanding to my sessions. My approach is grounded in real-life motherhood, the joy and love, but also the exhaustion, uncertainty, and growth that come with it. Read more below
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Kia ora, I’m Stacey May, a mum of two girls and the heart behind May She Flourish. Becoming a mother changed me in ways I could never have imagined, it challenged my identity, my relationships, and how I understood myself. Like many women, I found that motherhood is both beautiful and deeply complex.
That experience shaped my passion for supporting others through their own journeys. I’m a Registered Social Worker who brings warmth, empathy, and down-to-earth understanding to my sessions. My approach is grounded in real-life motherhood, the joy and love, but also the exhaustion, uncertainty, and growth that come with it.
Through gentle, one-on-one sessions (in person in Ashburton or online), I offer a safe space for women to slow down, reflect, and feel genuinely seen and supported. Together, we explore what’s feeling heavy, nurture self-trust, and find new ways to flourish in this season of change.
I believe that when mothers are supported with compassion and connection, the whole whānau — and the wider community — benefit.
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Support: Individual and Group.
Cost: Varies depending on service.
Location: In person Ashburton, NZ and Online.
Sarah O’Connor | Matrescence Practitioner
Sarah O'Connor - Matrescence SupportBecoming a mother gave me a strong drive to improve the lives of mothers and, by extension, their whanau and communities. If motherhood feels harder than you expected, that’s not a personal failing – it’s normal, and it’s a process. Read more below.
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You're not failing, you're becoming.
Kia ora, I'm Sarah. I'm a mother, matrescence coach and perinatal support group facilitator, based in Marlborough, NZ.
Becoming a mother gave me a strong drive to improve the lives of mothers and, by extension, their whanau and communities. If motherhood feels harder than you expected, that’s not a personal failing – it’s normal, and it’s a process. I provide one-on-one coaching to help you navigate the profound developmental transformation that every woman goes through as she becomes a mother - matrescence. I can help you make sense of this season, find your footing again, and feel more like yourself. I can help you live with more ease and a lot less self-criticism. I will listen to your story, help you reflect, and offer tools and gentle guidance. I will help reconnect you to your own wisdom and strengths.
Contact me for a free 15 minute call to see if I am a good fit for you. I can't wait to meet you. -
Support: 60 min individual coaching sessions
Cost: Varies depending on service
Location: Online or in person (Marlborough, NZ)
Email: hello@sarahoconnor.co.nz
Phone: 0221081722
Rowan Arahia| Matrescence Practitioner
Supporting individuals, families and communities. Combining a bottom up approach integrating the nervous system & the physical body with a top down approach through unpacking systematic oppression of patriarchy, colonisation and more. Rowan’s expertise is rooted in research & lived experience, with an extensive background in the holistic modalities such as yoga, exercise and bodywork.
Rowan Arahia-
Rowan Arahia is a registered counsellor (individuals and families), trauma therapist (ACC sensitive claims registered lead provider), trauma-informed yoga therapist, group facilitator and Matrescence Coach.
Rowan is a mother of two girls and has experienced deep healing, transformation and growth in matrescence.
Rowan identifies as nuerodiverse (AuDHD), bisexual and gender queer and has a lived experience trauma and recovery. -
Fees: $200 per session
Location: Thames &Online
To book: https://www.rowanarahia.com/bookings
Website: https://www.rowanarahia.com/
Our Certified Matrescence Practitioners
Ainslee Roughan | Matrescence Practitioner
Baby Sleep with AinsleeAinslee, is a holistic sleep expert and a chiropractor who has been working with pregnancy, postpartum recovery and babies for the last decade. Her aim is to make sleep sustainable by supporting, educating and empowering parents and families. Read more below.
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Ainslee offers a holistic and responsive sleep framework which is designed to support you with sleep without using sleep training methods. Responsive sleep solutions work on aligning circadian rhythm and sleep pressure while taking into consideration your baby's temperament, your temperament, your parenting values and so much more. The aim of the game is to make sleep as easy as possible within what is biologically normal for your baby given their age and stage.
Ainslee’s focus is to educate parents and empower them in understanding how sleep works so they can navigate sleep in a way that is best for their little one and their family.
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Support: Individual and Group.
Cost: Service dependant.
Location
Online.
Sue Langridge | Matrescence Practitioner
I believe every mother deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported, not only for the roles she plays, but for the person she is becoming. Read more below
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Hello, I’m Sue, based in the Bay of Plenty, married with three adult children.
Motherhood has been one of the most transformative journeys of my life. While I treasured raising my children, I also discovered that becoming a mother is not just about birthing a baby - it’s a complete reshaping of identity. Yes… Birthing a mother.
Learning about Matrescence gave me language for what I had experienced and inspires me to walk alongside other women on this same path.
With a background as a Registered Nurse, Midwife, and Counsellor, I guide women with both structure and empathy. My approach is grounded in compassion and connection.
I believe every mother deserves to feel seen, heard, and supported—not only for the roles she plays, but for the person she is becoming.
I support women at every stage of Matrescence—from preparing for a first baby, to adjusting to life with little ones, to navigating the changes as children grow, including the empty nest years.
Together we can explore the changes of identity, relationships, and emotional wellbeing while focusing on your strengths and values.
At the heart of my work is this conviction: Motherhood is not a role to perform, but a journey to honour and support.
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Support: Individual sessions
Cost: Varies depending on the service
Location: Online or In-person (Bay of Plenty)
Contact - sjlsoulfood@gmail.com
Claire James | Matrescence Practitioner
Nurture Well Therapy developed from my personal journey navigating the balance between work and parenting, which alongside my ten plus years of therapeutic experience, enable me to offer warmth, compassion and understanding to māmās. Read more below
Nurture Well -
As a busy mum to two young children, I have experienced the juggle that comes with becoming a mother and some of the challenges that can arise during this period of matrescence.
My hope is for all mothers to move towards feeling less confused, distressed, burdened, and overwhelmed – to having a more transformational understanding of their experience.I also work with individuals facing a range of life challenges, including low mood, trauma, anxiety, stress, and work/life balance.
My therapeutic approach is compassionate, confidential, and non-judgmental, offering a safe and supportive space where you can explore your experiences and reconnect with what truly matters to you. -
Support: Individual clients.
Cost: Sessions are $155 for 60 minutes. To make a booking or enquire, visit Nurture Well Therapy below.
Location: Wellington CBD (from 2026) or Online via Zoom.
Our Certified Matrescence Practitioners
Jessie Johnson | Matrescence Practitioner
Dew Drops Postpartum NZI believe that by holistically supporting parents through pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood, we can begin to create a significantly different world for our next generations to grow into, and create a dynamic where parents can not only survive parenthood, but thrive in it. Read more below
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Kia Ora, I’m Jessie, the Founder and CEO of Dew Drops Postpartum NZ.
I am a proud mental health advocate with lived experience of recovery, in particular navigating the challenges of postpartum and matrescence.
I have a passion for holding a safe space for others to be real about their experiences, while lightening the physical and mental load in the home. I believe that matrescence can bring with it profound shifts that completely correlate to how we experience parenthood.
Matrescence is rarely talked about or understood, yet it is a term that could change the entire world of parenthood once we begin to understand and implement its wisdom.
I believe that by holistically supporting parents through pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood, we can begin to create a significantly different world for our next generations to grow into, and create a dynamic where parents can not only survive parenthood, but thrive in it.
I am passionate about a human centred approach, supporting each individual to find and access support that feels right for them, while changing the narrative around mental health and providing practical in-home support that supports the entire home and family. -
Support: Individual/Family
Cost: Service dependant.
Location: Canterbury Region, NZ.
Denise Ives | Matrescence Practitioner
Becoming a parent can be really hard in our modern world, and I'm passionate about helping parents to navigate this and find their way to enjoying the version of parenthood that feels right for them. Read more below
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Hi, I'm Denise Ives, Breastfeeding Counsellor (DipHE), Certified Matrescence Practitioner, Certified Healing Birth Trauma Practitioner, mum and grandma!
When I'm not walking my dog I'll be doing something to help support parents on their journey, or helping the volunteers who work with me to expand their knowledge and ability to support parents too. Becoming a parent can be really hard in our modern world, and I'm passionate about helping parents to navigate this and find their way to enjoying the version of parenthood that feels right for them.
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Nicole Read | Matrescence Practitioner
I have always found the lack support and resources for Mothers in our community challenging. No mother should feel judged, alone, overwhelmed and isolated when they most need a village to support them. Read more below
Calm is Key-
Kia Ora, I'm Nicole.
I'm a wife and a mum to two daughters, and a cat and dog.
My career background is in retail where I have worked for the last nearly 18 years but while on maternity leave with my first daughter, found a huge passion through my own matrescence journey in the perinatal space.I'm a life long learner and love expanding my knowledge. I have a Diploma in Highland and National Dance, Bachelor of Building Science majoring in Sustainable Systems Engineering, Bachelor of Retail and Business Management, am a certified HypnoBirthing Educator, and now Matrescence Practitioner.
I teach general antenatal classes, and The Mongan Method HypnoBirthing Classes.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my whanau, going to the beach, arts and crafts, reading, and going back to my home town Gisborne. -
Support: Individual and Group.
Cost: Service dependant.
Location: In person Whakatane, NZ and Online.
Our Certified Matrescence Practitioners
Chantelle Van Niekerk | Matrescence Practitioner
I am a mum of 5 incredible children who have been my best and biggest teachers in my life. I have a particular interest in how our bodies react to our emotions and experiences and how breath, movement and artistic expression can help these move freely through us like waves. Read more below
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My name is Chantelle Van Niekerk and I am a mum of 5 incredible children who have been my best and biggest teachers in my life. They have not only opened my eyes to new ways to see the world but have also given me incredible opportunities for growth and transformation.
I have spent the last 15 years raising my family and spending any extra time studying and researching health and wellbeing as I grow my passion for supporting my own family and others’ journeys of mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. In that time I have trained to become a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter, a certified yoga teacher with a Diploma in Yoga as well as a Matrescence Practitioner with Matrescence NZ while also volunteering as a Grief and Loss Facilitator. I have a particular interest in how our bodies react to our emotions and experiences and how breath, movement and artistic expression can help these move freely through us like waves.
Everyday I hope for and work towards a future where every parent, and consequently every child, feels nurtured and supported to truly thrive in this world.
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Not currently taking clients.
Rachel Yücel | Matrescence Practitioner
Rachael is deeply committed to inclusive and neuro-affirming practice, with a particular passion for supporting neurodiverse individuals and equipping parents with the tools and understanding needed to foster connection and confidence. Read more below
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Rachel is a registered psychologist who has over a decade of professional experience supporting individuals across the lifespan in clinical, school, whānau, and residential settings.
She has spent several years working closely with parents and families raising children with disabilities, and understands the unique challenges they may face, including identity shifts, relational strain, emotional stress, and burnout.
She is deeply committed to inclusive and neuroaffirming practice, with a particular passion for supporting neurodiverse individuals and equipping parents with the tools and understanding needed to foster connection and confidence. -
Please get in touch with Rachel to discuss her services.
Anne MacKay | Matrescence Practitioner
I have always found the lack support and resources for Mothers in our community challenging. No mother should feel judged, alone, overwhelmed and isolated when they most need a village to support them. Read more below
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Hello my name is Anne MacKay. I am Mental Health Community Support Worker and a New Zealand Matrescence Practitoner and a Cirlce of Security Facilitator.
I have worked in health for over 30 years , the last 16 in Mental Health. I am a Mother of 2 adults sons and Grandmother (Nannie) to a gorgeous Granddaughter. I have always been passionate about people's wellbeing , having autonomy over their journey and have a holistic approach to how I can best support/care for people. I have always been passionate about Maternal Wellbeing, and have been part of the Perinatal Mental Health Team for the past 10 years. I have always found the lack support and resources for Mothers in our community challenging. No Mother should feel judged, alone, overwhelmed and islaoted when they most need a village to support them.
In becoming a Matrescence Practitioner I have deepend my knowledge of Matrescence and waysto support Mothers to grow and flouish. I now want share these skills, knowledge and frameworks , to empower Mothers, so they find an understanding , enjoyment and new confidence in their Motherhood journey.
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Not currently taking clients.
Learn more
Blog Post: What is a Matrescence Practitioner?
A Matrescence Practitioner (MP) is someone who is formally trained to understand the developmental transition into motherhood, the identity, emotional, relational, biological and nervous system changes that occur as a woman becomes and continues becoming a mother.
A matrescence practitioner helps mothers make sense of these changes with compassion, context and evidence-informed support. Read more…
Matrescence Practitioner Certification
The Matrescence Practitioner Certification gives you the research, language, frameworks and credibility to guide mothers through the biggest transformation in their lives.
This isn’t just professional development, it’s a profession.
This comprehensive course provides opportunities to practice and develop your coaching and facilitation skills, to confidently apply theory in practice, and gain support and feedback from accredited supervisors so you can become qualified as a certified Matrescence Practitioner.
If you’re feeling unsure, email us at info@matrescence.nz and share a little about what you’re looking for. We’ll be in touch to help you find the right support.
If you are seeking clinical therapy support, please visit maternalpsychology.nz