Welcome to Empower Aotearoa
Empower Aotearoa is here to offer you or someone you support a range of creative wellbeing services across Canterbury or online.
Exploring your creativity is a powerful path toward improving your well-being.
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Group, individual, online, and mobile. We can come to you or you can join us, in-person or online.
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Visual arts, dance, movement, nature-based arts, creative writing & poetry, mural making, and more.
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Mindfulness, social, planning, self-confidence, sensory, self-care, team building, and community connection focused activities. This list is not exhaustive!
We cater to everyone. You do not have to be a 'creative person' to take part. All abilities, all ages, neurotypical and neurodivergent.
What we do
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Nature-based Therapeutic arts
Nature-based arts therapy merges the healing power of nature with creative expression, offering numerous benefits for mental and emotional well-being. Engaging with the natural world can alleviate stress and anxiety, while artistic activities promote self-exploration and emotional release. Research shows that spending time in nature lowers cortisol levels and enhances mood, contributing to overall mental health. Participants often experience a heightened sense of connection to their surroundings, fostering mindfulness and creativity. This therapeutic approach encourages personal growth through deepened appreciation and comfort in the surrounding world, ultimately supporting the journey toward healing and self-discovery.
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Social & Community Connection, or team building
“A tree can be only as strong as the forest that surrounds it.” ― Peter Wohlleben. Creating as a group is a powerful way to appreciate each others ideas, skills and perspectives. The process fosters empathy, understanding, and cooperation. Ultimately it builds stronger connections and an expanded sense of community. Creative collaboration also manifests diverse perspectives, and stimulates reciprocated inspiration. Participants will have opportunities to create together to make something they can be proud of individually and collectively.
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Dance & Movement Therapy
The wellbeing of the body and the mind are connected, just as the wellbeing of humans and nature are connected. Expressive movement is great for connecting to your mind, body, and the world around you.
You do not need to know how to dance. The purpose is to connect with your body, remove any barriers to freedom of expression, and find enjoyment and peace within a safe and supportive environment.
Often props are used to remove feelings of self-consciousness. Participants are encouraged to find a way movement feels best for them. This may look like ecstatic dance, or calming slowness.
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Sensory-rich Creativity
We all know self-care is important, but it is often difficult to prioritise with the busyness of life. Self-care is not selfish—it is a crucial investment in one's overall well-being and happiness. Whether you want to reflect on practical steps you can take to improve everyday living, de-stress, strengthen your self-esteem, or explore your identity, it is important to take some time out to nurture yourself and your well-being.
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Tailored one-on-one sessions
One-on-one work is a great option for those who prefer to explore their creativity outside of a group setting. All sessions are specifically designed with the participant's goals, needs, and creative preferences. Sessions can be wherever is most comfortable, whether that is at home, on the beach, in a room at a local library, or online. Removing any barriers, and providing a safe and fun environment is at the forefront, and, with our mobile creative studio, the options are virtually limitless!
Please note that these sessions do not include clinical psychotherapy. They are a good option for those who would like to harness the arts for well-being but may find barriers in accessing clinical therapists or do not wish to delve into deeper work.