Rachel Austin
NZ Registered Music Therapist
MMusTher (Hons)
BEd, DipTch, DipHD
Being a music therapist draws together my passion for music, people and community  I strive to bring both a trauma informed and te Tiriti informed approach to my work. I currently work with children and families who have experienced loss, change, trauma or other challenges. I have also worked with people living with traumatic brain injury, people with intellectual disabilities, older adults in residential care and children in hospital. I bring 10+ years experience working in primary and early childhood education and 8+ years working with new parents and their babies on the Space programme (formerly SPACE NZ Trust and now Parenting Place) to my role as music therapist. I work in Wellington and the Hutt Valley.
You can check out my LinkedIn profile here.
I came to Rachel because I had huge psychological blocks around my ability to express myself.
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Multiple times, in the time of just one session, Rachel's careful attunement and supportive space-holding unlocked doors for me that hours of pure talk therapy and over two years of singing lessons could not budge.
Under Rachel's guidance and shining belief that it is both safe and possible to let go of old fears, my life has changed in an amazing way.
Maggie
THE FEATHER RIDGE LOGO
The logo is based on this painting called Peaceful Flight by Sheila Brown (sheilabrown.co.nz) which was purchased early in 2020. Sheila kindly gave permission for its use in our logo.
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The logo design is by Lisa Martell Design.
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​My home is close to a large area of native bush, which is home to many Kereru (endemic wood pigeons) which frequently visit my garden. The painting and logo represent my sense of place here, my love of native birds, the peace of the bush and freedom of spirit.
