About Bev


Kia ora, ko Bev Graves tōku ingoa. I was born in Timaru and moved to Whanganui as a preschooler. Growing up overlooking the awa and attending a school that looked out to Ruapehu maunga helped shape my deep connection to this place. Whanganui is where I feel most grounded and the place I call home.

Backed by real life experience

Alongside my professional work, I have raised four children, an experience that has given me a deep appreciation for the realities of family life, relationships, and the resilience people draw on as they navigate life’s challenges.

 

 

 

 

 

Varied settings

I bring over 20 years of experience working across community and government settings in counselling, group facilitation, leadership, and professional supervision. Much of my work has been in the family harm sector, supporting both survivors and those who have used harmful behaviours. Through this work I have developed a strong understanding of the profound and lasting impact trauma can have on individuals, whānau, and communities.

Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

I am committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working in ways that are grounded in Te Ao Māori principles. Creating a space where people feel safe, heard, and respected is very important to me. I recognise the importance of the connection between hinengaro, tinana, wairua, and whānau in supporting holistic wellbeing.

 

 

My journey into counselling was shaped by my own experiences of counselling, which gave me a deep appreciation for the courage it takes to reach out for support. I see counselling as a collaborative process. Together we can explore what has brought you here and work in ways that support your wellbeing, strengthen your sense of self, and help you move toward the life you want.

My Counselling Approach

My work is personalised and collaborative, grounded in respect for each person’s story, cultural identity, and lived experience. I draw on evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and body-based approaches to create a plan that fits you.

Qualifications & Accreditations

  • Full Member of the NZ Association of Counsellors (MNZAC)
  • Diploma in Counselling 2005
  • Certificate in Applied Counselling Skills 2003
  • Social Service Supervision  Massey University 2006
  • Advanced Supervision training 2017.
  • Certificate in Te Reo Māori, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa 2023
  • Bi-cultural training
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Trauma focused and Brief intervention
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Solution focused Therapy
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Child Protection
  • 'Dare To Lead' training
  • Specialist experience in Family Harm
  • Extensive training and experience in group facilitation

 

Contract Services

  • ACC Sensitive Claims
  • Victim Support
  • Raise/Southern Cross Wellness Partners