Your support will transform lives!
THERAPY
Strengthening identity through activity-based one-on-one and group sessions interwoven with clinical counselling.
“It has changed the ways I approached things in my life and I know I have someone to talk to.” - participant
Our approach
We provide Activity Therapy, Clinical Counselling and Group Therapy to offer support tailored to young individuals who may not readily engage in traditional therapy methods. We believe in connection is the key to supporting youth, allowing them to engage more effectively in their therapeutic journey.
Our strategic outcome focus is taking young people from low self-worth to a more secure identity (mauri) by;
Increasing self-worth through strengthening mana
More meaningful relationships with whanau through understanding their whakapapa
Engaged in values-based learning (mātauranga) for a healthier connection with self
Developing social skills to grow healthy relationships (hononga)
Employing a professional and clinical approach, we specialize in working with young people facing challenges such as mental health issues, trauma, neurodiversity, and more—barriers that hinder them from realizing their potential in life. Our unique method integrates learning to ride a dirt bike or surf the waves with cognitive-behavioral and narrative therapy modalities, providing a holistic and effective approach to their well-being journey.
Youth Encounter's therapy programme is delivered through the following formats;
Clinical Counselling - 1hr sessions per booking
Activity Therapy - dirt bike activity - 2hr sessions x8 on weekly basis
Group Therapy - dirt bikes or surf activity - 3-4hr sessions x8 on weekly basis
How to engage!
Make a referral (see button below) - we will assess needs and suitability and contact you
We will create a client plan for you to authorise and complete parent/caregiver consent
We will then engage with young person to deliver client plan
For more information please
email us info@youthencounter.co.nz
or phone on 07 218 2113
“Therapy at Youth Encounter has cleared the tornado in my mind to help me think more clearly.” - Jayden
At Youth Encounter, our 1on1 Activity Therapy brings together the thrill of adrenaline and the healing power of activity to create transformative experiences! Through dirt bike riding, we offer a therapeutic journey unlike any other. This recreational activity is not just about excitement; it has been carefully crafted to facilitate a process of healing and growth, pioneered by the visionary 'Scary' Mary Perkins (now Wanhill, CEO at Youth Encounter).
As a world record holder and adrenaline enthusiast, Mary’s passion for adventure evolved into a deeper understanding of the human psyche. After a career-ending injury led her to pursue counselling and psychology, Mary uniquely combined her love for dirt biking with therapeutic practices. Our innovative dirt bike therapy is the first of its kind worldwide, using the power of motocross to deliver Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in a dynamic and engaging way. Our dirt bike therapy offers a groundbreaking approach to trauma release, resilience building, and empowerment.
Youth Encounter uses the Mauri Ora Spectrum to guide our approach in nurturing the well-being of young people. This ensures we meet rangatahi where they are and support their holistic development across physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. Mauri ora represents a state of balanced life force, where one is alive, well, and vibrant. When your mauri is supported and enhanced, you can confidently express your cultural identity in all spaces and places, regardless of who you are or where you come from.
Click here to read more about Youth Encounter developing a world first with our dirt bike therapy, and make a referral today for availability and costs.
“I have seen first hand and continue to see teenagers on a journey to becoming responsible leaders from what would otherwise have been a journey towards criminal offending and self-harm. I have also seen plenty of ‘good kids’ benefit from Mary’s training. They grow in confidence, make friends, learn motor bike skills and learn leadership skills which stands them in good stead to be leaders in their communities.”
- Duncan Jeffery | Senior Constable | Tauranga Police
"Through Youth Encounter’s therapy, my maturity and humility has grown. My attitude has changed and I am more tolerant, showing more respect. It made me notice what I have to do to get to my goal and its made me be a better person." - Tinaya | Participant
"Encounter Therapy has made me look at life and my decisions from a different point of view. I can now see that I can make choices, I don’t have to follow the expectations of my family. I see that it is my choices which have lead me to here and I can see where I want to be and I now want to make the choices to get there!" - Summer | Participant
Our 1on1 clinical counselling sessions are designed to empower young people by facilitating personal growth and strengthening their sense of identity (mauri). Our counsellors use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy to support youth through their trauma, anxiety, an other issues to facilitate a healing journey. Our counsellors help enhance self-worth by reinforcing mana, guiding youth to develop more meaningful relationships with their whānau through a deeper understanding of whakapapa. We also focus on values-based learning (mātauranga) to help young people build a healthier connection with themselves and develop essential social skills (hononga) for developing healthy, supportive relationships.
Whether it’s a single session or ongoing support, our service is tailored to the unique needs of each individual.
Cost: $172.50 per 1-hour session.
Bookings: To schedule a session, please make an online referral here, and we will be in touch with available appointment times.
"I have gained more confidence to achieve things. Not only on the bike, but in the normal life of living."
"The direction that I am headed has changed for the better. I feel more positive at times."
"I've never been this calm before, I'm used to being angry all the time at people and things. The dirt bike riding helped because it gets me out of the house and doing something positive" - Phynn
In our group therapy sessions, we harness the power of outdoor activities like surfing or dirt biking to create a dynamic and engaging therapeutic environment. These adrenaline-fueled experiences serve as more than just recreational activities—they become the backdrop for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions. As participants ride the waves or navigate muddy tracks, they are guided by skilled facilitators who integrate CBT and group development techniques, helping them to recognize and reframe negative thought patterns in real time. The challenges of these activities provide a natural platform for addressing fears, building resilience, and strengthening their sense of identity, all within a supportive group setting. Through this unique blend of action and therapy, individuals can break through mental barriers and gain the tools needed for long-term positive change.
Youth Encounter’s group therapy delivery utilizes the "Live Life Wide Open" process, which is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, with a person centered approach. The eight learning modules are designed to help participants shift their mindsets, embrace their potential, and achieve transformative changes. Aligned with the Te Whare Tapa Wha Māori health model, the modules focus on spiritual, mental, physical, and community well-being. This holistic approach empowers individuals to explore personal responsibility, direction, growth, and ultimately, celebrate their journey towards living life wide open.
Contact us for more information about this eight week group therapy journey - info@youthencounter.co.nz or 07 218 2113
Module one: Connection
Creating safety & belonging through meeting each person where they are at with acceptance.
Tūhonotanga understands the relationships we are connected to in our world. To whakapapa, whānau and whenua.
Module two: Responsibility
Uncovering the incredible potential each person is created with and are responsible for unleashing.
Takohanga recognizes the individual and collective roles and responsibilities. it requires courage, openness and a willingness to challenge.
Module three: Direction
Inquiring and exploring the direction a person’s life is headed.
Arotahi carries the meaning of a focus in one direction, looking above the horizon while having a common focus that unites us.
Module four: Superposition
Empowering a growth mind-set towards a person’s potential.
Kihirua means to change one‘s mind. The process that we go through when we learn, grow and develop.
Module five: Growth
Letting go of the past and focusing forward to step into future possibilities of growth.
Ngahunga is being aware of the priorities that exist in our worlds and pursuing them to be our focal points
Module six: Choices
Choosing the opportunities and a pathway that will create a better future.
Rangatira-tanga is having one’s voice heard and having opportunities for developing knowledge so that choice-making can be strengthened
Module seven: Freedom
Experiencing freedom in the journey of potential unleashed.
Te Aranga encompasses restoration, revitalization and regenerating. New life and freedom from the old.
Module eight: Celebration
Validating the growth process and effort to Live Life Wide Open.
Puāwai means to blossom or come to fruition. A time to celebrate and tautoko transformation.
