Hana Xharra Bates

Hana is a registered child and adolescent psychotherapist. She offers short and long-term therapy for children, teenagers, and their families. Hana works with whanau who are experiencing difficulties with their feelings, difficulties in relationships, and who are displaying challenging or concerning behaviours.

Hana is an empathetic and engaging therapist who offers a reflective and non-judgmental space for young people and their families. She builds a therapeutic relationship with her clients that is supportive, open, and collaborative. Hana uses play, art, and a sand tray as a tool for children to express and process feelings about themselves and their environment.

In her work, Hana emphasises the importance of connection in the parent-child relationship to help with children’s emotional development. Hana’s work with parents is aimed at supporting and developing their understanding of their child, building on their relationship with their children, and getting to know their family dynamics. To add to her work with parents Hana is a certified facilitator of an attachment-based parenting program called Circle of Security.

Hana’s practice is integrative, combining several models such as psychodynamic and relational psychotherapy, dyadic developmental psychotherapy, mentalization and family-based therapeutic modalities. Hana has skills in using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) tailored to suit each client’s needs.

Hana has worked in child and adolescent mental health public settings for many years and has experience working with a range of presentations and difficulties.