About Me
Kia Ora
I’m Leticia, originally from Brazil, and I’ve proudly called New Zealand home since 2017.
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I believe that integrating mental and physical health is key to creating lasting, positive change. With my background in psychology and health coaching, my approach is holistic and person-centered. I combine evidence-based counseling techniques with practical lifestyle strategies to help clients achieve meaningful, lasting change. My goal is to empower clients to build resilience, manage stress, and improve their overall mental and emotional well-being.
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I specialize in working with individuals facing a range of challenges, including:
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Wellbeing and Lifestyle Changes: Sustainable lifestyle adjustments, stress management, and building resilience.
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Burnout and Career Challenges: Support for those experiencing workplace stress, perfectionism, and high standards.
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Emotional and Mental Health: Guidance for managing anxiety, stress, grief, and life transitions.
I believe in small, meaningful changes that lead to significant transformations. Whether through brief interventions or longer-term support, I tailor my approach to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.
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Background and Experience
With over 15 years of experience in corporate settings, I am dedicated to helping individuals and organizations achieve their goals. In my Human Resources roles, I focused on mental health and well-being, developing initiatives to foster a positive, supportive environment, and providing confidential support for employees navigating life’s challenges.
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Now, in private practice, I work closely with clients to help them overcome obstacles, build resilience, and achieve meaningful personal growth.
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I am a Professional Member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), Health Coaches Australia and New Zealand (HCANZA), and the Brazilian Association of Psychology (CRP 04/25333).
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What Guides My Practice
In my work, I am guided by Carl Jung’s words: “Learn your theories as well as you can, but but as you touch a human soul, be just another human soul.”
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For me, this quote is a reminder that while knowledge and techniques are valuable, true healing comes from simply being present, human to human. My goal is to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow.
Ready to start your journey to a healthier you? Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your goals and explore how I can support you.
My Story: A Journey to Wellness
For many years, I didn’t pay much attention to my lifestyle. Like many, I neglected my health while focusing on building my career. I spent fifteen years in the corporate world, often prioritizing work over self-care. A demanding job, a busy social life, and a neglect of physical activity eventually led to burnout. I adopted a healthier lifestyle—focusing on nutrition, exercise, and reducing my alcohol intake—which helped me feel more energized.
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However, the emotional toll of IVF and subsequent health challenges led to a decline in my overall wellbeing. ​​Despite these difficulties, I continued to push myself without fully listening to my body. I soon realized that I wasn't the same person anymore and was diagnosed with depression. Frustrated by traditional medical approaches that focused solely on medication without considering lifestyle changes, I began exploring holistic alternatives.
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I learned that there's no quick fix, and real change takes time. I found that lifestyle changes were crucial for my recovery. Through therapy, meditation, dietary adjustments, and exercise, I began to feel improvements and regain some of my energy. A holistic GP finally diagnosed my iron deficiency, a condition that had been overlooked by several doctors for years.
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My interest in holistic health grew, but navigating the overwhelming and often contradictory information online was challenging. That's when I decided to deepen my understanding by becoming a certified Health Coach through Prekure. This provided me with the knowledge and practical tools to truly understand the powerful connection between lifestyle choices and overall wellbeing.
Through my own experiences and studies, I've learned that lifestyle is the foundation of health—and it's never too late to begin the journey toward wellness.
Now, with Tweaks to Wellness, my purpose is to help others reclaim their vitality through personalized strategies for nutrition, mental health, and holistic wellness. My goal is to empower people, creating a ripple effect that impacts families and communities, fostering sustainable, positive change—one small tweak at a time. Together, we’ll craft a plan that leads to lasting transformation.
Qualifications and Memberships
Health Coach Certification​
at Prekure - 2024 / Level 5 - NZQA Recognition
Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Business Management
at NZIE - 2017 / Level 8 - NZQA Recognition
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Certified in Personal & Professional Coaching
at Brazilian Coaching Society - 2012
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Post Graduate Diploma in Strategic People Management
at UFMG - 2009 / Level 8 - NZQA Recognition
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Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
at PUC Minas - 2006 / Level 7 - NZQA Recognition
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NZAC - New Zealand Association of Counsellors
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HCANZA - Health Coaches Australia and New Zealand
Professional Member
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Brazilian Association of Psychology – CRP 04/25333
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