Meet Joanne...

Hi, I'm Joanne Deaker, I'm an arts therapist based in New Zealand. I help people to reconnect with themselves and expand their inner world so they can live a fuller, more joy-filled life. This is my story...

At the age of 7, my bedroom was plastered with my own creations – pencil drawings and paintings of horses and the odd cow. My room was my sanctuary and I loved nothing more than to sit cross legged on my bed and draw, paint, imagine and write stories.

I dreamed of a career in the arts.

Somewhere along the way this dream was sidetracked as I went on to study in the sciences (animal and plant based focused because I loved animals and the idea of healing them). The reality of employment in this field wasn't what I imagined and I struggled with an increasing emphasis on throughput and dollars as things became increasingly corporatized. I left this field when I became pregnant and I found art again. I joined a painting group, began exhibiting my artwork and selling it, to a point that I had artwork in 9 galleries throughout New Zealand. Later on I also started teaching the skills of drawing and painting.

From artist to arts therapist

In 2018/2019 both my parents died (within six months of each other). At the same time my children left home. I felt disconnected, lost and stuck...  who was I?... without my parents to guide me?.. without my children at home to care for? 

At around the same time as fate would have it, I was accepted into a postgraduate arts therapy degree. A field I was interested in because it combined my interest in  spirituality and personal development with my science and art backgrounds.

Through it I was able to fully grieve the loss of both my parents and of my children leaving home. I was also able to reconnect with myself and begin to find and redefine who I was. I begin 'flowing' through life again. My life became fuller and more joy-filled.

I began working with others in November 2020, initially groups and then also individual clients, including working with a clinical psychologist. In January 2022 my relationship with my husband fell apart and I spent six months healing and reconnecting with myself once again, as I navigated who I was now that I was no longer with my husband. I am now feeling better than ever, and am taking on clients via zoom for my ReconnectME programme.

I invite you 0n a journey to live a happier, more joy-filled life by being guided to discover and connect with yourself through my ReconnectME online series.

 Contact me to organise a FREE first chat.