Jen Holmes Beamer

I offer trauma-informed psychotherapy, EMDR, and embodied approaches to healing in Nelson and online.

Since 2007, I have worked across community and mental health settings in both Canada and New Zealand, supporting people navigating trauma, disconnection, and recovery. My earlier work as an occupational therapist, alongside ongoing training in psychotherapy, yoga therapy and EMDR, has shaped a deep respect for the ways our experiences live not only in the mind, but also within the body and nervous system.

Over the past decade, I have developed and facilitated body-based trauma recovery programs within community agencies, psychiatric settings, non-profit organisations, and ACC-funded group programs for survivors of sexual violence.

My work is grounded in the understanding that healing is not about fixing ourselves, but about creating the conditions for greater safety, connection and meaning to emerge.

As a psychotherapist, I offer a space of gentle curiosity and compassion where you can begin to reconnect with your inner world at your own pace. I see therapy as a collaborative and relational process - one that honours both the wisdom of the body and the complexity of being human.

Alongside talk therapy, I integrate body-based and nervous system-informed approaches including EMDR, Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), mindfulness, somatic awareness, and trauma resiliency practices.

My approach is shaped not only by professional training, but also by personal experiences of anxiety, trauma, and the restorative role that embodied practices can play in healing. These experiences continue to deepen my respect for the courage it takes to return to oneself.

Leading trauma research continues to affirm the importance of inviting the body into the healing process. If we work together, we will move at a pace that prioritises safety, choice, and connection, supporting emotional experiences to find expression and integration.

“It was when i stopped searching for home within others and lifted the foundations of home within myself”

~ rupi kaur 

Training and Background

Jen holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and undergraduate studies in kinesiology and psychology from McMaster University (Canada), with further specialisation in psychotherapy, EMDR, yoga therapy, and trauma-sensitive approaches.

She is registered as a psychotherapist with Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand and is a certified yoga therapist (IAYT) and Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) facilitator.

Her work integrates evidence-based psychotherapy with embodied and nervous system-informed approaches to trauma healing.

Clinical Experience

Jen has worked across community mental health, inpatient services, chronic pain support, and trauma recovery programs in both Canada and New Zealand.

Her experience includes:

  • community and inpatient mental health services

  • ACC Sensitive Claims and Training for Independence programs

  • persistent pain support

  • trauma recovery and embodied group programs

  • psychotherapy and mind-body approaches for anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, and stress-related conditions

Professional Development

Additional training includes:

  • The Conversational Model psychotherapy

  • EMDR Levels 1 & 2

  • Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) facilitator (300hr)

  • Yoga Therapy (800hr)

  • Trauma Resiliency Model

  • CBT and CBT-I

  • mindfulness and pain-care approaches

Professional Memberships

  • Australia and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists (ANZAP)

  • International Association of Yoga Therapists (I-AYT)

  • The Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand (PBANZ)