Kia ora, my name is Vâlken Burkill. With a background in mental health and wellbeing, I share your passion for supporting others. Together, we can discover new perspectives that support your wellbeing and practice, helping you to thrive alongside those you work with.
Supervision is both restorative and accountable, a place to celebrate strengths, navigate challenges, maintain professional standards, and support the safety and wellbeing of those we serve. As helping professionals, it is easy to over extend ourselves in the service of others and put our own needs last. The supervision session is a safe, contained space for you to pause, reflect, speak freely, and make sense of what is happening within you and around you. Each session is a chance to learn what we can action and what we can achieve to support you to revitalise and grow, bridging congruence between how you think, act and feel.
I am here to listen to you with authenticity and presence. I do not judge, interview or analyse. I don't have all the answers but I do know the answers are there. By holding the space for you with clarity and compassion, we can delve deeper and find those answers together.
I bring warmth, humour, curiosity, kindness and strong psychological safety, along with a willingness to gently explore the places that feel uncomfortable, uncertain or overlooked. Through honest conversation and reflection, important insights emerge.
I supervise anyone working in the human services profession. Your safety is paramount and your privacy is always respected. Relationships, trust and clear expectations are the foundation of quality supervision, and establishing these foundations is where we start. To see if we click well together, please inquire.
Early on, during my ten year long career as an exercise and nutrition kaimahi, my passion for mental health was sparked. In 2014, I started volunteering my time to support the facilitation of men's workshops, and later contributed one-on-one coaching. These rich learning experiences, including the opportunity to develop skills in both psychodrama and shadow work, inspired me to find new, life-affirming and meaningful ways to serve my community. I have delivered group process programmes, school communication and integrity workshops, and started a men's circle (community group).
In 2022, I achieved my Addiction Recovery/Life Coach Certification. By 2023, I was working full-time as a health coach, with Kandas Gee as my own supervisor. When Kandas offered to mentor me to become a supervisor myself, I gladly accepted and am delighted to now offer supervision from her peaceful oasis.
Physically, I am a large man, but my nature is gentle, kind and caring. I am a husband, a father of three teenagers, and an avid gardener. As a Northland man through and through, I love being a part of this special community, and feel lucky to call this beautiful region home.
I had the privilege of supervising Vâlken Burkill for approximately two years, during which time I observed his respectful ahua and genuine care and commitment for the wellbeing of others. I recognised Vâlken's natural aptitude for reflective practice, and encouraged him to consider a career in supervision, which he subsequently pursued.
What makes Vâlken an excellent supervisor is his natural curiosity and empathy, and his ability to create a safe and supportive space for exploration. He has a remarkable capacity to sit alongside people without judgement, helping them reflect deeply on their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. I am delighted that Vâlken has chosen to join my team of amazing supervisors.
Vâlken Burkill, Valken@kandasgeesupervisor.co.nz, 021 026 80985
