Sleep Therapy
Effective, lasting, drug-free solutions for insomnia
Through the Woods provides sleep therapy; sleep assessment and treatment for insomnia and other sleep related challenges to help you re-gain control over sleepless nights. Using evidence-based solutions, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia, it provides a highly effective, long-lasting and drugfree solution for insomnia. In-person or online appointments are available.
Your journey towards restful nights begins here.
Sleep is one of the fundamental pillars for good physical, mental and emotional health. Sleep supports every system in the body including physical performance, immune, cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
Reclaim peaceful sleep, improve well-being, and embark on a journey towards better nights and brighter days.
Difficulties
Poor sleep and insomnia-related problems are common, affecting up to one third of adults in New Zealand.
Fall asleep
Reduction in time to fall asleep
Stay asleep
Fewer awakenings during the night
Boost energy
Feel refreshed and increase in daytime energy
Enhance mood
Improve mood and overall well-being
Improve performance
Enhance productivity, concentration and physical performance
These difficulties can include:
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Trouble falling asleep
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Difficulty staying asleep
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Early morning awakenings and inability to get back to sleep
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Fatigue and low energy
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Feelings of poor sleep quality
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Attention, concentration and memory problems
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Reduced physical performance
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Irritability, feeling down and anxious
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Reduced quality of life
Get In Touch
Request a FREE 15 minute consultation
Appointments are available in-person or online via video call most weekdays and some evenings. In-person consults are available in Wānaka (Luggate) on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9am-3pm.
Self-referrals are welcome (you do not need a referral from your doctor or other health practitioner).
Effectiveness
Client Stories
28 Oct 2024
Mags has been a superstar in helping me to gain a better understanding of my sleep problems. After 10 years of poor sleep, I thought I had exhausted all options of trying to improve my insomnia.
However, a friend recommended Mags and after working with her for the past couple of months my quality of sleep has significantly improved. I now also have effective strategies to help me should I need them in the future.
Rachael
2 Sept 2024
When I first consulted with Mags I had been experiencing a prolonged period of insomnia and had concerns for both my physical and mental well-being.
Following an intervention programme of 6 sessions with Mags, she provided me with a series of practical steps to help me better understand insomnia and manage the condition.
At the end of the programme my sleep quality has improved significantly to a healthy level and I am confident that I now have the tools and techniques to manage any relapse.
Geoff
18 Sept 2024
After struggling for probably 30 years with quality sleep acquisition, I finally decided to do something about it. Mags was recommended to me by local friends here in Wanaka.
From the very first appointment I felt like I was on a journey to better sleep quality and eventually quantity. Mags was great at interpreting my insomnia issues and putting a sleep schedule plan into action.
If you want help with insomnia, it takes commitment on your part and the help of a qualified and experienced sleep therapist to provide you with the necessary skills, theory and practices. Mags will teach you how to master insomnia and deal with unhelpful thought patterns.
The benefits provided by Mags and Through the Woods, provided me with a better understanding of sleep, the skills and knowledge to improve my health, well being, and the satisfaction of a rejuvenating sleep pattern.
Paul
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27% of New Zealand Adults aged 20-59 years have a current sleep problem
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37% of New Zealand adults get less than 7 hours of sleep per night
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Population estimates suggest chronic insomnia affects 25% of New Zealand adults, which highlights insomnia as a major public health issue in New Zealand.
Occasional sleepless nights are a normal reaction to stressful life events, however prolonged and chronic insomnia-related problems require attention as they can have adverse effects on your physical and mental health.
Sleep Therapy
Find effective and long-lasting treatment through Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi).
Through the Woods offers evidence-based and gold-standard treatment for insomnia for adults. It starts with a comprehensive assessment to identify the cause of your sleep problems and unique needs.
You will learn effective techniques to address behaviours, thoughts, lifestyle and environmental factors to improve your sleep health and well-being.
About
Margrethe (Mags) Helles
Presenting - Australasian Sleep Conference, 2022
I have a deep passion for sleep therapy and psychology. Through the Woods’ primary focus is on helping individuals improve and manage their sleep challenges for life using evidence-based treatments. My journey into this field includes attaining a Masters in Psychology and engaging in research on sleep, mood, and loneliness during the COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand.
These experiences have led me to recognise the crucial importance of sleep for overall health and well-being, having personally faced the challenges of poor sleep. Having learnt from leaders in the behavioural sleep medicine field, Michael Perlis and Donn Posner, my approach centres around Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia.
I also recognise the importance of tailoring therapy to suit the client’s unique situation and needs, and incorporate mindfulness and solution-focused techniques to facilitate meaningful change. This ensures that therapy remains present-focused and actively tailored to the individual, enhancing its impact.
When I’m not immersed in the realm of sleep psychology, I find solace in the mountains, engaging in activities like running, skiing, climbing, and meditation.
BPsych, MPsych, MPhil
Member Australasian Sleep Association
Fees
Per session (1 hour)
$140
Intake sleep assessment (approx. 80-90 min)
$190
Fees are payable on the day by online banking.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours notice. Late cancellations will incur a fee.
Workshops and Presentations
We offer sleep presentations for businesses and organisations providing education on sleep health, the effects of poor sleep and practical strategies on how to improve it on an individual and organisational level.
The workshops provide comprehensive sleep education and training in how to optimise sleep health so employees and businesses can perform at their best. The program focus on delivering education on sleep and circadian science, and provide practical strategies for how to optimise alertness and support health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace.