Paula Harrison is the founder of The Majestic Oak Retreat, bringing over 40 years of experience across clinical healthcare, mental health, education, wellness, spirituality, and the performing arts.

Clinically trained in Occupational Therapy in the United Kingdom, Paula has worked extensively in both physical and mental health settings across public and private sectors, supporting individuals of all ages. Her experience spans mental health and addiction services, physical rehabilitation, intellectual disability, work rehabilitation, children’s and elderly services, probation services, and community-based support. She has worked across the UK, Guernsey (Channel Islands), and New Zealand, relocating permanently to New Zealand in 2006.

Following her move, Paula focused her professional path on mental health, counselling, and adult education, gaining postgraduate qualifications in Adult Education, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). She works in private practice and has previously worked alongside DHB, NHS, NGO, PHO, education, and ACC providers, as well as supervising clinical staff and students.

Alongside her clinical work, Paula has been immersed in the performing arts from the age of three, following her passion as both a performer and teacher of dance, singing, acting, and music in the UK and New Zealand. She has founded her own schools, taught in diverse educational environments, and continues to integrate movement, creativity, and embodied awareness into her therapeutic and spiritual practice.

Paula’s spiritual journey has been a guiding influence throughout her life. Rooted in early experiences of community, music, and service, her understanding of spirituality has evolved into a deeply inclusive philosophy that transcends specific beliefs or doctrines. She is guided by the principle of leading with the heart — showing compassion, respect, forgiveness, and care for all beings, including animals and the natural world. Central to her worldview is a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all life.

Over the decades, Paula has studied and practised a wide range of holistic and spiritual disciplines, including massage, Reiki, transcendental meditation, sound and dance therapy, chakra healing, colour therapy, yoga, Tai Chi, crystal healing, astrology, numerology, and mediumship. She continues to expand her knowledge through ongoing study of herbal medicine, integrating these practices into her daily life and professional work.

A passionate believer in living what she teaches, Paula views life’s experiences — both joyful and challenging — as powerful opportunities for growth and evolution. This philosophy is at the heart of The Majestic Oak Retreat, which she and her partner Gavin have established as a peaceful sanctuary where people can reconnect, reflect, and restore balance through workshops, retreats, and mindful experiences in nature.

I am a qualified and experienced Therapist/Coach/Educator, specialising in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

My extensive knowledge and experience include providing individual/spiritual counselling, facilitating educational programmes/workshops in anxiety management, assertiveness/communication training, mindfulness/meditation relaxation, self-esteem, self-compassion, health/wellness nutrition, drug and alcohol, life skills, and motivational interviewing with adults and children.

I am also a Reiki Practitioner and use Tibetan bowls/toning and crystals for healing, and I am currently studying Herbal Medicine.