Welcome to BodyMind. My name is Hannah Milward. ​
I have a background and university education in Nursing Science (registered nurse) and Exercise Science. Over the years I've attained numerous certificates and diplomas in bodywork and massage therapy modalities (myofascial release, lomilomi, mirimiri, dry needling, Swedish massage). I have gained knowledge and skills in movement and somatic therapy processes, professional training in trauma work/counselling (Compassionate Inquiry as taught by Gabor Mate).
I have studied mindfulness practices, health and wellness coaching, 'humanistic' NLP and integrative hypnotherapy.
I have spent many hours accumulating knowledge around the human brain, nervous system, energy systems and practical neuroscience. I'll never stop learning.
My Journey...
I grew up in Wellington New Zealand, with the help of horses (and what they taught me about nonverbal communication, connection, trust, the nervous system, and movement) I survived the reality of a troubled childhood.
After working as a PA, cooking in kitchens, bar tending and 'exploring' the world of work, plus engaging in Yoga, martial arts, hiking and duathlons... I decided to study massage therapy, then shortly thereafter - Exercise and Sports science. Upon completion of these studies, I worked as a personal trainer and deep tissue massage therapist, specializing in corrective exercise, myofascial release, mobilizers, chronic disease and pain management.
Within a few years I noticed an itch, an itch to learn more and be of service to those much less fortunate. I decided to study nursing, with the intention to travel far and wide and to engage in 'grass roots' humanitarian projects. Following the completion of my nursing degree, I took my love for community health and rehabilitation-straight to work in Cambodia.
This work shaped me and taught me more than any course ever could. After the devastating earthquake in Nepal, I simply had to spend some time volunteering. I found myself, once again helping with small health care teams working in remote villages. Additionally, I worked on a monastery helping with monks who use both eastern and western medicine and modalities, holistically serving those with poor access to care.
I Nursed in NZ and Australia for a while, but became more and more dissatisfied with the lack of real, lasting positive change, that our 'health'/ pharmaceutical system delivered.
It seemed that we were 'chasing symptoms' and never finding, or even seeking the root cause.
The treatments offered, often becoming more problematic, than the initial symptoms that they were 'treating'.
Talk of sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress, work, family, community, connection, emotional health, childhood adverse events, core beliefs and attitudes seemed to be missing...
I had to take a new integrative approach, study more and really seek to uncover and understand, the many complex layers around what creates dis-ease.

Now, I help those who are navigating chronic conditions, chronic pain, stress, anxiety, depression, addiction pain and injuries. Most recently, I have taken some deep dives into modalities such as NLP, neuroscience tools and hypnotherapy.

Our minds really do transform our external realities.

We can create a better world, starting with our own inner world.
We can change beliefs, patterns and behavior's that hold us back. We can change the feelings we don't want to feel anymore. We can find freedom from the triggers that make us act in ways that no longer serve us..

We can shift our limiting beliefs and live our best lives.
Best of all, we can have FUN while we create change within.

To summarize, the techniques I use these days, help you to weave positive change into your life.
I have gathered tools by seeking real world experiences, acquiring knowledge and wisdom from a huge range of practitioners, healers, elders, monks and shamans.
You will never find yourself receiving a 'cookie cutter', one size fits all, type of interaction when we work together.

We focus on empowering, effective, long-lasting and sustainable solutions.
Bringing to life, what you DO want.
We focus upon YOUR solutions and strengths.
​Hopefully we share laughter and have a little FUN.

I was born in South Africa amidst interesting times of conflict and stress. My father died at an early age (39) of stress related concerns, I was conscripted into the army unwillingly and saw the stress of a violent racially conflicted environment. I realised the power of good self discipline to deal with stress.

A Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology and Computer Science followed by a post grad qualification in management and marketing was just the start of the learning curve. Later on I completed my NLP Masters, became a qualified Hypnotherapist, management trainer and accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
To date, I have seen hundreds of clients in a private capacity for counselling, therapy and coaching.
I have also worked with multiple organisations and teams with coaching and training.
On the corporate business side, I have worked extensively in sales, marketing, IT and management and have been on senior leadership teams of a number of large organisations before ending up in a government role working within sustainability and efficiency.

Primarily working with behavioural change I am a strong speaker/presenter.

Along the way I was a volunteer mentor at a lifeline organisation, president of a top Toastmasters club and started in a NLP professionals group that has continued for the past 10 years.
With a passion for sustainability, wellness and continuous learning I live a fit and healthy life in Auckland with a wide variety of hobbies and active pursuits. In my spare time (ha) I also facilitate Mental Health First Aid training, teach physical fitness, marry people (celebrant) and enjoy a life of constant curiosity....

I currently work as a change behaviour specialist, leadership trainer, business consultant and mentor, persuasive communication, life and thinking coach.