13/03/2026
I had the privilege of attending at the opening of Rachael's solo art exhibition at Turua Gallery in New Market, Auckland.
The exhibition is titled 'A Letter to Them' and showcases her work while on sabbatical from her clinical work.
The exhibition ends 18 March and open to the public.
Rachael, you are an incredble artist and therapist and one of the kindest, genuine and inspirational women I know. Thank you for sharing your work and honouring the bravery of those in treatment.
'A Letter to Them'
Dear (previous therapy client)
For many years, I sat across from you on a couch and listened to your innermost thoughts, fears and hopes. You trusted me with your most private and painful parts of your life. I witnessed your tears, panic attacks, anger, and sometimes your self-harm.
When therapy came to an end, we typically spoke about the progress you'd made, the fears you'd faced, the goals you'd reached, and the things you'd learned about yourself. Sometimes, you thanked me for my support.
What we rarely spoke about, was how much I learned from you.
This, is a letter of gratitude, for the impact that you have had on me, and this is my chance to tell you what I have learned from you over the years.
Thank you for showing me how brave human beings can be. Even after trauma, hardship, and adversity, you still reached for hope. Again and again, I saw that you were far braver than you realised.
Thank you for trusting me with your stories and fears. It has been a great privilege. It has given my work an enormous sense of meaning and purpose.
Thank you for showing me that underneath you story and behaviour, there is a shared human drive to feel safe, loved and connected. I’ve learned that behaviour generally makes more sense once we've heard someone's full story. Again and again, I was reminded that, at our core, people are inherently good, kind, and are trying their best.
These paintings are my attempt to honour that bravery, resilience, and courage I have witnessed for years in the therapy room.
You've inspired me to paint my bravest collection yet.
Sitting across the couch from you has been a true privilege.
Thank you,
Rachael
https://turuagallery.co.nz/collections/a-letter-to-them
