Grounded in Growth: The Story Behind Stepping Stones Yoga & Therapy

Hello, and welcome! I’m Hayley Guinness, the founder of Stepping Stones Yoga & Therapy. I’m so glad you’re here. Stepping Stones was created from my passion for supporting individuals on their journey toward healing, growth, and self-discovery. Through yoga, therapy, and mindful practices, I offer a space where you can embrace your authentic self and take meaningful steps toward a better quality of life.

My Backstory

I love life and wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of yoga—both on and off the mat. Over the years, cultivating my own yoga practice has been a grounding and uplifting force, bringing positive changes to my body, mind, spirit, and connection to community.

I grew up on a farm by the ocean in NSW, Australia, where I developed an early appreciation for the joy and simplicity of life. Some of my fondest memories are of road-tripping and camping along Australia’s east coast and traveling further afield to the winding Himalayan roads, where I stayed at ashrams in India and deepened my understanding of yoga and mindfulness.

Nature has always been a source of inspiration for me. Whether I’m hiking, swimming, surfing, or growing food in my garden, I feel most alive and connected when immersed in the natural world. When I’m not saluting the sun, you might find me singing and dancing to my eclectic playlist or curling up with a good book. I’m a lifelong learner, always seeking new knowledge and skills to grow both personally and professionally.

I’m deeply committed to ongoing learning and professional development, always striving to bring the best of my skills and experiences to my work with others.

Professionally

My journey has been shaped by nearly 20 years of professional experience and personal growth. I have worked extensively in specialist eating disorder services in Australia and have been teaching yoga for over 10 years. Alongside my professional background, my lived experience navigating complex PTSD has fuelled my compassion and dedication to helping others.

Now based in Nelson, New Zealand, I run a private practice where I specialise in supporting individuals facing disordered eating, body image concerns, clinical eating disorders and general mental health challenges. My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, incorporating evidence-based modalities. Through my work, I aim to empower clients to embrace their strengths and create meaningful change.

What We Offer

Stepping Stones Yoga & Therapy is about more than just therapy or yoga—it’s about fostering self-compassion, resilience, and connection. Our services include:

Individual Therapy: Thoughtfully tailored to support your unique needs, whether they involve disordered eating, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns.

Yoga classes: Our yoga offerings include restorative classes designed to nurture and support your body, mind, and spirit. These sessions emphasise relaxation, breathwork, and gentle movement, providing a space for deep rest and connection.

Eat Breathe Thrive Program©: is an evidence-based program specifically designed to help individuals navigate disordered eating, body image concerns, and emotional well-being. With a focus on building resilience, mindfulness, and healthy coping strategies, this program combines research-backed tools from psychology, neuroscience, and movement science.

Wellbeing Workshops: Our wellbeing workshops focus on nurturing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. These sessions are designed to provide practical tools and strategies for enhancing mental, emotional, and physical health. Drawing from evidence-based practices, including mindfulness, self-compassion, stress management, and resilience-building, these workshops empower participants to create lasting positive change in their lives.

Day Retreats: Our day retreats are a beautiful opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life and reconnect with yourself in a supportive and nurturing environment. These thoughtfully designed retreats offer a blend of restorative yoga, mindfulness practices, and moments of stillness to help you recharge and realign. Perfect for anyone seeking a meaningful pause, these retreats are a reminder to prioritise your well-being and come away feeling refreshed, grounded, and inspired.

Upcoming retreats: I’m excited to expand into offering weekend retreats and am exploring the idea of an Eat Breathe Thrive retreat in Bali, combining yoga, mindful eating practices, and connection in a tranquil setting.

The Meaning Behind the Rock Stack Logo

The Stepping Stones logo features a simple yet powerful rock stack. This symbol reflects my love for mindfulness in nature, inspired by quiet moments of clarity and balance experienced during hikes. Just like stacking rocks requires focus and care, life’s journey is about finding harmony and building stability one step at a time.

Each stone represents a step in personal growth—no matter how small, each one is a foundation for the next. The rock stack reminds us that growth isn’t linear; it’s a process of balance, patience, and resilience.

Join Me on This Journey

Stepping Stones is a place where you can explore your unique path with support and understanding. Whether you’re seeking therapy, looking to deepen your yoga practice, or simply searching for a space to rest and reflect, I’m here to support you.

Thank you for being part of this community. Together, we can navigate the stepping stones of life with compassion and curiosity.

With gratitude

Hayley Guinness

Founder, Stepping Stones Yoga & Therapy