The Joya Centre was founded by Paulina Aarts, a Dutch psychotherapist, educator and radio documentary maker.

Her media background added an important extra dimension when addressing  professionals as well as the general public during a nationwide child abuse awareness programme, which she coordinated and presented for several years. Working thus within as well as outside of the framework of institutionalized health care, she developed an interest in subtle, non-medical ways of healing the past. The work of Alfred Tomatis is applicable to this category.

Initially, Paulina undertook an introductory training in the Tomatis method in the Paris centre, as part of a journalistic research project. She then chose to have some first-hand experience, and noticed the profound effect the method had on herself as well as on her two children.

The Sri Yantra depicted in the Joya logo is considered a powerful and auspicious geometrical symbol, representing what is said to be the primordial sound Aum. Like all yantras the Sri Yantra is an abstract representation of the creative forces in the cosmos, the ‘dance’ between the dynamic and static energies. It is meant to offer us a glimpse into the hidden order that lies beneath our own private perception of reality. At Joya we use the Sri Yantra as a logo because we work with similar principles, based upon the belief that there is an inherent balance in life, whether or not we can perceive or appreciate this directly.
Sri Yantra
landing on nz shores

 ‘Three Musketeers’ landing on NZ shores. Paulina and her sons, shortly after arrival.

‘The myths we live’ and various series on health, education brought acclaim. Yet, also a form of restlessness and a growing need to ‘walk the talk’.  Not long after, time was ripe for a major change in direction and lifestyle. Before moving to New Zealand, Paulina  finalised her training in the Tomatis centres in London and Sydney and subsequently applied for residency. The Joya Centre was set up in Nelson, allowing her to work from home in one of the most attractive and inspirational places in New Zealand.