Warm Water Collective

Advocates for improving mental health by making it easy to access soothing warm water therapies

Who we are, what we do

We are a collective of wellness professionals focused on supporting mental health and emotional resilience through soothing warm water therapies.

Warm water therapies are gentle, quiet and healing for all people in our community.
Especially supportive for Youth. Uniquely aligned with First Nations people and knowledge systems.

These therapies are well recognised and practiced internationally but are less available in Australia. Why? Because warm pools in Australia often overlook warm water therapies.

The Warm Water Collective advocates for better access:

Water is a healer. Let it lead.

THE PROBLEM

Small changes, big ripples

Public and private hydrotherapy pools focus on therapies to alleviate physical conditions. New pools are springing up to improve access for hydrotherapy. Quieter therapies that support mental health by soothing the nervous system are being overlooked. Small changes are required to make traditional hydrotherapy pools suitable for these quieter therapies. But there are barriers: lack of awareness; resistance to changing the status quo.

Therapists want to provide soothing warm water services.
People want to come to the water to heal. Warm water therapists need a little more warmth and a little more space in public and private warm pools.

THE SOLUTION

advocate

warmer water

educate

let the water lead

quiet time

We the Warm Water Collective educate and advocate for:

Statement of support

I support the Warm Water Collective’s advocacy for change:

Supporters

Water Wisdom

Eco-Somatic

Healing Systems & Training

Founded by Eco-Somatic Practitioner Rebecca Czapnik, Water Wisdom offers multiple water led therapeutic practices, teachings and training for healing mind, body and spirit. Accessed by therapists, allied health professionals, midwives, doulas, somatic practitioners and bodyworkers.

Healing Wave Aquatics

Trauma-informed

Aquatic Therapy

The mission of Healing Wave Aquatics is to support individual wellness and management of complex stress through aquatic therapy. As a non-profit organisation doing research with veterans, we are committed to providing an evidence-based program of aquatic therapy to clients with post-traumatic stress.

Wayapa Wuurrk

Indigenous

Wellness Modality

Wayapa® is an earth connection practice based on ancient Indigenous wisdom that focuses on taking care of the Earth as the starting point for creating Earth Mind Body Spirit well-being. It is the first Indigenous wellness modality accredited by the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT).

We A-li

Culturally-Informed

Trauma Healing

We Al-li applies a Culturally Informed Trauma Integrated Healing Approach (CITIHA) to training and resource development for individuals, families, communities and organisations across Australia. Their socio-cultural model of health engages Indigenous and non-Indigenous practices to address complex and intergenerational trauma through strengths-based healing which empowers individual and group wellbeing.

Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre

Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre is owned by Boroondara City Council and managed by YMCA Victoria. Its leadership in community and recreation facility management delivers the best in community care and services. Many people come and benefit from Warm Water Healing time in its indoor warm pool.

Ascot Aquatics
Centre

Renowned for quality and expertise in swimming, health and fitness, the Ascot Aquatics Centre is owned by the Miller Family who have been managing commercial pool facilities for three decades. Precise quality/temperature control of all pools at the centre supports purposeful use and forefronts pool design using natural, healthy salt water that includes magnesium salts.

Melbourne Doula Collective

The Melbourne Doula Collective is a collaboration of experienced and passionate birth professionals providing a whole health pregnancy-to-parenting service to women and families. Working as a collegium within the birth and allied health professions, our intention is nourishment and support to maintain the grounded integrity of this important work.

Rebecca Czapnik

Somatic Practitioner &

Trainer

Rebecca is a certified WATSU®, WaterDance™️ and Fluid Presence® Practitioner and one of only two WATSU® Instructors in Australia. A life-long learner and natural mentor, her sophisticated teachings embody the wisdom of our natural environment. She has lived and worked in Australia, Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, the UK, Israel and the USA.

Jem Stone

First Nations Wellness Practitioner & Trauma Therapist

Jem Stone is a First Nations Woman, Educator & Wellness Practitioner who is integrating Indigenous knowledge systems through connection & decolonised learning methods. Trained as a Rebirthing Breathwork Therapist, We Al-li Lead Facilitator, Wayapa Wuurrk Trainer, Cultural Consultant & Psychedelic Assisted Therapist. Much of Jem’s therapeutic work involves connection to Country, which includes the water.

Peppie Simpson

Water Educator,

Champion Surfer

& Warm Pool Owner

Water is Peppie’s sport, work, teacher, health, passion and inspiration; the essence of her life. An Australian champion surfer and swim educator of 40 years, her whale and dolphin charter business shares the incredible healing power and ocean intelligence of her greatest teachers.

Abbie Ward

Neurocomplex Coach,

Genetic Counsellor & Researcher

Abbie is a neuro-affirming practitioner focused on nervous system regulation and mind-body integration. With a background in genetic counseling, ADHD coaching, and academic research, they see Warm Water Therapy as a powerful pathway to embodiment, internal safety, and deep healing.

Jade Lewin

Peadiatric Occupational Therapist

Jade includes warm water in her therapy practice with children who are neurodivergent and have motor disability. She loves the capacity of the water to activate her clients’ regulation and independence. And the pure joy and calmness it brings them. She completed her hydrotherapy training in Israel, a world leader in using warm water for diverse therapies across multiple communities.

Hugh Gilchrist

Remedial Therapist,

Aqua Bodywork Practitioner & Yoga Teacher

Hugh has practiced bodywork and healing touch therapies for over a decade. His practice focuses on NDIS participants. Sessions engage various modalities including Aquatic Bodywork and water massage. He has experienced and observed profound benefits in his water clients, particularly those with special needs and disabilities.

Priscilla Pettengell

Writer, Researcher, Trainee Somatic Practitioner

Sharing her lifetime of experience in business writing, project management and business development to support wellbeing across communities, Priscilla is an arts-based researcher and is training to be a Warm Water Healing somatic practitioner.

Gurudaya Kaur

Trauma Liberation

Shiatsu Therapist

Kundalini Yoga Instructor

More than 20 years of clinical experience exploring how emotional energy and trauma contribute to disfunction and disease across body, mind and spirit. Gurudaya engages with Warm Water Therapy as an exceptional tool for working on mental and physical health.

Acknowledging the unceded land and waterways on which we live, work, dance and create. With sincerity and respect honouring the elders past, present and emerging. Valuing their rich history, unbroken culture and ongoing connection to country.