I am a Registered Clinical Psychologist and a member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists. I hold a current Annual Praciticing Certificate.
Between 2005 and 2011 I worked at the Hutt Valley Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health and Addiction Service (ICAFS), helping children and young people experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, trauma, behaviour problems, eating disorders and relationship difficulties. During this time I also worked intensively with parents both supporting them to assist their children in their recovery and addressing their own difficulties. In 2004 and 2005 I worked in Adult Community and Older Persons' Mental Health Services. During my final two years at the District Health Board I was the Team Leader of the adolescent arm of the Mental Health & Addiction Service, managing a medium-sized team and actively participating in service development and change management.
Originally from Canada, I have lived in New Zealand most of my life and completed all of my secondary and tertiary education in here. I am a graduate of Victoria University of Wellington School of Psychology. I completed my masters degree in Industrial and Organisational Psychology in 2002. My thesis examined stress in New Zealand women as they managed their family and work roles. My research provided me with an excellent foundation in theories of stress and coping. In 2004 I completed a Post Gradulate Diploma in Clinical Psychology. My clinical training and experience has provided me with the skills to assist others in improving their own wellbeing.
I enjoy working with males and females of all ages and ethnicities. My primary mode of therapy is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I have also trained in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and have undertaken training in Motivation Interviewing. I believe different people need different therapeutic techniques to help them manage their problems. For this reason I use a range of therapeutic techniques and strategies to support people in working on their goals.
