How many sessions will I need?

This is something you and I will discuss and always review. Seeing a Clinical Psychologist is a significant investment and we want to make sure that you are finding it useful and that you're making progress. Again, there is no 'this number of sessions fit everyone' approach and sometimes it is simply about resources - time, energy, cost and / or access to funding. For some people even just understanding what is going on for them and learning a couple of tools will see them ready to end therapy. For others they may take longer to find the best tools that work for them or learn how to apply these tools. The most important thing is that you and I will continually review and discuss whether we are making the progress that you expect and if not, review our treatment plan.

How long does each session take?

Our sessions will be 55 minutes long. That's the standard length of a therapy session and in my experience it’s long enough to cover off what we agree to discuss but not so long that your brain gets over-full with information or talked out.

How much does it cost to see you?

The session rate is $230 (GST inclusive) for individual therapy and $250 (GST inclusive) for professional supervision. You may be entitled to a subsidy through WINZ (see resources page or information about this). Or your therapy may be covered by Victim Support (if you have been a victim of serious crime) or Aoake Te Ra - Bereaved by Suicide Support Service (if you have suffered a bereavement by suicide). I invoice after each session. I do not charge for cancellations or postponed appointments. Life happens. It’s no-ones fault.

What different types of therapy do you use?

When I trained from 1997 - 1999 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) was supported by the research as the most effective talking therapy. Since then there have been a range of therapy modes (all with similar sounding acronyms just to confuse things!) that have also been supported by the research and I have trained in a number of these including Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). I also have a significant interest in Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and I am currently part way through my training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy).

What therapy will you use with me?

This is something you and I will discuss. In my clinical opinion and experience there is no 'one size fits all'. We will discuss what it is that your struggling with and what your therapy goals are, from there I will talk you through the therapeutic interventions supported by the research for your needs and we will make a therapy plan together. We may change our approach at any point based on what we notice is helping or not helping. We figure this out together and as we go.

What if I don’t feel comfortable talking to you?

One of the most important things in taking the courageous step to engage in talking therapy is finding someone with whom you can feel comfortable talking to. If you don't feel comfortable then it is highly likely that therapy will be slow to progress or you may want to avoid attending. As I say, people are like puzzle pieces, we don't connect with everyone we meet, therapy is no different. In our first session together you and I will figure out 'the fit'. I will be assessing what has brought you to therapy and whether my skills and knowledge can meet your need. You will be assessing if I am someone you can feel comfortable talking too. If it's not me, there will be someone with whom you can find a therapeutic connection. It's my job to make sure you are in, or can get to, the right place.

What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

It can be really confusing as there are similarities and differences between the 2 professions however, in brief:

- Psychiatrist: is a medically trained and registered doctor who specialises in the assessment and treatment of mental illness and can prescribe medications. They may also engage in talking therapy.

- Clinical Psychologist: has completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology and specialises in the assessment and treatment of mental illness and uses talking therapy as treatment. They must be registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board under the Clinical scope.

See resources page for more information.