Approach & Specialties
My Approach
I believe that change is possible. I believe that when people connect to their strength they can make bold choices. I believe that people can do hard things.
Now for the more clinical explanation... I operate within a pluralistic framework and believe in tailoring therapy to the individual. I honour shared decision making, collaboration, and negotiation within the therapeutic relationship.
The evidence-based approaches that I use are well researched and have been shown to be effective for most people. My specialties include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a therapy that focuses on understanding and changing your thoughts. Changing how you think can have a big impact on how you feel, act, and relate to other people. CBT is very effective with many types of problems, including anxiety and mood disorders, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), poor emotion regulation, stress, and low self-esteem. I also use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) with people that are experiencing PTSD and trauma. CBT is often time-limited and people can experience benefits early in treatment. I also offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), a therapy that alleviates distress associated with traumatic memories.
I also use Behavioural Activation, Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Person-Centered Therapy, psychoeducation, and Te Whare Tapa Wha, a Māori holistic model of health.
Anxiety
Feeling stressed or anxious at times is perfectly normal but sometimes these experiences can feel so strong and overwhelming that they start to interfere with day-to-day life. You might avoid people, places, or things that cause you to feel anxious. Signs of an anxiety disorder include feeling worried, on edge, or irritable, 'butterflies' in the stomach, headaches, difficulty concentrating, negative thoughts, and dizziness.
Depression
We all feel sad from time to time, especially if something difficult has happened. However, if you have been feeling down for weeks or months you may have a mood disorder. Signs of depression can include low energy, problems with sleep, feeling worthless, loss of appetite or overeating, loss of pleasure in everyday activities, poor concentration, and irritability.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur when people experience or witness a traumatic event, such as a serious accident, sexual violence or serious injury. Symptoms may include intense and upsetting thoughts and feelings connected to the experience, nightmares, avoidance of situations or people that remind them of the experience, feeling numb, and problems with memory and concentration.
Low Self-Esteem
Constantly comparing yourself to others and coming off second best? Struggling with feelings of inadequacy, doubt, and shame? Low self-esteem can strip the joy out of life. Therapy can support exploration of underlying beliefs and negative thought patterns that contribute to low self-esteem. Changing your perception can lead to a healthier relationship with yourself and greater confidence.
Identity
Who am I? Identity, or a sense of self, develops and evolves throughout life. Not having a strong sense of self, or struggling with identity, can lead to feelings of insecurity, confusion, anxiety, and depression. Big changes in circumstances can also challenge previously held ideas about self. Therapy can support exploration of issues related to identity, build resilience, and ultimately develop a stronger sense of self and place.
Parenting
Parenting children is incredibly rewarding but it can also be the most challenging, difficult role we ever take on! Stresses associated with children acting out or struggling with their own mental health, relationship issues, and personal challenges can lead to feeling overwhelmed, angry, and isolated. In therapy, parents can access support and guidance, process their experience, and strengthen parenting skills.
Self Harm
Deliberately harming oneself to cope with intense emotions or distress is not uncommon and is particularly prevalent in young people. Self-harming behaviour is often a symptom of a mental health condition such depression, anxiety and PTSD. Seeking support, treating underlying conditions, learning about triggers, resolving any social problems, and building alternative coping strategies are important steps towards overcoming the behaviour.
Grief
Grief is universal, we all experience pain when we lose someone, or something, we love. Grief is also unique and everyone grieves in their own way, in their own time. Sometimes though, people can feel 'stuck' in grief and feelings of sadness change to feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and isolation. At these times, it is important to look after yourself, seek support to process your experience, and address the emergence of possible depressive symptoms.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that compel deliberate, repetitive actions (compulsions) underpin OCD and can have a big impact on day-to-day functioning. Obsessions often focus on dirt and contamination, safety, and/or unusual or repulsive images. Treatment can include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Family Violence
Family violence includes physical, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse and neglect. The negative impacts can be significant and long-lasting. People who are using violence can use therapy to explore underlying issues, understand and control aggression, and build coping mechanisms. Therapeutic interventions for people experiencing violence can reduce vulnerability to revictimisation. Change is possible.
Sexual Violence
Approximately 15% of adults in New Zealand have experienced one or more incidences of sexual violence at some stage in their lives. The trauma of sexual violence can lead to significant physical and mental health problems. Recovery can take time and the healing process can be painful. It looks different for everyone but you can regain your sense of control, rebuild your self-worth, and learn to trust again.