Services
Assessment
An assessment will be conducted during the first session to help me understand the problems and make appropriate treatment decisions. The length of the assessment is dependent upon the complexity of the problems, the age and stage of the people involved, and other available information. Consequently, an assessment may take longer than one session. The first assessment session may be up to 1.5 hours.
The assessment process can be very useful for people to start making sense of the problem. It also marks the beginning of the therapeutic relationship.
Adolescent Therapy
Adolescence is a unique and formative time that involves big changes in physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and sexual development. Mental health conditions can emerge in adolescence for a variety of reasons and it is crucial to identify and address these issues to support healthy development.
It is normal for teenagers to occasionally feel sad, stressed or anxious, and have low motivation. However, if teens are experiencing any of the following issues for more than a few weeks it is important to have a talk with them and get professional help if needed. Signs that a teenager may be struggling with their mental health include: seeming sad or hopeless, difficulty concentrating with school work and other activities, changes in eating or sleeping, weight loss or gain, sudden changes in behaviour, changes in school performance, avoiding friends, persistent headaches or stomachaches, missing school, getting into trouble with police, fighting, hurting themselves, or talking about death or suicide.
I recommend that therapy for teenagers starts with whānau involvement to determine the best course of treatment. Families are an important part of the process, both in framing the problems and supporting the young person to get better. Occasionally, whānau involvement is not appropriate and this will be considered during the initial contact. After assessment, teenagers often prefer to engage in therapy by themselves with family involvement as required. Depending upon the issue, sessions with teenagers involve emotional support, talking to understand and express feelings and problems, improving coping skills, and problem solving.
Adult Therapy
Like adolescent and child therapy, individual adult therapy is guided by a personalised treatment plan. As each person has different challenges and goals for therapy, I tailor my approach to your specific needs.
Therapy processes may include identifying deeply held core beliefs, exploring and modifying distorted thinking patterns, identifying unhelpful behaviours and experimenting with new ones, space to process trauma, building a greater understanding and appreciation of yourself, and enhancing coping skills.
Child and Whānau Therapy
Just like adolescents and adults, children can experience emotions and behaviours that cause problems in their lives and the lives of those around them. These problems can be distressing to children and may affect their ability to function well at home, school, and other social situations.
All children develop social and emotional skills differently, and that's OK. However, if your child has been experiencing any of the following issues for more than a few weeks it is important to check in with them and see what support they might need. Signs that a child may be struggling with their mental health include: periods of sadness for two or more weeks, withdrawing from social interactions, outbursts or irritability, impulsive or out-of-control behaviour, significant changes in mood or behaviour, change in eating or sleeping, headaches or stomaches, avoiding school, hurting themselves, or talking about death or suicide.
Children may need therapy when problems are not able to be resolved with family support alone. Often families need support too. Typically, I work with both the child and parents or caregivers, rather than just the child by themselves. Depending upon the issue, sessions with children involve talking to support healthy expression of feelings, activities to teach about feelings and coping skills, practicing new skills, and problem solving.
To Be Heard Wairarapa
Assessment and brief therapy (up to six sessions) is available through To Be Heard Wairarapa for people aged between 10 and 24 years, current Community Services Card holders, and Māori or Pacific people aged 12 years and over.
Talk to your GP to find out more. Once referred by a GP, this is a fully funded service.
ACC Sensitive Claims
Funded treatment is available through the ACC Sensitive Claims service for anyone affected by sexual violence. Sexual violence includes most forms of sexual violation including rape, unwanted sexual contact, and indecent assault. This includes all sexual contact with children. It does not matter whether the event/s happened recently or a long time ago. Support is available when you are ready. You do not have to report the event to police to get therapy.
This support is fully funded by ACC.
