I am a registered clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families. My training was in the United States, at the Seattle VA Hospital, a nationally recognized trauma centre.
I bring considerable knowledge and expertise, as well as real life experience, to understanding and helping others. I have supervised and trained other psychologists and offer specialised consultation in the treatment of couples issues, as well as the resolution of traumatic stress and associated depression/mood symptoms.
I enjoy helping individuals overcome anxiety and the impacts of trauma and PTSD, including addiction to alcohol or other drugs, so that they can achieve improved relationships/marriage and work functioning. I help individuals utilize their own unique strengths while learning new skills to improve their lives, work performance, and relationship satisfaction.
My clients report greater confidence/self-esteem, and enhanced resilience to stress. I particularly enjoy helping couples find greater closeness and learn effective communication patterns, improve sexual functioning, and get the relationship they want with each other. I help couples navigate affairs, co-parenting difficulties, life transitions, and grief/loss.
I believe that there is a myth in society that relationships are meant to be easy. Many of us feel distressed or even hopeless when conflict arises. For couples facing difficulty, I want to remind you that you are not alone My passion is in empowering couples with a framework and tools to help them address conflict effectively and improve their relationship.
I provide education and advice, and discuss options with you, so that you are empowered with choices and a thorough understanding of what treatments are available. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation to determine if psychology can benefit you, I encourage you to call and have a brief chat to help you answer any questions and decide if you want to come in. I will happily provide you with information to help you decide if counseling is right for you.
I have an office in Wellington, as well as Wanaka, and have been available and seeing clients via Skype/Zoom since 2011. Please let me know if video consultation is your preference.