Who am I?
In my practice as a psychologist, I possess a unique skill set established through years of training, education, qualifications and work. In working with you, I draw upon my three key fields of knowledge: psychology, education, and addictions, along with my own life and work experiences, to work collaboratively with you to overcome concerns and create a better way forward.
I became a psychologist in 2018 at the age of fifty-four. I worked initially for the Ministry of Education, then went into private practice in late 2020.
My professional focus is to understand and to treat the complex factors, behaviours and conditions that impact clients. These dynamics frequently affect client’s function and their capacity to manage their lives and reach their hopes and goals. Impacting factors may include childhood trauma, negative life experiences, and challenging relationships.
Clients bring their own existing strengths, skills and knowledge into psychological work. In combination with the specialist knowledge, expertise and therapeutic tools that I offer as a psychologist, we will find sustainable strategies and interventions to achieve your goals. There is always a way forward.
Whakapapa and background
Born on the west coast of Aotearoa, I grew up in Westport, the Coromandel and Tai Tokerau. My adolescent years were spent in the tiny township of Hikurangi outside of Whangarei. As a young woman, I worked doing physical labour on factory floors, hospital laundries and construction sites in Aotearoa and Australia. I also worked with youth as a community worker, and in other organisations such as the Women’s Refuge as a supervisor.
For a number of years, my husband and I farmed drystock in the Hokianga, whilst I taught in a wide range of schools, including bilingual kura. In 2006, I trained as a Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) and worked in schools across the Wellington region. I also trained in Addiction Studies in 2012 at Wellington Institute of Technology. In 2018, I became an educational psychologist through Victoria University and was employed by the Ministry of Education throughout the Hutt Valley.
I have been in private practice since late 2020. My strengths lie in understanding complex behaviours and conditions impacting on individuals, whanau, and groups.
Professional Qualifications
2019 - Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Psychology
Victoria University of Wellington
2018 - Masters in Educational Psychology (with Distinction)
Victoria University of Wellington
2012 - Graduate Diploma in Addiction Studies (Level 8)
Wellington Institute of Technology
2009 - Post Graduate Diploma in Education and Professional Development
Victoria University of Wellington
1998 - Graduate Diploma Teaching (Secondary)
Northland Polytechnic
1984 - Bachelor of Arts
University of Waikato
Professional Registration
Dapaanz Registration No.: 2083Psychologist registered, current practicing certificate No.: 90-06835
Training
A practicing Educational Psychologist will have undergone a minimum of six years of university education and training. Psychologists use a full range of psychological assessments and tools in service of their clients.
As a psychologist, I am registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board and hold a current Practising Certificate, and I am listed on the New Zealand Psychologists Board Register of Psychologists. Like all psychologists, I undergo regular clinical supervision and follow the Code of Ethics, relevant legislation, and the professional guidelines outlined by the New Zealand Psychologists Board. I also take part in ongoing education and training and clinical supervision to keep my knowledge and skills up to date.