Psychotherapy for children

I specialise in working with children aged three to twelve years old but I do also work with adolescents.

Your young person will see me in a playroom with toys, art supplies, and a sand tray, should they wish to use them. Some children and adolescents prefer to talk, others to play and move around. I am also available via telehealth.

My work is based on psychodynamic psychotherapy from which attachment theory was developed. What this means is that my work is mainly about a child's relationships and experiences and how they influence their development. I do sometimes use cognitive behaviour therapy as well. I have a good understanding of developmental stages throughout childhood and the implications for well-being.

My aim is to help young people work through and cope with challenging feelings which may be derailing them from healthy emotional development. Many young people find the experience of therapy helps them "feel felt", understood and gently challenged to grow. I also work with parents and caregivers to help them support the young people in their care.

In the initial stages I work closely with parents and caregivers to understand the problems and then as the work progresses I usually meet alone with the young person, depending on their age, with regular catch up sessions with parents and caregivers.

I am also available to work with schools and other community agencies to help them understand your young person’s needs.

I do not make diagnoses but I am familiar with how mental distress as well as neurodiversity, present and affect development. I will refer you to the appropriate services for assessment for diagnoses if this is indicated.

At least five- twelve sessions are normally required and some clients see me long-term.

Appointments are $180 + GST ($207) and 50 minutes, following an initial parent consultation (see below).

What therapy really is

A guide for parents- how to optimise your child's therapy

Preparing your child to see me

Appointments for parents and caregivers

My approach with families is based on the idea that the extent to which parents can think about the thoughts, feelings, beliefs, wishes and desires in their child's mind greatly influences the child's emotional wellbeing, behaviour and future relationships.

I always start with new clients by meeting their parents or caregivers first for an initial consultation. Then, if the young person is working with me I will meet with you every four to eight sessions after that.

Sometimes it's appropriate to work together in parent and whānau sessions only. I am also available to work with expecting and new parents on transitioning to parenthood and relating to your new baby.

Parent sessions are to help us get a better understanding of what is going on in your child's mind, and to build your relationship and connection with them. We may cover things like helping children with their feelings, reflecting on your feelings and understanding misunderstandings. We may look at your family history and how your childhood experience has shaped how you care for your child.

My approach is based on neurobiology, attachment and mentalisation research, which explain how interpersonal relationships affect the development of the brain. I generally do not offer behaviour-based parenting strategies.

Appointments are $270 +GST ($310.50) for the initial consultation (60-90 mins) and $180 +GST ($207) thereafter (50 mins).

Appointments for infants and preschoolers

I can work with you on concerns relating to your infant and preschooler's emotional development and help you connect and relate to them in ways that will enhance your relationship.

With infants and preschoolers I will usually work with both child and parent in the room, at least initially.

Appointments are $180 +GST ($207) and 50 minutes, following an initial parent consultation (see below).

What is infant mental health?

The starting process

The starting process normally takes five sessions and from there we will have an idea about what is going on for your family and young person. I start with a meeting with the young person's parents and other adults, and then I have three sessions with your young person. If your child is under five-years-old, their sessions will be with a parent or caregiver as well. Then we will have a catch up session together where we will think together about your child's emotional life and their environment and whether they would benefit from further work with me.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Where to get Urgent Help

I do not offer a crisis service and I cannot reply to contact after hours unless otherwise arranged.
If you or your young person are in crisis, please contact the following FREE services:

1737 is the national mental health and addictions helpline. It is available 24/7 by text or phone call. Anyone feeling stressed, anxious, worried, depressed, needing help on mental health or addiction issues can call or text. Even children and young people can call or text. www.1737.org.nz

0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) (24/7)

Suicide crisis helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (free)

Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234, web chat- www.youthline.co.nz

Kidsline 0800 543 754 (24/7, but when kids ring between 4pm-9pm Mon-Fri they will speak to a buddy, a specially trained year 12 or 13 volunteer)

Whatsup 0800 942 8787 (12pm to 11pm Mon -Fri, 3pm-11pm Sat-Sun)- A safe place for Tamariki and Rangitahi to talk- www.whatsup.co.nz

Covid-19

Clinical assessment, risk assessment, and current advice from the Ministry of Health determine whether I can see clients kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) or using telehealth. Telehealth is always available for clients who prefer it, but is not suitable for younger clients. I am fully vaccinated (I have had two boosters). Our clinic is regularly cleaned and is well ventilated. As an additional protection, I use an air purification system in my practice room.