Principal Clinical Psychologist

Dip Tchg
PhD (Auck), PGDipClinPsy, BA Hons (1st class)

Registered Psychologist (NZ Psychologists Board, Clinical Scope)
New Zealand Psychological Society
Australian and New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders

I have specialised in the treatment of disordered eating for over 15 years. My interest in eating disorders began when I undertook an internship at the Regional Eating Disorders Service in Auckland. I continued to work there for several years before moving into private practice.

My professional practice includes working with a wide range of problematic eating behaviours and can involve adolescents, families and adults. Experience has shown me how difficult it can be to make changes and fully recover from an eating disorder and has given me an appreciation of the extent of suffering for all those involved. Experience has also shown me that treatment works and I am fully committed to working with clients to achieve their recovery goals.

Part of the treatment approach can include close involvement with the dietitians in our practice, particularly with clients who need to recover weight, those who binge/overeat and have weight concerns, and clients with longstanding disordered eating behaviours. Taking into account what the research has to say about the most effective treatment approach, we have developed a way of working designed to normalise eating behaviours whilst addressing the barriers that get in the way of health, wellbeing and sustaining change. The results and positive outcomes reported by clients makes this aspect of our teamwork particularly gratifying.

Alongside the focus on eating issues I also treat anxiety, mood issues, relationship difficulties and life transitions. I draw from a range of therapies and have a particular interest in cognitive analytic therapy, which is particularly effective for those who are stuck and struggling to make changes.

I provide supervision and case consultations to other clinicians working with disordered patterns of eating. I keep up to date through reading, contact with colleagues, and regular attendance at training workshops and conferences.

Clinic days are Wednesday and Thursday

Clinical Psychologist

BSC
PGDipClinPsych
MSC (Hons)

Member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists

I have over 15 years of experience. I have worked in the public sector at the Regional Eating Disorders Service in Auckland, and for the Auckland District Health Board Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. I have worked in the private sector since 2013.

I have worked with people struggling with eating difficulties and body image issues since 2006. I assist people to understand the function of their eating behaviours, learn new coping strategies and gain greater balance in their life. I take a collaborative approach and work alongside people to help them reach their goals for change. I especially enjoy working in a multi-disciplinary team, including working with dietitians, physiotherapists and psychiatrists, to assist people with different aspects of their lives.

As well as experience in working with eating disorders, I work with people experiencing depression, relationship difficulties, stress, trauma, emotional overwhelm and regulation difficulties. I have a particular interest in working with anxiety disorders, including social anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, generalised anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I specialise in working with children, adolescents and young adults.

I have training and experience in a variety of evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behaviour therapy and dialectical behaviour therapy with a particular interest in acceptance commitment therapy. I am passionate about assisting people to live a life that is value-driven and meaningful for them. I help people develop insight, coping strategies and skills that help them manage distress, as well as manage difficult thoughts and emotions.

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