Clinical Psychologist

DipSWSP, BA Hons, DClinPsy

I have worked with people who have emotional health concerns for 27 years and completed my doctorate in clinical psychology in 2004. 

I specialise in diagnosis, assessment and therapy for:

• Eating issues (with a particular interest in bulimia, binge eating, over-eating and ARFID)

• Maternal distress (during pregnancy and post-birth)

• Depression

• Stress

• Anxiety

• OCD

• Burnout

• Low self-esteem

• Relationship issues 

My clinical experience enables me to take an integrated approach drawing on a number of therapy models to suit individual clients and their needs (such as CBT, ERP, ACT, CBT-T, CBT-AR and mindfulness). 

When it comes to treating eating disorders I am very aware of the importance of taking a multi-disciplinary approach, and work alongside my colleagues who have specialist knowledge (e.g dietitians, family therapists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists).

Research is a passion for me and I was lead research psychologist for the Auckland Eating Disorders team, held a Bright Future Top Achiever Doctoral Scholarship for my research in neuropsychology (understanding how the brain relates to behaviour), and have written a bestselling book, Smart Mothering, which examines the research behind parenting choices.

I am also currently working with my husband Nigel Latta on our Parentland app which will soon release a module to guide parents on how to support children with ‘picky eating’.

The philosophy underpinning all of my work is: “treat compassionately, non-judgmentally and accountably”.

Clinical Psychologist

MA (Clinical Psychology), BA Hons (Psychology) - University of the Free State Registered Psychologist (NZ Psychologists Board, Clinical Scope)

Member of New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists

I am a South African qualified clinical psychologist registered with the New Zealand Psychologist Board and the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists. With over five years of experience in the treatment of eating disorders, I have developed a deep passion for this work and believe wholeheartedly that recovery is possible. I find it a tremendous honour to hold hope for those who may struggle to hold it for themselves and it brings me such joy to celebrate the moments when clients reclaim their lives from eating disorders.

My experience spans both public and private residential and outpatient settings.  My area of interest is in the treatment of adults struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, ARFID, and disordered eating. I often work alongside other professionals, such as dietitians, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, coaches and doctors to provide the best possible treatment.  I also provide treatment for challenges beyond eating disorders, including trauma, perfectionism, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders and addictions. 

I am trained in various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behaviour therapy for eating disorders (CBT-E, CBT-T, CBT-AR), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), specialist supportive clinical management (SSCM), prolonged exposure (PE), and schema therapy. I am also experienced in integrating different evidence-based treatments to create a treatment plan to meet someone’s individual needs.  

Clinical Psychologist

MACL / Psy.d. (Doctor of Clinical Psychology) Institute of Professional Psychology Registered Psychologist, NZ Psychologist’s Board, Clinical Scope

I’m a clinical psychologist who works with adults facing complex mental health challenges. I offer therapy that’s grounded in evidence-based practices and tailored to each individual’s goals. My warm, irreverent style helps foster self-compassion, humor, and humanity—creating a space where clients feel understood, empowered, and supported in their growth and healing.

I have experience providing individual and group therapy for a range of eating disorders, with a special focus on Anorexia Nervosa and eating disorders in individuals with diabetes. I’m trained in CBT-E, MANTRA, and SSCM, and have also worked in DBT programs that support clients with emotional regulation and interpersonal difficulties often seen in eating disorder recovery.

In addition to my work with eating disorders, I have a strong clinical interest in trauma recovery. I’m trained in several trauma-focused therapies, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I work with individuals who have experienced a range of traumatic events, including developmental trauma, interpersonal violence, and complex PTSD. I’m particularly interested in the overlap between eating disorders and trauma, and I believe both conditions must be treated together to support lasting healing and recovery.