Dr Natalie Flynn, Jolandie Du Plessis, Kim Howlett and Emily Peterson, are experienced clinical psychologists who specialise in the treatment of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binge eating, and weight and body image concerns. Eating disorders can be complex. Our psychologists have expertise in other areas too, including anxiety, addiction and relationship difficulties, enabling them to identify and treat issues that may contribute to a client’s eating disorder.
Dr Natalie Flynn
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”.
Jolandie Du Plessis
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), somatic experiencing, and schema therapy. I am also experienced in integrating different evidence-based treatments to create a treatment plan to meet someone’s individual needs.
Dr Kim Howlett
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.
Emily Peterson
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.
Online Only