Therapeutic Approach
Sessions are tailored to meet your specific needs and include appropriate evidence-based therapeutic approaches for your presentation.
I predominantly use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy, but at times also include Psychodynamic therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Sessions usually consist of both skills development e.g. learning how to manage anxiety and low mood using emotion regulation techniques, self talk, and connection with your values; as well as going deeper to understand how past experiences have impacted current behaviour and thinking. Simple mindfulness and self-compassion practices are also included.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
The ACT approach aims to work with difficult thoughts and feelings as you begin to accept them as a natural part of life. This allows you to drop self-judgement and develop self-acceptance. You will often find that you are much stronger and more resilient than originally imagined.
Connecting with values – the stuff that really matters in your life – is a core part of this work. In our sessions we will explore what matters most to you as we begin to orientate you towards the life you want.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD)
Working with OCD, I use Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy - the gold standard for treating OCD.
Throughout life you may have developed coping mechanisms to help you tolerate your anxiety. These present as a set of compulsions that work (for a while) to help you feel better. However, these coping mechanisms eventually become ineffective. In reality, engaging in these compulsions has taught your brain that your obsessions are valid threats (which they are not!).
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) interrupts the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. In session, we carefully explore the nature of your obsessions. You learn how to open up to the discomfort you feel and resist acting on your compulsions. This may seem overwhelming, but we will work at your pace, and start with manageable aspects of your experience.
Working with your compulsions in this way you can gradually learn to tolerate uncertainty and doubt. This teaches your brain that discomfort from obsessions is manageable after all. You'll be able to acknowledge that you're having an unwanted thought, idea, image, or urge, and it won't feel as distressing.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is the foundation of our work, because it is an effective approach for all psychological issues and supports the exposure therapy perfectly.
ACT helps you develop the willingness to feel difficult emotions. You’ll learn to cultivate compassion and a sense of curiosity when these feelings arise.
I have been trained in ACT-informed ERP, with regular supervision, by Ben Sedley - one of NZ’s foremost OCD therapists.
Couples Therapy
The Bayder-Pearson Developmental Model of Couples Therapy emphasises the ongoing growth and development of both partners within a relationship. Rooted in developmental psychology, this model views relationships as dynamic processes within which each individual experiences psychological, emotional, and relational growth throughout their lifetime together.
Therapy focuses on helping couples navigate and resolve conflicts by fostering deeper self-awareness and mutual understanding. It also highlights the importance of addressing each partner's individual developmental needs and how these can impact the relationship. By helping couples recognise and support their own personal growth trajectories alongside their relationship growth, the model seeks to promote long-term relational satisfaction and harmony.
Throughout therapy, couples are guided to create a relational space where both partners can experience growth, learn healthy communication patterns, and build stronger emotional bonds.
The ultimate goal is not only healthy, balanced conflict resolution, but also enhancing the overall development and growth of both individuals, as well as the relationship as a whole.
Visit Couples Therapy NZ to read more about this.