Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
About me
I obtained my masters degree in Clinical Psychology in South Africa where I worked as psychologist both in public and private settings. After moving to New Zealand, I worked in Department of Corrections for a few years and I have been in private practice since 2017. I have experience in working with a variety of client populations including adults, adolescents, couples, forensic populations as well as a range of complex mental health difficulties.
I specialise in psychotherapy for low self-esteem and identity issues, trauma (specifically developmental and sexual trauma), intimacy difficulties, problems with attachment, difficulties in forming connections with others, personality disorders and disordered eating. I also have an interest in working with individuals who have experienced major life changes such as emigration.
I have completed a three year certificate with the International Masterson Institute Australia. It is a form of psychoanalytic psychotherapy based on the work of Professor James F. Masterson, which integrates developmental, attachment, and object relations theories with recent findings in neuro-biological brain research. It focuses on client's defences to facilitate emergence of the real self. I am currently in process of completing a further two years of the advanced segment of Masterson Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy with the International Masterson Institute Australia.
Qualifications and Memberships
BA Drama
BSocSci Honours in Psychology
MA Clin Psych (Cum Laude)
Certificate in Masterson Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Australian Masterson Institute
Member of New Zealand Psychologist Board
Member of New Zealand Psychological Association
Member of Health Professions Council South Africa
My approach
Our backgrounds - this includes our relationships with our caregivers, life experiences such as loss, disappointments and illness - affect the way we
come to view ourselves and other people. It also shapes the way we respond and behave towards ourselves and cope in our daily lives. Through these
early experiences, we may become disconnected with our true sense of self and develop symptoms such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, addiction and relationship problems. At times, these symptoms may become stuck or become life patterns and our real selves become hidden.
In my work with clients, I offer a compassionate and non-judgemental space
to gain an understanding of these experiences, symptoms and a deeper experience of the relationship with the self and others. We also look at the barriers (in other words our defences) that might be standing in the way of expressing ourselves. Some of these barriers may be sensitivities to rejection, criticism or feeling unsafe with others. I feel passionate about working towards understanding your sensitivity, developing healthier ways of coping when life throws its challenges and working with clients in facilitating the emergence of the real self.
My primary approach is psychodynamic and psychoanalytic psychotherapy, with a trauma informed lens. I specifically draw from the Masterson model which aims to help clients connect with their real selves, which may have become suppressed in response to less than ideal childhood experiences, trauma or other life stressors/losses.
I am also trained in various shorter-term modalities such as mindfulness-based interventions and cognitive-behavioural therapy, which may be integrated depending on the client's needs.