ACC Enquiries: For those clients who are interested in discussing or embarking upon ACC Sensitive Claims therapy, please email Lauren.
All emails will be handled in the strictest confidence.
For more information on ACC Sensitive Claims please visit our ACC Claims page
My journey into psychology was not planned nor directed. Instead I meandered through creative, educational, research and volunteering contexts gathering learnings along the way that informed and broadened my lens and practice of psychology. For well over a decade, I have worked with individuals, families and groups with a broad range of difficulties in a variety of mental health settings. I draw on these experiences in my current role and it informs my continued development in general systems theory, EMDR and psychodynamic therapy, especially relational psychoanalysis.
I consider how experiences of the past and sense making of ourselves in relationships, inform the interactions and patterns of our everyday engagement. These experiences remain in the 'here' and, together with my client, we explore the feedback loops informing unhelpful patterns. These feedback loops often see us experiencing for instance anxiety, depression but may also be traumatically held. The therapeutic relationship - considering the broader systemic context and that of my client, are at the centre of this process. In this, I have found resonance in the practice and values of my colleague and co-director at West Auckland Psychology, Rachel Hallas. This alignment supports the growth of our successful group practice.
I am registered within the clinical scope of psychology with the New Zealand Psychological Board and am a member of the Psychological Society of New Zealand, Member of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis, Member of the International Society of the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, Member of EMDRNZ (Accredited Practitioner and Consultant in Training).
I provide comprehensive assessment, diagnoses and mid to long term treatment to individuals, clinical supervision, as well as consultation to organisations in relation to workplace wellbeing.
ACC Registered
For private enquiries please contact info@westaucklandpsychology.co.nz
Rachel's career in mental health began in 2001 working for the Kid's Help Foundation for five years - first as a counsellor and subsequently as a supervisor - during which time she studied at Massey University toward a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Rachel met Sunica Schreiner in 2015 when working as a private practitioner at The Totara Clinic. Together, they identified a need for clinical psychology services in the West Auckland area, inspiring them to establish such a business for the local community. With several years of investment, hard work and determination - they have built 'West Auckland Psychology' into a thriving practice of professionals who are enthusiastic about the delivery of clinical services to an expanding number of clients.
Rachel has experience working with a broad range of mental health difficulties including post-traumatic stress, anxious and depressive disorders, psychosis and personality disorders, and has experience in providing a variety of psychological assessments and reports. Since 2016, the majority of her work has been dedicated to the supply and provision of comprehensive assessments and treatment which is made available to New Zealanders entitled to make sensitive claims via ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation). Rachel integrates a variety of treatment modalities including CBT, ACT, trauma-informed approaches, Mindfulness and Compassion-Focused Therapy into the Conversational Model of therapy. Rachel is a registered clinical psychologist with the New Zealand Psychological Board and a full member of the New Zealand Psychological Society. She lives with her partner, her Shichon - Pearl, and with Ira who is 'Schnauzerish'.
ACC Registered
For private enquiries please contact info@westaucklandpsychology.co.nz
Jennifer has worked in the adult mental health field in both public and private practice settings for a number of years. Jennifer acknowledges the importance of a positive relationship between client and therapist for change to happen. She creates connections with clients, based on warmth, respect and trust.
Drawing on numerous therapeutic approaches, Jennifer works with people to understand and move through the challenges they may be facing. Jennifer believes in the value of tailoring models to fit the unique needs of a client, although is particularly connected to DBT, EMDR and Schema therapy modalities.
ACC Registered
Currently not taking any new clients.
I am a Registered Clinical Psychologist. I grew up in Dunedin and graduated from Otago University in 2001. I got my first psychology job in Auckland, where I worked for the Department of Corrections for four years. London then beckoned, and I worked in a wide range of locum psychology positions all around that city for another four years.
I thereafter returned to Auckland to ‘settle down’ and now find myself with a husband and two young boys. Since returning to Auckland, I’ve worked in adult mental health services in Otahuhu, and now in part-time private practice out west.
My work is particularly influenced by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This approach aims to help people live a rich and meaningful life, while effectively handling the pain and stress that (inevitably) goes with it.
ACC Registered
Currently not taking any new clients.
Philip recently entered into Private practice again after having worked for some years in Organisations helping people on large change and transition projects. He completed his Internship in the South African Military Service and afterwards did medico-legal assessments and reporting for people who had been injured in road accidents. Being curious to work in organisations, he entered into management consulting, working in people change management and coaching. He decided to return to his roots and is back in private practice doing counselling and psychotherapy.
Philip works mostly with adults of all ages and adolescents. Since every person is unique, Philip believes that a blended approach that is tailored to a client’s needs works best. Philip has worked with a variety of people from different backgrounds who have struggled with anxiety, depression, life transitions, career transitions, phobias, inconsolable grief and LGBTQIA+ issues.
I am based Mondays and Wednesdays at West Auckland Psychology.
My specialist short term modalities I rely on is Brain-Working Recursive Therapy for Trauma, Grief, Stress, anxiety and Phobias. I am also trained in Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My general approach is person centred, but I do also incorporate aspects from other modalities too.
ACC Registered
For private enquiries please contact psychologistpynz@gmail.com
B.H.Sc.(OT) (1993), Dip. Family Therapy (2002)
I am a registered Occupational Therapist with 27 years experience in mental health settings, most of this with adults and adolescents. I practice part-time at West Auckland Psychology, alongside working in a public mental health Child and Adolescent team.
I have formal qualifications in Occupational Therapy and Family Therapy, and further training in DBT, EMDR, and other evidence-based therapies. I live in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) with my whānau. I celebrate diversity, and am often humbled and inspired by the challenges people overcome on their life's journey.
I work from a strengths-based perspective and tailor therapy to meet each person’s needs, which may include whānau or other supports. I consider my role a privilege, requiring sensitivity and respect.
I can provide both occupational therapy and counselling interventions. This may include occupational therapy assessments by arrangement.
I have a current practising certificate as an Occupational Therapist and am a full member of EMDRAA. I am a provider for HealthWest Youth Hub ‘Choices to Wellbeing’ programme, and also registered with Gumboot Fund – these may enable short term funding for under 25’s.
ACC Registered
For private enquiries please contact susannah@doingwell.co.nz
I am a Registered Psychologist in the general scope of practice who have extensive experience in both Clinical and Forensic Psychology.
I am experienced in the clinical assessment and delivery of individual and group treatment, establishing treatment goals and implementing treatment plans. I have widespread experience working with people who suffer from depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and stress related disorders, personality disorders, substance related and addictive disorders. In addition, I have also worked with intellectual disabilities, general and sexual offending, feeding and eating disorders, schizophrenia and psychotic disorders.
I take a holistic approach to treatment, and have trained in modalities such as psychodynamic, CBT, ACT, Compassion Focus Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and DBT. I work with clients to provide treatment aimed at increasing their mood management, relationship skills, distress tolerance strategies and developing emotion regulation strategies.
My passion lies in enabling people to live a balanced and emotionally healthy life. I work with individuals, couples and whanau in the context of supporting clients achieve their personal goals.
I am registered with ACC for the Sensitive claims contract to provide treatment, complete Supported Assessments as well as provide group therapy.
ACC Registered
For private enquiries please contact sheila.psychology@gmail.com
As a New Zealand registered psychologist, Allison is experienced in working with adults with a range of presenting difficulties and draws on evidence-based therapy models to inform her psychological practice and meet the needs of those she works with. Allison believes in person-centred care and works in collaboration with her clients to support and maintain recovery by increasing symptom management, reducing disability and distress, addressing underlying psychopathology, maximizing self-care, strengthening protective factors, and improving quality of life. Allison is culturally sensitive and recognizes the importance of meeting the needs of Māori tāngata whai ora and other ethnic minorities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“A pearl is formed around a grain of sand that is an irritant.” Therefore, it is possible to overcome and develop from difficult experiences we go through in life. Working together we can utilize your strengths and adversity as a foundation to create changes you choose and build the life you desire to lead.”
Prior to joining West Auckland Psychology, Allison worked for PPS- a leading primary mental health service, the national telehealth service in mental health and addictions, and a domestic abuse support agency. She currently works as a provider for ACC Sensitive Claims, Victim Support, PHO, and EAP contracts in private practice. Psychological factors have an increasingly significant role to play in improving wellbeing outcomes for individuals in contemporary society and Allison is passionate about facilitating this process by using scientific evidence to inform and guide the practice of psychology in a New Zealand context. In response to the pandemic, Allison hopes to increase access to timely psychological input through the use of teletherapy and offer online appointments [only] via secure phone or video call with no waiting list [on Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 6pm].
Depression, anxiety, anger, stress and burnout, grief and Loss, domestic violence, sexual abuse, workplace difficulties, relationships, life changes and adjustment, self-development.
ACC Registered
For private enquiries please contact allison.yinan.li@gmail.com
I'm a clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience working across a variety of public mental health settings and in private practice.
I love my work, and I’m committed to providing therapy based on respect, collaboration, honesty and compassion. To support you with creating meaningful changes in your life, I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches including DBT, ACT, MBT, and EMDR.
Psychology and wellbeing has always been my passion. I started my training in Poland where I was introduced to psychodynamic psychotherapy, which concepts continue to ground my clinical practice. I finished my studies and completed clinical psychology degree in Christchurch.Since then I have had the privilege of working with people across a range of backgrounds and ages, from school age children to older adults.
My particular areas of interest include the interactions between physical and psychological health, navigating life's transitions and major challenges, and women's health.
I'm a full member of NZ College of Clinical Psychologists, a member of EMDRNZ, and ACC registered for sensitive claims.
I have appointments available on Mondays and Tuesdays between 8am and 5:30pm. I work individually with adults and young people over the age of 16 years.
ACC Registered
For private enquiries please contact kasia.edlin@gmail.com
Thegish originally practised in South Africa as a Social Worker for 18 years before moving to New Zealand where she has since worked as a registered Social Worker for a further 19 years.
In addition to tertiary training in Social Work, Thegish has also completed training in child and adolescent mental health and professional supervision. Thegish has vast experience in the mental health field, including trauma and abuse, supporting parenting and adult wellbeing, complicated grief, advocacy, and assisting clients to access available resources. In addition to her clinical work, Thegish also has experience as a professional tutor and consultant.
“I look forward to supporting your wellbeing ... helping you access resources and providing advocacy when necessary. My role is to ensure that social issues and barriers that may be negatively impacting upon your journey to wellness are addressed and eliminated.”
I am passionate about empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives. My approach is warm, collaborative and non-judgmental aiming to empower clients in a warm, safe and supportive environment to express themselves and find workable evidence based but also individual solutions to the challenges they face.
Collaboratively, I support clients to learn the skills necessary to manage those challenges towards living a fulfilling and meaningful life. While flexibly adjusting content to each individual’s life experience and needs, I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
In my work I draw not only on my experiences in New Zealand but time spent abroad including eight years in Shanghai. During these years and in subsequent research I have gained experience and knowledge of the challenges faced by individuals adjusting to change and the problems that can occur when facing new situations and cultural transitions. I am also well equipped to work within the organizational context supporting employees and also companies towards wellbeing.
I am available for in person appointments on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and online appointments on Tuesday and Thursday.
I am registered with the New Zealand Psychologist Board and a member of the New Zealand Psychological Society.
My qualifications include:
ACC Registered (please note Lucy provides treatment only. Is not currently doing Supported Assessments)
For private enquiries please contact L.E.Psychology@outlook.com
I am a Registered Psychologist in the general scope. I strive to understand how each person I work with is connected to their important people and places in their lives. I aim to do this through creating a safe environment for everyone by building a trusting relationship. I work to facilitate exploration of self-awareness, emotional insight, and behavioural choices within their control.
I started my career working at Youthline and in community mental health. In 2015, I started working with youth in the care system and developed an in depth understanding of developmental and complex trauma.
I work from neurobiological, holistic, attachment, and skills focused stance. I work with a wide range of cultures and needs.
Lara's areas of therapeutic interest/approaches:
Tracey Francis is a registered Counselling Psychologist based in New Plymouth. Being registered as a psychologist since 2006, she has experience working across a range of public sectors, corporates, private practice and in integrated health and rehabilitation. Prior to starting private practice, Tracey spent 13 years in the government and corporate sector working within the field of organisational psychology, human resources, coaching and consulting.
As a psychologist in private practice, her aim is to support you through a process of hope, healing, experiential growth and empowerment to live a more meaningful, connected and fulfilled life. This is achieved by providing a safe, non-judgmental, collaborative environment underpinned by genuineness, empathy, confidentiality, and a positive therapeutic relationship.
I believe that every individual is unique and deserves a personalized approach in therapy. My style of working, therefore, is client-centered and holistic by using a variety of therapeutic modalities in order to assist clients through their journey. I have found that this integrative framework increases the likelihood of greater successful treatment outcomes and enriches the individual’s experience of engaging in therapy. My practice encompasses a number of evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Brain-Working Recursive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness based approaches.
I enjoy working with individuals from all walks of life, whether you are feeling stuck in a repetitive pattern that is hindering you from reaching your full potential or are experiencing debilitating symptoms that are impacting your day-to-day functioning. I work with adolescents and adults who may be experiencing a range of psychological difficulties such as depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions and adjustments, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, personal growth, self-development, occupational burnout, workplace stressors, career transition, trauma, grief and loss. I am passionate about mental health and empowering individuals to achieve optimal wellbeing.
In-person and virtual appointments on Mondays to Fridays from 8:30am to 2:30pm.
Virtual appointments Mondays to Fridays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.
My curiosity about our potential, and our ability for change, sparked my interest in taking up the calling of psychology. As a clinical psychologist, I have had the privilege of journeying alongside people from all walks of life, for more than 25 years. The work took me to thirteen countries, from Africa, to the UAE, and Asian-Pacific region, and these different cultures, ethnicities, worldviews, and experiences stretched me. Being able to meet others through our shared humanity, deepened my sense of care for the challenges we face. I am grateful for my experiences as a facilitator, lecturer, organisational development consultant, executive coach, forensic psychologist, and supervisor, as it helped me look for different ways of understanding our lived realities. These experiences shaped my personal values, which guided my work, and crystalised into my personal brand. Today I am intentional about growing this brand of being compassionate, creative, and connected.
Therapy can mean different things for different people, and no two peoples’ journeys are the same. I see it as both a science and an art, a type of specialised conversation that creates a safe space, where we can reveal ourselves, and understand the psychologically significant work that you would like to do. This may be done by helping us understand the relationship between our thinking, feelings, and behaviour. It may focus on how we get well, stay well, or grow well. We can explore the links between our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. It may help us to make peace with our past, make sense of our present, and define our desired future. Or sometimes it helps us to become more comfortable in our own skin, around other people, and accepting of those unchangeable things. The beautiful thing about therapy is that there is always more to us. In these sacred moments we get to see ourselves as uniquely created, we feel something stir inside of us, and it inspires our hope to become a better version of ourselves.
I am registered within the clinical scope of psychology with the New Zealand Psychologists Board, with a special interest in working with adults, couples, adolescents, trauma, substance use, and business coaching.
ACC Registered
For private enquiries please contact connect@mycatalytix.com
Christopher is a clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with adults and teenagers experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders and general life stressors. In addition, he has significant experience in the military aviation industry providing psychological assessments and interventions of air crew relating to their mental health and fitness to fly.
He creates a warm, supportive, collaborative, and non-judgemental space for clients to engage in a meaningful therapeutic relationship to facilitate a client’s understanding of their challenges, and how best to successfully create change to gain relief from symptoms, maintain or improve daily functioning and improve quality of life. He specialises in delivering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Supportive Therapy and Mindfulness to help facilitate change.
This profession continues to provide me with the privileged opportunity of creating an appropriate and contained space for us to explore ways of improving your quality of self within a larger social system. I believe, through evidence-based therapeutic interventions and clinical experience, we can strive towards your realistic and attainable therapeutic goals.
For private enquiries please contact chrisoyston1@gmail.com
"I'm not perfect, but I'm enough" - Carl Rogers
He waka eke noa – “We are all in the same boat”.
I am passionate about mental health, especially that of children, adolescents, and their parents. This whakatauki (or te Reo proverb) speaks to me about a core value that holds true for me in my life, family, and calling to work in mental health. In a sense we are all in the same boat. It means that we are all affected by similar things, but it also speaks about the beauty of what we can achieve if we work together, towards a common goal.
Putting this value into practice has continually humbled me. I watched as people realized their capacity for personal growth, and in turn they helped me to grow with them. It gives me a great sense of purpose to work alongside parents and young people, to help them get unstuck, move forward, and hopefully flourish.
My passion for mental health was ignited when I was placed into adult psychiatry, during my community service year. From Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital, in South Africa, I worked in general adult psychiatry and trained at various other psychiatric hospitals and clinics. It was only when I took a break to be a full-time mom for a few years, that I realized that my true desire was to work with children and adolescents. This is where the most important aspects of my life merged with my career, and I returned to further my studies. After I qualified as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I worked in specialist psychiatric hospitals. I provided both in-patient and out-patient care and worked with various interdisciplinary teams. Working as an integrated team, we were able to learn an incredible amount from each other.
In 2020 I immigrated to Aotearoa to continue my work at Starship hospital. Here I had the privilege of working alongside young people and their families, providing much needed acute interventions. They brought me the gift of their rich life experiences, and in return I was able to bring them the gift of my expertise. Together we worked to understand what brought us together at that point in time, we made sense of their past, we developed a holistic understanding (or diagnostic formulation) and implemented tailored management plans. It was very rewarding to see the positive impact of our collaboration and experience the meaningful change this brought to those families. Now I am venturing into private practice, where I plan to continue doing the good work, by adding value to the lives of young people, their parents, and their families.
I am currently registered with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), and hold the following qualifications:
While I am qualified, experienced, and skilled at child, adolescent and general psychiatry, my preference is to work with ages 6 - 20 years, and parents of children. I provide holistic assessments and management plans, with my specific areas of interest being:
Contact me at: lighthousechildpsychiatry@outlook.com for further enquiries.
I was born and raised in Switzerland and have called Aotearoa New Zealand my home for over 27 years. My passion for psychotherapy developed, here in New Zealand, from my own experience of profoundly transformative therapy has been for me. I view psychotherapy as an investment in myself to continue to grow as a person (as this journey is never finished). I feel excited to have the opportunity to help others achieve positive life changes.
I provide relational and emotion-focused psychotherapy to individuals who would like support during difficult times to make sense of their emotions, experiences, and way of being in the world. I believe in the profound impact of reconnecting our emotions (feelings) to our bodies, as all too often in society, we spend too much time in our ‘heads’ without listening to what the body tells us.
I offer a safe space to build a trusting therapeutic relationship to explore what lies beneath the struggles that brought you to therapy. Such exploration helps grow our self-understanding and self-awareness, often leading to more authentic and fulfilling ways of being in the world. I work in a culturally respectful and sensitive manner and enjoy working with clients from all cultures and walks of life.
I am available for in person appointments on Mondays between 8 and 11 am, and Saturdays between 9 am and 1 pm. I work individually with people over the age of 18 years. Online appointments by arrangement.
For private enquiries please contact me at kitakalmpsychotherapy@gmail.com
Midi is a committed eating disorder coach who provides her clients with evidence-based strategies to manage disordered eating challenges. Her coaching methodology integrates a unique blend of her personal experiences with dietary restriction, the exclusion of certain food groups, and battling bulimia since early adolescence, coupled with the struggles she faced in securing specialised eating disorder treatment at an affordable cost. Lacking the necessary support, Midi felt obliged to keep her eating disorder a secret until she could access treatment after completing her Master's in Nutrition and commencing her first full-time role.
Having overcome bulimia several years ago, Midi is now eager to assist others facing similar difficulties. In January 2024, she launched her venture, Food Freedom Coach, offering affordable online coaching services to individuals throughout New Zealand. Her coaching is also informed by her education in Social Work and five years of professional experience in mental health, spanning both primary and secondary healthcare settings. Midi designs personalised recovery plans that cater to the unique requirements of each client, encompassing online coaching, support between sessions, telephone assistance, and group activities.
Midi is a professional affiliate of West Auckland Psychology and can be reached on:
BSW, PGdip CBT, current registration with ANZSW and SWRB, annual practising certificate with Social Work Registration Board.
Kia Ora, my name is Amee! I have twenty years’ experience as a social worker, engaging with a wide range of people across the lifespan. You will find me compassionate, attuned and with an ability to support you on your healing journey – no matter where you currently find yourself at!
With formal qualifications in Social Work and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy I also have training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma Informed Practice and Te Whare Tapa Wha.
My current emerging passion is Rongoa Maori modalities towards wellness.
Supporting clients towards holistic well-being is integral to my practice. I have worked in multiple settings around the motu (Family Harm, Sexual Harm, Mental Health, Community Social Work, Team Leader, Child Protection) and bring this experience with me, for your benefit.
Time spent in India was useful towards my personal and professional development; I draw upon this learning to inform well-being in the modern context. My person-centred approach draws upon thinking skills, behavioural health and emotional literacy towards mapping out a pathway forward. If you find yourself a bit stuck; old patterns interfering with your current wellbeing, it maybe time for a bit of a psychological check up!
While you are the expert in your own life, at times its helpful to recalibrate. I can help with that.
Based in the winterless North, I am available for in person therapy sessions at West Auckland Psychology two days per week.
