I’m an Educational and Child Psychologist, born and raised in the Hawke’s Bay. For the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of practicing in Sydney, both as a School Psychologist and in private practice. However, the lingering unease of being unable to return home due to COVID in recent years compelled me to make the decision to come back to the Bay in 2023.
Central to both my professional practice and personal philosophy is the concept of whakawhanaungatanga — the profound value of connection and the honour of being entrusted with people’s stories. Working closely with young individuals and their families is where my passion lies. I strive to cultivate a safe environment where they can share their experiences and thoughts openly.
Recognising the uniqueness of each individual, I reject the notion of a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. My therapeutic toolkit draws heavily from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Neuropsychotherapy. Within these modalities, I integrate mindfulness techniques and stress reduction strategies such as breathwork and progressive muscle relaxation.
Guided by the pursuit of authenticity and values, I tailor our sessions accordingly. Infusing warmth and humour into my practice, especially with young clients, is key—I firmly believe that establishing a genuine connection lays the foundation for fruitful therapeutic outcomes.