FAQ
What can I expect from my first session?

The first session will last approximately 75 minutes. This gives us an opportunity to meet, get to know each other, and find out more about why you are seeking psychological support. Depending on your requirements this assessment might lead to a diagnosis, treatment plan, and some tasks to do before the next session. We’ll agree on some goals together, and put together a plan of how often you’ll attend therapy to reach these goals.

How many sessions will I need?

This will vary depending on your current experience. My aim is for the therapy to be short term. I want to be able to give you the tools you need so that you can become your own therapist and we will no longer need our sessions together. 

What costs are involved?

Initial consult (75 minutes) - $292.50
Standard assessment or therapy session (50 minutes) - $195
Child observations (e.g., home or school) - $195 per 50 minutes of observation time
Written work (reports, letters, referrals) - $195 per 50 minutes of writing time
Phone interviews with others (e.g., teacher, grandparent) - $195 (50 minutes)
Travel - $97.50 per 50 minutes of travel time
Online therapy - $195 (50 minutes)
Psychometric testing - The cost of this will vary depending on the price of the psychometric test

How confidential is my information?

I am bound to strict confidentiality. This means that anything you tell me stays between us, and your notes and personal details are securely stored. You may choose to have your information shared with others, in the form of letters or reports to other professionals. It can also be helpful to share important information with other trusted people in your life. I will always ask for your consent before doing this.

There is an exception to the principle of confidentiality. If you are at risk of physically hurting yourself or someone else, in order to protect you, it may be necessary to disclose information. Except under exceptional circumstances, this would occur with your collaboration. 

What does an assessment of my child/adolescent involve?

Alongside interviews with you and your child, a thorough assessment will also involve psychometric testing, observations of them in their natural settings (e.g., home/school), and discussions with other trusted adults (e.g., teachers, relatives). We will discuss this process in our initial consult.

What does treatment of my child/adolescent involve?

The treatment of children and adolescents may include CBT and ACT techniques, however to be able to support them fully with their mental health, it is important to work with other adults in their lives (e.g., parents and teachers). Depending on the assessment of what the young person's needs are, I am available to carry out sessions with family members, teaching staff and other trusted adults who are involved in the young person's life. This will involve helping adults to correctly interpret the child's behaviour and respond in a helpful and consistent manner.

Where do you work?

My consulting room is located on Level 3 of 1 Knights Road, Hutt Central, Lower Hutt. 

What are your hours?

Clinic sessions are available on the following days...

Monday - 8am to late evening
Tuesday - 8am to late evening
Wednesday - 8am to late evening

Phone call consultations, school observations and report writing times are flexible and I will speak with you to arrange timings for these.


What if I need to cancel or reschedule my session?

Please let me know (if possible) at least 24 hours in advance if you need to change or cancel your appointment. Less than 24 hours’ notice makes it difficult for me to fill the session time. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice and/or non-attendance will be charged at half of the usual session rate, except in the event of serious emergencies. 
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