Champion of Mental Health
I have practiced as a clinician in both public mental health and as an associate in private practice for the past 18 years. I have worked with hundreds of people and helped them change their circumstances for the better in all the domains of their lives. For some it was a recently developed issue, and for others, a life long problem which may have been the consequence of developmental circumstances.
I worked for a period in therapeutic communities with individuals who managed their lives while dealing with mental health problems such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Through this experience I was presented with a Like Minds Award as a ‘Champion of Mental Health’.
Throughout my career I have maintained the belief in an integrated approach with therapy, which allows flexibility necessary to help with each individuals different needs. The Bachelor of Counselling degree is integrated, which gives me an understanding of several therapeutic modalities and the ability to practice with couples, family, trauma, anxiety disorders across the spectrum and depression. In addition the Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapies (CBT) provides the foundation for a structured and at times directive approach, psycho-education, learning and reinforcement theory, and schema therapy.
The Graduate Diploma in CBT is from The Auckland Institute for Cognitive & Behaviour Therapies (AICBT.) it is obviously NZQA accredited for NZ standards, but also inline with the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). One of the major training providers was Drs Henck van Bilsen, who is an accredited member, trainer, and a supervisor for the The BABCP. The BABCP has been setting the standards for delivering high quality training in Cognitive and Behaviour Therapies and the AICBT Graduate Diploma is grounded in these high standards.
As a therapist I focus on the relational and person-centred aspects of therapy, as much as I do on the educational, directive and strategic aspects. Although Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is considered a relatively short term form of therapy, I see the therapeutic process for both the client and the therapist as of paramount importance for creating lasting change.
