Welcome readers from the NZ Herald – You can read more about the weight and relationships study here
Who is Dr Alice Boyes and what do I do? The short version.
I’m a Social and Clinical Psychologist, writer, speaker, therapist, relationships expert, and internationally published author of original psychology research.
I have a private practice in Christchurch, New Zealand. I recently returned to New Zealand from the UK where I worked as a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Sussex. I have a PhD in Psychology from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. 
I write a blog about Psychology, Happiness, and Relationships. Read my Blog. My blog includes lots of practical tips about how to increase your personal and/or relationship happiness, overcome problems, change patterns of behavior, and feel good about yourself.
In my work with individuals and couples, I offer treatment for: Depression, Marriage and Relationship Problems, Eating Disorders (Binge eating, Bulimia), Overeating, Anxiety (Panic Attacks, Worry, Social Anxiety, and Self Doubt), and I do Problem Solving Consulting. People can see me in person at my offices or via phone/Skype (if you don’t have access to clinical psychologists where you live). The main type of treatment I use is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which is a problem-solving focused therapy.
Please note that I do treat children, but only for depression, anxiety, and adjustment problems.
If you’re not sure if the problem you have falls within the areas I specialize in, please ask.
What is a Clinical Psychologist?
We’re highly-trained experts who help people overcome problems with their emotions, thoughts, relationships, or behaviour. One of the best reasons to see a Clinical Psychologist is that we base our treatments on scientific evidence, which counsellors or life coaches may not do. Psychologists must meet strict requirements for the training and experience necessary to practice as a psychologist. PhD level Psychologists train for 8-9 years at university. Masters level Psychologists train for 6-7 years. I’m a PhD level Psychologist. Seeing a Clinical Psychologist.
Is a Psychologist the same as a Counsellor?
No. The qualifications and experience necessary for becoming psychologist are very different than for becoming a counsellor. The requirements for practicing psychology are strictly regulated. The title of Psychologist is a protected term under New Zealand law, which means it’s illegal for someone to call themselves a Psychologist if they’re not Registered with the NZ Psychologists’ Board.
People who use the title “Clinical Psychologist” must meet special training and experience requirements related to the assessment and treatment of people with mental health difficulties. These are additional to the requirements for being a general Psychologist.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? (aka CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a time-limited, focused, problem-solving orientated therapy. Experts generally consider CBT to be the most effective psychological treatment for many types of emotion or behavior related problems, including: Depression, Anxiety, Bulimia, and Binge Eating. There have been hundreds of scientific studies about CBT.
If you’d like to read more Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, it’s here – [Information about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)].
If you’re concerned about the cost of treatment, you might be able to make seeing a psychologist MUCH CHEAPER (for people on low incomes) by applying for the Disability Allowance.
How Can I Make an Appointment or Get My Questions Answered?
You can find full details about My Services (Cost, Location, Policies etc.) here – [Frequently Asked Questions].
You can read about my Qualifications here – [About].
I see clients “in person” in Christchurch, New Zealand. I also work with people outside the Christchurch area by phone or Skype. Phone/Skype appointments can be for CBT or you’re welcome to book a single “problem solving” appointment for one off expert advice about a specific issue.
Please note that I don’t offer therapy services to clients residing in the United States due to the complexity of licensing issues etc. If you reside in another country please ask if I can offer treatment.
To make an appointment please call the number in the footer of this page (it’s also in the footer of all the other pages of the site).
If you have any questions you’d like to ask, you’re also welcome to call or email.
Email: admin (at) aliceboyes (dot) com [designed to fool spambots - replace with @ and .]
A useful way to search for any information you need is to use the search box located just above the right sidebar (it’s on every page). It’s a custom search that searches all the information on this site only.
If you’re a journalist, blogger, or student, wanting to contact me for comment or for some other reason, please read here – [Contact].
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If you want my new blog posts auto-delivered to you by email or RSS, there are links to do this located in the right sidebar.
Thank you for visiting my site – I appreciate you dropping by!