Christchurch Psychologist for Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, and Eating Disorders.

Who is Dr Alice Boyes and what do I do? The short version.

I’m a Social and Clinical Psychologist, therapist, relationships expert, and internationally published author of original psychology research.

I have a private practice in Christchurch, New Zealand. I trained in New Zealand and worked as a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Sussex in the UK before returning to NZ. I have a PhD in Psychology from the University of Canterbury.

I write a blog that includes lots of practical tips about how to increase your personal and/or relationship happiness, overcome problems, change patterns of behaviour, and feel good about yourself. Read my Blog.

In my work with individuals and couples, I offer treatment for:

- Depression,
- Marriage and Relationship Problems,
- Anxiety (Panic Attacks, Worry, Social Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Self Doubt)
- Eating Disorders (Binge eating, Bulimia) and Overeating
and
- I do Problem Solving Consulting.

Some of the other types of problems people come to see me for include:

- Coping after an affair/infidelity.
- Issues related to infertility.
- Stress.
- Parent – adult child relationship issues.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome or chronic pain.
- Coping after a relationship breakup.
- Help changing relationship patterns.
- Help with life decisions and achieving a rich, full, meaningful life.
- Low self esteem
- Overspending.

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.

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 Behavioural Therapy? (aka CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a time-limited, focused, problem-solving orientated therapy. Research studies have shown that CBT is an effective psychological treatment for many types of emotion or behaviour related problems, including: Depression, Anxiety, Bulimia, and Binge Eating. There have been hundreds of scientific studies about CBT.

How Can I Make an Appointment or Get My Questions Answered?

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 only offer therapy services to clients residing in New Zealand because I am only registered as a Psychologist in New Zealand.

The cost is $155 for a 50 min appointment, and $310 for an initial appointment which is 1 hour 45 mins. If you’re on a low income, you may be able make seeing me more affordable by applying for the Disability Allowance.

You can read about my Qualifications here – About

You can find full details about My Services (Cost, Location, Policies etc.) here – Frequently Asked Questions

To make an appointment please email or 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 .]
IF YOU DON’T GET A REPLY WITHIN 24 HOURS PLEASE RESEND YOUR MSG. IT PROBABLY MEANS I DIDN’T RECEIVE IT.

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Thank you for visiting my site – I appreciate you dropping by!