Frequently Asked Questions

This page contains practical information about working together (Location, Cost, Policies, etc).

If you’re looking for information about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (such as what happens in a session or the typical session length of treatment) you can find it – [Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)].

1. What problems do you treat?

I specialize in CBT for relationship difficulties (couple’s therapy), depression, anxiety (self-doubt, worry, panic attacks, social anxiety), and eating problems (binge eating and Bulimia). My PhD was about intimate relationships and I’ve published research about couples and about eating.

2. How much do appointments cost and how long are the appointments?

For people on low incomes – if you’re concerned about the cost of treatment you can find out how you might be able to make seeing a psychologist MUCH CHEAPER here Disability Allowance.

(The rates below are quoted in New Zealand dollars)

Your first appointment with me will be for assessment for 2 hours ($NZ 300). After that, appointments are 1 hour and cost $NZ 150.

For both individuals and couples, you’ll usually be asked to arrive earlier than your appointment time to complete some questionnaires.

If you have private health insurance you should check if it covers clinical psychology.

Seeing a psychologist in private practice is expensive and a significant investment for most people. I aim to provide good value services. Since evidence from research studies indicates that CBT is the most effective treatment for many psychological difficulties, it’s time limited, and involves keeping objective records of how much clients’ problems are improving, it’s typically a very good value for money treatment option. Moreover, the psychological skills clients learn in CBT are designed to be used by them long after treatment finishes.

People experiencing mental health difficulties are sometimes able to see a psychologist within the public health system rather than pay to see a psychologist in private practice. Your GP will be able to refer you to public health services.

The availability of publicly funded mental health care differs depending on the type of problem, how severe the problems are, and current waiting lists. One option clients have is to see a private psychologist until their name reaches the top of the waiting list for public services. When this happens, the client and the professionals involved can work together to ensure a smooth transition.

One of the reasons clients choose to see a psychologist in private practice rather than pursue treatment through public services is choice. Many people want to see a psychologist rather than a differently qualified person. People being seen in the public health system may be offered treatment for psychological problems from a Registered Clinical Psychologist but often public services are unable to provide this.

People also often have preferences for working with a particular psychologist over other psychologists. Although clinical psychologists all have at least a certain standard of qualifications, they have different personalities and different styles of working. Seeing a psychologist privately allows people to choose a psychologist who is a good fit for their personality and preferences.

3. Can I ask questions before I decide if I want help?

Yes, absolutely. Phone Contact Information

4. What if I need help urgently?

In an emergency (e.g., if you’re concerned that you or someone else will inflict harm on themselves or commit suicide, or if you’re concerned that you or someone else might harm or kill another person due to mental health difficulties) it’s best to call Psychiatric Emergency Services or even 111. Psychiatric Emergency Services are part of the public health system and provide free, emergency services. Their phone numbers for Christchurch are 03 364-0482 or 0800 920 092. If the situation is less urgent, you should go to your GP. GPs can help you access the other services you need.

If you or someone else has already harmed themselves, or been harmed by someone else, you should seek medical attention. This is especially the case if you have taken an overdose of medication. The effects of having taken the overdose might not be immediately apparent and can become very serious or life threatening. This can happen quickly and even relatively small overdoses can be life threatening or cause permanent damage to the body.

If you need protection from being harmed by someone else you should call the police. You should also do this if you’re concerned that you or someone else might seriously harm children or other individuals.

5. Where are your offices?

Clients will be given the address and directions for the offices I use when they make an appointment. They offices I use are located in the Sydenham area of Christchurch.

6. What are your hours?

For face to face clients, I offer afternoon and early evening appointments. I only see clients part-time but I’m usually able to be flexible with appointment times.

For phone clients, we’ll figure out the time difference! I’m a night owl and do my best work at night, so I’m happy to make phone appointments for late night New Zealand time.

7. What are your payment requirements?

For local Christchurch clients, payment must be made at the time of the appointment. I accept cash and cheque for local clients.

Payment for phone appointments is required at the time of making the appointment. I accept direct deposit and Paypal for phone appointments.

8. What’s your cancellation policy?

Cancellation Policy for Local Christchurch clients:

Appointments canceled more than 7 days in advance of the appointment will not be charged for.

Appointments canceled between 7 days and 48 hours before the appointment will be billed at $20.

Appointments not canceled at least 48 hours in advance will be charged for at the full rate. If you need to cancel an appointment less than 48 hours before your appointment due to an emergency please let me know as soon as possible by leaving a message on my voicemail.

In emergency situations, at my discretion, you may be able to rebook the appointment for a rebooking charge of $20.

All cancellations should be made by leaving a message on my voicemail – 669 2007.

Cancellation Policy for Phone/Skype appointments:

My fee is non-refundable.

9. What’s you privacy policy?

My privacy policy and company information are listed on my “about” page [Privacy Policy and Company Information].

10. Do you see clients residing outside New Zealand?

I don’t offer therapy services to clients residing in the United States due to the complexity of licensing requirements etc.

If you live somewhere else, please check with me. Distance therapy (Skype therapy/webcam therapy) can be a great option if you don’t have access to equivalent local service providers where you live.

11. What if I’m not sure if I want to change?

Sometimes when an individual sees a psychologist it’s because someone else thinks they have a problem but the person themselves doesn’t agree or isn’t sure if they want to change. This is quite common and if this applies to you the more upfront about it you are the better. Psychologists can help people think through the pros and cons of changing something in their lives vs. sticking with the status quo. This requires a different treatment approach than Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) because CBT is aimed at people who are reasonably sure they want to make changes in their lives, but psychologists have different options available to help people evaluate whether or not they want to change something and why. Doing this is an equally valid reason to see a psychologist.

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