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 here – [Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)].
1. What problems do you treat?
I specialize in helping people overcome relationship difficulties (individuals and couple’s therapy), depression, anxiety (self-doubt, worry, panic attacks, social anxiety), and eating problems (overweight, binge eating and bulimia). My PhD was about couple relationships and I’ve published research about couples and about eating/body image/weight.
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 psychology PhD MUCH CHEAPER here Disability Allowance.
Regular appointments are 50 minutes and cost $155.
First appointments are for 1 hour 45 minutes and cost $310.
Seeing a psychology PhD in private practice is expensive and a significant investment for most people. I aim to provide good value services. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is typically a very good value for money treatment option. Research studies indicates that CBT is the most effective treatment for many psychological difficulties. Moreover, the psychological skills clients learn in CBT are designed to be used by them long after treatment finishes.
Many people find therapy a life changing experience.
3. Can I ask questions before I decide if I want help?
Yes.
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’re located in the Sydenham area of Christchurch, very close to the central city.
6. What are your payment requirements?
For local Christchurch clients, payment must be made at the time of the appointment. I accept cash or cheque for local clients.
Payment for phone appointments is required at the time of making the appointment. I accept direct deposit for phone appointments.
7. What’s your cancellation policy?
Appointments canceled more than 7 days in advance of the appointment will not be charged for.
Appointments canceled between 7 days and 48 business hours before the appointment will be billed at $20.
Appointments not canceled at least 48 business hours in advance will be charged for at the full rate. If you need to cancel an appointment less than 48 business 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.
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