I have been working as a psychotherapist and Counsellor in private practice since 1993 and was appointed Head of Dept for Counselling 0.5 at John McGlashan College in 1996 until my resignation in 2012
Between 1986 and 1993 I worked as a psychiatric nurse at Ashburn Hall where I gained valuable clinical experience in a number of areas, for example, group therapy, psychodrama, eating disorders and clinical management of psychiatric disorders.
I have completed a post graduate diploma in Mental Health at Otago University, which complements three years family therapy training, two years psychotherapy theory, ten years psychoanalytic supervision group and a CIT Certificate in Clinical Supervision.
I have been involved with the Otago branch of NZAC for a number of years now including two terms as Chairperson in 1995 & 1996 and have sat on the committees addressing such issues as NZQA and ACC changes.
I am an accredited Family Court Counsellor, ACC approved in the area of sexual abuse and also I provide therapy for children and families referred by CYPFA and supervision for a variety of health professionals.
I sit on the Permanent Appointments Panel for Family Court Counsellors and also am on the ACC Counsellor Approval Panel.
MNZAC. Dip,Grad. Post-Grad Diploma in Mental Health Cert Clinical Supervision Cert in Family Therapy
My clinical experience is with a wide range of people and ages. I provide family therapy for young children and their families; I also see a large group of adolescents in my role as a school counsellor and in private practice. As an ACC therapist I see victims of sexual, physical and emotional violence. In my role as a Family Court Counsellor I work regularly with domestic upheavals, separation, violence, custody and access struggles. During my time at Ashburn Hall I set up the Eating Disorders Therapy Group and have continued to work both as a therapist and educator in this complex illness.
I came on to NZAC Exec in June 1999 at Hamilton AGM as the representative for Otago/Southland and also held the positions of Vice-President and then President of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors until my resignation in 2004
I currently provide supervision for counselling trainees, Health Managers, Business Executives and fellow Therapists.
