Resources
FAQs
I am experiencing distress and I wish to get assistance? Seeking help from a health professional is a daunting process.
1. How can I refer?
We are very happy to hear from you by telephone, text or email. If possible, complete the email template on the Contact page with a brief outline of your enquiry. We aim to get back to you within one to two working days to discuss your query and possible ways forward. Any initial telephone discussions are free of charge. If we are unable to assist we might be able steer you towards other practitioners who may offer assistance.
2. Who are our typical referrers?
For forensic/expert witness work, we are typically instructed by Defence Counsel or the Office of the Crown Solicitor. Depending on the case we are sometimes directly appointed by the Court. For ethical reasons, we seldom accept instructions from parties directly involved in legal proceedings. Contact via legal counsel is preferable.
For clinical enquiries we are happy to hear from health professionals, prospective clients or family members. Of course any work with clients would require their informed consent and active participation.
Note: I am not currently offering psychological therapy/intervention at this time.
3. What is a clinical psychologist?
In New Zealand the term Clinical psychologist is a protected title under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act. A Clinical Psychologist is often trained to doctoral/doctorate level and trained in the clinical application of psychological knowledge. We are not medical doctors. Clinical Psychologists do not prescribe medication. After conducting an assessment clinical psychologists may provide talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy and utilise techniques such as mindfulness. Working with a psychologist will require the client and psychologist working together in a collaborative manner.
What is a neuropsychologist?
In New Zealand and the UK, Clinical Neuropsychologists are psychologists with specific skills and qualifications/experience in neuropsychology (the relationship between the brain, nervous system and behaviour). The skills of a Neuropsychologist are often called upon by medical professionals (i.e. Neurologists, Neurosurgeons, Psychiatrists, GPs), other psychologists and by Lawyers to provide specialist opinion.
The New Zealand Psychologist Board has commenced a Neuropsychologist Scope of Practice.
What is neuropsychology?
Neuropsychology is the study of brain-behaviour relationships. It typically involves assessment into suspected cognitive impairment (resulting from brain dysfunction) and how this may impact upon the individual’s everyday life (and their family).
How many sessions will I require?
Note: I am not currently offering psychological therapy/intervention at this time.
In terms of therapy/psychological intervention (e.g. CBT), we advocate and tend to offer short-term therapy. Short-term generally means weekly or fortnightly sessions over about six sessions. For a great many clients one to two sessions (that involves assessment, formulation and advise) is sufficient to provide clarity, reassurance and a way forward. In other cases six sessions may be sufficient to bring about the changes you wish to occur. Goals and progress will be discussed throughout the process, so you have a clear idea regarding how many sessions you/we may wish to have.
How much will it cost?
One-to-one clinical psychology sessions generally last up to one hour. Initial assessment sessions may between 90 minutes to two hours. Note: I am not currently offering psychological therapy/intervention at this time.
Forensic psychology consultations/assessments will usually involve an itemised quote/estimate detailing the work required in your instructions (i.e. from a lawyer). Hourly rate and number of hours will be provided.
Links
New Zealand Psychological Society
(http://www.psychology.org.nz/)
Code of Ethics
(http://www.psychology.org.nz/Code_of_Ethics)
(http://www.psychology.org.nz/cms_show_download.php?id=1777)
Health & Care Professions Council
New Zealand Psychologists Board
(http://www.psychologistsboard.org.nz/)
Monarch Psychology
(http://www.monarchpsychology.co.nz)
The British Psychological Society
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