Personal growth, help moving forward, a renewed sense of adventure…

At times life unexpectedly changes direction or we come across problems that we struggle to resolve. We feel sad, anxious, depressed, and even angry at times. Whilst these are all normal and common emotions to experience, sometimes we get stuck. When we get stuck with these feelings, it can stop us from living our lives how we hoped. Life can feel mixed up and we can be left not knowing which direction to turn.

During difficult times, I can provide you with support. I empower clients to be strong and flexible, like the wood of the Kōwhai tree. I respect the person in front of me, their history and their choices and I can help clients with identifying valued direction, healing and hope for the future.

I am a Registered Psychologist in the Rodney area of Auckland. I service all of North and West Auckland. I also provide telehealth across New Zealand. I have over 10 years of experience formulating and treating a range of psychological difficulties in New Zealand and the UK.

“When challenging times occur, I am reminded of the Kōwhai tree. Its flowers appear before its leaves – not what we expect, and considered somewhat of a miracle. It seems the Kōwhai tree may take a different journey to other trees, yet it still reaches its blossoming potential nonetheless”.

SARAH ELLIS

About me

I am a psychologist registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board and a member of the New Zealand Psychological Society. I work mainly with adults and adolescents. I pride myself on providing a safe and supportive environment for clients to share concerns and challenges they are facing. My approach is warm, empathic and non-judgemental.

I enjoy supporting clients to overcome life problems by helping them move forward, with self-compassion, in a valued direction that provides them with meaning and purpose. I help clients develop insight into their concerns and skills to achieve therapy, recovery and/or life goals.

I work with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, anger management and adjustment difficulties. I’m also an ACC sensitive claims provider.

Education and qualifications:

  • Bsc. (Hons) Psychology
  • MSc Work and Organisational Psychology
  • MSc Applied Forensic Psychology
  • Diploma in Forensic Psychology
  • Registered Psychologist with New Zealand Psychologists Board
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Psychological Therapy Services

I can support you with the following areas:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Relationship difficulties
  • Sexual trauma
  • Adjustment difficulties
  • Problematic behaviour patterns
Therapy sessions can be short term (3 to 4 sessions) or longer-term (ranging from weekly to monthly depending on individual need). 

I use a range of approaches to support my clients including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Distress Tolerance, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Self Change.

Fees range from $195 to 225 (incl. GST) per 50 minute session. Initial appointments may be longer and incur a higher fee.
 

Forensic Psychology Services

What is forensic psychology?

Forensic psychology is the psychology applied to criminal investigation. It allows us to understand psychological problems associated with criminal behaviour, and the treatment of those who have committed offences.

As well as practicing general psychology I trained in the forensic scope of practice in the UK. I have an MSc in Applied Forensic Psychology from the University of York and a Bachelor of Science Degree within Honours in Psychology from Hull University. I completed the Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology, awarded by the British Psychological Society in 2012.

I currently work in private practice and provide psychological assessment, treatment and consultation in clinical and forensic psychology. Prior to this I worked for the Department of Corrections for eight years.

I have over sixteen years’ relevant experience in assessment and treatment of offenders. My experience includes formal report writing and providing psychological advice and consultation for high risk violent and sexual offenders, with a range of complex needs, including mental health and personality disorder. I have worked in both prisons and within the community, where I have provided psychological advice to assist in the on-going management of violent and sexual offenders. This includes Extended Supervision Orders (ESO).

My experience in formal report writing includes writing complex psychological assessments such as reports for the New Zealand Parole Board and Courts (including Extended Supervision Health Assessments). I have provided expert witness testimony at Parole Board hearings in the UK. I have also provided supervision to Psychologists’ completing Extended Supervision Reports and New Zealand Parole Board Reports. I am familiar with relevant ethics and standards for expert opinion and abide by the Code of Conduct in Schedule 4 High Court Rules.

Contact me

I am based in Helensville and service mainly the North Shore and Rodney districts. I also have some telehealth appointments available for clients across the country.

To book an appointment or for more information please leave me a message below.

Kōwhai Psychology
Unit 2, Helensville Railway Station
2 Railway Street
Helensville 0800