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Caitrin | Therapist
(Zoom) Therapist Ponsonby - Auckland
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is an incredibly valuable tool that helps us understand the connection between our thoughts, behaviours, and emotions in any given situation. By recognising this relationship, we can positively influence our lives through changes in behaviour or cognition, which can significantly impact how we feel. This understanding forms the foundation of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) assists individuals in managing difficult thoughts and feelings by encouraging them to understand these emotions rather than trying to change them. It promotes acceptance of what is and commitment to acting in ways that align with one’s core values.
Relaxation and mindfulness techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and stress by helping us shift our focus to the present moment. Anxious thinking often involves worrying about the past or fearing the future. By avoiding engagement with these anxious thoughts, we can better regulate our nervous system and enhance our overall emotional well-being.
Exposure Therapy techniques can aid in overcoming fears and anxieties. Gradually exposing oneself to feared objects, situations, or environments can lessen the fear response. This process can help break the cycle of avoidance, allowing individuals to lead more fulfilling lives.
I want to emphasise that any information you share with me will remain confidential unless I have concerns for your safety or the safety of others. I am committed to attending workshops and training seminars as necessary to ensure my knowledge stays current with the best practice guidelines for CBT and ACT education.
I was previously registered and held an Annual Practising Certificate (APC) with the New Zealand Psychologists Board (NZPB) for several years after graduating from the University of Auckland. I took time away from practising as a psychologist to raise my son, who is now school-aged. Currently, I am not registered and do not hold an APC with the NZPB.
If you would like to know more or make an appointment, please feel free to contact me by clicking the "Send a message" - button.
Online therapy
I can meet with you virtually via Zoom, if this is your preference or if you live outside of Auckland.If you prefer face to face sessions I have rooms available at 9 Brown Street, Ponsonby.
Qualifications and registrations
I hold a Bachelor of Science, a Postgraduate Diploma, and a Master's Degree in Psychology. I have served as a senior tutor at the University of Auckland, where I taught first-year medical students. My clinical experience as a psychologist includes working with non-profit organisations in the community as well as with primary healthcare organisations such as Procare and East Health Trust. Additionally, I have worked as a research psychologist, assessing the IQ and developmental stages of children at various ages. I also have experience as a developmental psychologist, evaluating children for various developmental impairments, including ADHD, Autism, and a range of intellectual disorders.
I am not currently registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board; therefore, the sessions I provide are intended as a set of practical, skill-based strategies rather than formal therapeutic interventions.
My most recent training includes:
- A workshop on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for anxiety-related disorders with Dr. David Tolin.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) workshops with Dr. Russ Harris, which included a two-day training session on using ACT techniques for psychological disorders, followed by a workshop focused on applying ACT techniques specifically for anxiety disorders.
I offer therapy in
Specialisations
- 1. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
- 2. Acceptance Commitment Therapy
Specialisations and Expertises
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective in treating a wide range of problems including Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Alcohol and Drug use problems, Marital / Relationship problems, Eating Disorders, and other mental health issues. CBT is based on the following core principals:- Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking
- Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behaviour
- People suffering from psychological problems can learn better or more helpful ways of thinking and behaving which will relieve their symptoms help them become more effective in their lives
- Our thoughts, emotions and behaviour are all interlinked. When we change one, we change the other two
CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking and behaviour patterns, in the hopes of improving difficult emotions. Clients learn to:
- Recognise distroted thinking
- Face ones fears instead of avoiding them
- Introduce positive behaviour (Behaviour Activation) to improve negative emotional states
- Calm ones mind and relax ones body using relaxation strategies and mindfuness based techniques
Through a combination of in session exercises and "homework" exercises, clients are helped to develop coping skills. Clients learn to change their own thinking, problematic emotions, and behaviour.
Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes acceptance as a means of managing negative thoughts, feelings, symptoms, or circumstances. ACT teaches a client commitment to living a life based on values and activities that uphold their values; it teaches a client to accept what is out of their control and concentrate on what is within their control.
The 6 Core Processes of ACT are as follows:
1. Acceptance
2. Cognitive Defusion - teaching clients to create space between themselves and their emotions and thoughts so that they have less of a hold over them
3. Contacting the present moment (mindfulness)
4. Self as Context - teaching clients that experiences, thoughts and feelings are content that is ever changing. That their core self remains unchanged no matter how they might think, feel or see themselves in any given moment
5. Values - the deeper things in life that are important
6. Committed Action - taking action as guided by values
Most common issues I support people with:
The top 5 issues I support people with are:Depression - Education on how CBT and ACT skills can be used to support the management of a low mood
Anxiety - Education on how CBT and ACT skills can be used to support the management of worry and anxiety
Areas of counselling I can help with
Fees
$160 per session. Each session will last 50 minutes.I offer sliding sliding scale therapy pricing. If you are in a position where you currently have fewer resources, please message me and we can try to work out a fee that better suits you.
Availability (Opening hours)
| Monday | 8.00am - 7.00pm Clinic in Ponsonby |
| Tuesday | 9.30am - 2.00pm via Zoom |
| Wednesday | 9.30am - 2.00pm via Zoom |
| Thursday | 9.30am - 7.00pm via Zoom |
| Friday | 9.30am - 2.00pm via Zoom |
| Saturday | - |
| Sunday | - |
Photos
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