Frequently Asked Questions

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Psychological therapy is a unique experience whereby the trained therapist (e.g., psychologist) and client embark on a journey with a set agenda. During this journey, the trained therapist respectfully guides the client towards the attainment of certain set-out goals. This journey comes to an end when the client’s desired goals have been reached. These goals could be to overcome trauma, to deal with the loss of a loved one, to successfully adjust to life-altering changes, to change and improve aspects of the self, or to alleviate certain symptoms. 

The therapeutic journey takes place in a setting that promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect and non-judgement. Each client’s experience of psychological therapy will be different as the process is tailored to suit the needs of that individual.

In summary, psychological therapy offers the client an opportunity to self-reflect, to change, to unleash potential and to widen one’s perspective of oneself in the world. The client will ultimately be guided towards finding clarity on how to proceed in the present and future, while taking lessons from the past. 

 People enter the process of psychological therapy for a variety of reasons. A trained therapist (e.g., psychologist) assists, supports, and guide people to adjust or change their thought patterns, emotional responses, and behaviours. 

People may experience a variety of difficulties which prompt them to consider engaging in psychological therapy. Below is a list of possible indicators for psychological therapy (some of these examples may apply more to adults compared to children and vice versa):

· ADHD and executive function challenges (planning, organising, time management etc.)

· Anxiety, fears, phobias, and panic disorders 

· Depression and low mood

· Bipolar affective disorder and/or emotional regulation difficulties 

· Relationship difficulties e.g., workplace, family, school, marriage 

· Obsessive compulsive disorder and/or intrusive thoughts 

· Post-traumatic stress disorder

· Post-natal depression

· Trauma of various kinds

· Dissociation 

· Eating disorders  

· Abuse 

· Illness 

· Injury

· Grief and bereavement (loss of a loved one)

· Adjustment challenges (loss of job, retirement, immigration, new baby)

· Addiction and/or alcohol and substance abuse problems

· Self-harm behaviours 

· Separation and/or divorce

· Adult survivors of childhood trauma

· Victim of a crime

· Separation anxiety in children and adults 

· Failure to thrive in children and adults

· Bedwetting and/or soiling in children

According to the New Zealand Psychologist Board, “A psychologist within a general scope is defined as rendering or offering to render to individuals, groups, organizations, or the public any psychological service involving the application of psychological knowledge, principles, methods, and procedures of understanding, predicting ameliorating or influencing behaviour, affect or cognition”. 

According to the New Zealand Psychologist Board, “A clinical psychologists apply psychological knowledge and theory derived from research to the area of mental health and development, to assist children, young persons, adults and their families with emotional, mental, developmental or behavioural problems by using psychological assessment, formulation and diagnosis based on biological, social and psychological factors, and applying therapeutic interventions using a scientist-practitioner approach”. 

The New Zealand Psychologist Board recognises the following qualifications are prescribed for registration in the Psychologist scope of practice: “A minimum of a master’s degree in psychology from an accredited educational organisation, or an equivalent qualification. Eligibility for a general scope of practice requires a Board approved practicum or internship involving 1500 hours of supervised practice”.

The qualification requirements for a clinical psychologist is similar to that of a psychologist registered within the general scope of practice. 

· ACC assessment and treatment.

· Diagnostic assessment and/or psychological assessment. 

· Psychological therapy for children, teenagers, and adults. 

· Relationship therapy.

· Family therapy.

· Play therapy for kids between 7 – 11 years of age.

· EMDR therapy for children, teenagers, and adults. 

Please click on the “services” tab at the top of page for a more comprehensive explanation about the different types of services that are offered. 

To schedule an appointment please call: 09 218 2516. Kindly take note that calls and emails are monitored during office hours only. This excludes weekends and public holidays.   

You can email: admin@thrivepsychologycentre.com or alternatively click on the “Contact Us” tab at the top of the page and fill out the form provided. 

You will be contacted shortly so that an appointment can be made on a date and time that is suitable. 

ACC rates apply for ACC assessment and treatment services.

Private psychological assessment and/or psychological treatment sessions are to be settled in cash, with eftpos, or via electronic transfer (EFT) prior to or at the time of the appointment. 

Please note: We are unable to take credit card payments over the phone. 

The cost of a session (50 minutes): $ 240 (incl. GST).

Diagnostic and/or psychological assessments are quoted on a case-by-case basis. 

E-mail proof of payment to: admin@thrivepsychologycentre.com

Reference: Initials, surname, and date of appointment 

Direct payments can be made to:

Thrive Psychology Centre Ltd

BNZ: 02 0272 0346750 000

Reference: Initials, surname, and date of appointment 

If a scheduled appointment needs to be cancelled, it is important to contact Thrive Psychology Centre at least 24 hours prior to the commencement of the appointment. Please call 09 218 2516 to cancel an appointment. Alternatively, email: admin@thrivepsychologycentre.com to cancel an appointment. 

If an appointment is cancelled less than 24 hours in advance, the full fee of the scheduled appointment will be charged and is payable prior to the scheduling of the next appointment. Allowances are made for emergencies and/or exceptional circumstances. 

At Thrive Psychology Centre we appreciate prompt arrival for appointments. Please notify us on 09 218 2516 for any late arrivals.  

This will be discussed during the first consultation as each case is different and individual needs vary. The number and frequency of appointments will depend on the severity and complexity of challenges and/or problems. 

The first appointment generally comprises of an in-depth discussion about the client’s challenges or difficulties as well as a thorough history-taking. By doing so, the psychologist can obtain a comprehensive understanding of the client to provide recommendations in terms of a fit-for-purpose assessment and/or treatment plan. The client is encouraged to raise any safety concerns immediately so that adequate support can be put in place.

Psychological assessment involves the identification of a client’s current problems and concerns, gathering of relevant personal information, and where applicable, completion of questionnaires and/or psychometric tests. 

Psychological treatment is a collaborative undertaking between the client and the psychologist to bring about change. A fit-for-purpose treatment plan with relevant goals guides this phase. While the benefits of treatment cannot be guaranteed, the psychologist will support and guide the client towards attaining relevant treatment goals. Client motivation and commitment to change are important factors contributing to overall success of treatment.

The New Zealand Code of Consumer Rights clarifies general expectations for those making use of a health or disability service. At Thrive Psychology Centre we are committed to providing fit-for-purpose, safe, and ethical services to clients. Our service offering reflects a strong adherence to the Code of Rights and the Privacy Act 2020. For more information click on: https://www.hdc.org.nz/your-rights/the-code-and-your-rights/

The Health Information Privacy Code 2020 sets specific rules for agencies in the health sector which covers health information collected, used, held, and disclosed by health agencies. For more information click on: https://www.privacy.org.nz/privacy-act-2020/codes-of-practice/hipc2020/

To protect your privacy as a client, the Privacy Act 2020 has been created to make sure that your information is collected and used properly. For more information click on: https://www.privacy.org.nz/privacy-act-2020/privacy-act-2020/

At Thrive Psychology Centre we are unavailable after hours and on weekends. Please note that crisis services are not provided. Contact your General Practitioner (GP) as your first point of contact. You can also report to your nearest hospital emergency department (ED) for assistance. If anyone is in immediate physical danger call 111. 

In the event of a crisis please call your local mental health crisis team on 0800800717 or find more information on: https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/services-and-support/health-care-services/mental-health-services/crisis-assessment-teams

Tautoko Suicide Crisis Helpline helps people in distress and for those who are worried about someone else. Call 0508 828 865.

Youthline is available to young people, their whānau and friends. Call 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email: talk@youthline.co.nz

Kidsline is available for young people up to the age of 18 years. Call 0800 543 754. 

The Lowdown provides support to young people experiencing depression and anxiety. Free text 5626. Visit: www.thelowdown.co.nz

AuntyDee is a free online tool for anyone who needs some help to work through problems. Visit: www.auntydee.co.nz

SPARX is an online self-help that teaches young people the key skills needed to help combat depression and anxiety. Visit: www.SPARX.org.nz

Need to talk? Free text 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor at any time. 

Lifeline offers counselling and support. Call 0800 543 354.

Depression Helpline provides trained counsellor support. Call 0800 111 757. 

Healthline provides advice from trained registered nurses. Call 0800 611 116.  

Samaritans provides confidential support to anyone who is lonely or in emotional distress. Call 0800 726 666.