Frequently asked questions

Online therapy (also known as Telehealth/Virtual therapy) uses secure video platforms to connect with you in a flexible and accessible way. It is a convenient option for those who prefer or rely on remote support. I offer online therapy via Zoom/Teams/WhatsApp or similar platforms.

Research shows that therapy outcomes are more influenced by things like engagement, attendance, and the relationship with your therapist than by whether it’s in-person or online. When done right, online therapy is just as effective.

The short answer is Yes, online therapy is as effective as in person therapy. The longer answer is therapy outcomes seem to be more influenced by factors like how consistently someone attends, their level of engagement and willingness to work through the process, the use of proven evidence-based therapies, and the quality of the connection with their therapist—regardless of whether sessions are held in-person or online.

Below are links to studies that discuss the effectiveness of online therapy:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032713005120

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5659300/

Much of the decision about whether to choose online therapy comes down to personal preference. Some may find online therapy effective, others a mixture, and for others, the in-person approach may be preferential.

Therapy is a collaborative approach to your wellbeing. There are a few key factors to consider:

For the therapist:

Is your therapist experienced and trained in the specific issues you’re seeking help with? Does their practice offer evidence-based therapies, meaning treatments proven effective through research?

For you, as the client:

Am I committed to attending therapy as recommended? Am I open to learning about myself and my surroundings, and am I willing to implement healthy changes?

Together:

Are we a good fit? Do I trust my therapist? Do I feel heard, understood, and safe? Does my therapist strike a healthy balance between listening to my concerns and challenging me toward growth?

Remember, the therapy experience is unique to everyone. No one can guarantee outcomes, but if you have concerns about your progress, always discuss them with your therapist.

Expect a collaborative and personalised experience. We’ll explore your challenges and strengths, work toward your goals, and use tools to help you grow, heal, and flourish. Each session is tailored to your unique journey.

Standard 50-minute therapy sessions are NZD 140. Other services (such as Coaching, EMDR or extended sessions) may have different pricing. Please get in touch for details.

It depends on your individual needs and goals. For some clients, a brief intervention is suitable and find short-term therapy (6-12 sessions) helpful for specific issues, while others prefer longer-term work. We’ll discuss your needs and set a timeframe that works for you.

I specialise in areas including anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, trauma, life transitions, work-related issues, and personal growth. My approach also supports those who aim to nurture excellence and reach their highest potential. My goal is to encourage you to flourish by overcoming barriers and aligning with your values and goals. For more details, please see the services section of the website.

The commitment is based on your goals and availability. Regular attendance is important for progress, but we’ll work at the right pace for you. The key is consistency and engagement in the process. Work outside of sessions will be encouraged for the best results.

Yes, therapy and coaching can be powerful tools for personal and professional growth. Through therapeutic techniques, we can work together to align your actions with your core values, identify obstacles, and develop actionable strategies to help you reach your fullest potential.

To attend a session, you will need a device equipped with a camera, a reliable internet connection, and a private, comfortable environment where you can speak freely. Many clients find it beneficial to keep a journal for note-taking, and noise-cancelling headphones can help minimise distractions and improve focus during the session.

You can schedule an appointment directly through the website or contact us via WhatsApp or email. I also offer a free initial consultation to discuss your needs and how we can work together. Just click the contact tab in the header.

I am a trained occupational therapist with over a decade of experience in mental health, spanning public, private, and volunteer sectors. My work experience has been in Ireland (I am an Irish national) and New Zealand. For the past six years, I worked for the Waikato District Health Board in New Zealand, most recently as a part of the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) team, as a DBT therapist. Before this, I worked in a CBT/ACT focused vocational rehabilitation service. I held both team lead and clinical roles in this service. My experience in the past also extends to elderly care and voluntary work inc. peer support at University, and supporting individuals with autism (Surf Charity).

I hold a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, I also hold a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Psychology. I am a certified EMDR therapist and hold a Counselling certificate.

Before moving into healthcare, I had over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, working in bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Occupational therapy helps individuals engage in meaningful activities that support mental, emotional, and physical health. In mental health, OT focuses on building routines, managing symptoms, engagement in meaningful occupations that enable navigation of life’s challenges and maintain well-being.

Therapy focuses more on healing emotional and mental health challenges, while coaching is goal-driven and focused on personal or professional growth. Both are important and have crossover. I offer a blend that can be tailored to your needs. Additionally, an element of my work emphasises being and accepting life as it is in the present moment.

HEROIC coaching is underpinned by proven principles from positive psychology, habit formation, behaviour change, virtue ethics, goal-setting theory, and self-determination theory. HEROIC, specifically, focuses on helping individuals cultivate virtues like courage, self-mastery, and resilience, qualities that have been shown to contribute to well-being and flourishing.

Many people find value in coaching because it offers a structured, action-oriented framework for personal growth, tailored to individual goals. Unlike traditional therapy, which often addresses specific mental health diagnoses, coaching can be more flexible and future-focused, helping clients identify their aspirations and build the habits to achieve them. It’s not a replacement for therapy but a complementary tool for those who want to take proactive steps toward living a life aligned with their values.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of coaching depends on the commitment and engagement of both the coach and the client. For those seeking transformation, HEROIC coaching can be a powerful catalyst for change.