Kia Kaha Kids – Child and Family Psychology

I am a Registered Educational Psychologist in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

I have originally trained in Portugal where I am from. I completed a Masters in integrated Psychology (this was a 5 year programme integrating a BSc Hons and then the Master). The last three years were specialised in Clinical Psychology. This degree followed a psychodynamic approach integrated with other modalities such as CBT, solution focused therapy, person centred therapy and integrated therapeutical interventions, aided by an understanding of psychopathology and comprehensive assessments.

Experiences in Management roles in the Not for Profit sector in the health space led me to integrate my past psychology training with an understanding of individual and group behaviour in the context of organisations. I completed a Masters in Organisational Consultancy with the Tavistock Clinic in the UK, to this effect. This training also followed a psychodynamic approach and built on my previous training.

In New Zealand, and in connection with my specialist interest in working with children I retrained in Educational Psychology, by completing a Master and Postgraduate and I am now completing a postgraduate in Neuropsychology, to be able to offer an integrated approach to the children and families I have the pleasure to work with.

I follow and integrate in my therapeutic work with children and families, CBT, Solution focused therapy, Narrative therapy, Trauma informed practice, Motivational interviewing, Lego Therapy, Triple P and Incredible Years Programmes.

I work with your child in a way that is respectful, playful and mana enhancing. My session work is designed to bring about self-awareness on strengths, dreams and aspirations, and areas where skills development are needed. I am guided by your child and their readiness to engage in the work and adapt to your child’s pace and where they are at. I work in a way that is culturally sensitive, holds your child’s voice at the very centre and develop a plan in close partnership with you, your child and any agencies involved (with your and your child’s consent). This results in a plan that is meaningful to your child and consistent across settings.