Dr Susan Hayes

Psychology can help you to be the best version of you and live the best life possible. Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed or depressed? When you understand yourself better you can learn to act in ways that are more effective, and build a life that sustains you.

Areas of Special Interest

Issues I commonly work with include anxiety, depression, and the long-term effects of trauma. I have a particular focus on anxiety and difficulty relating to others, self-critical thinking, and feeling overwhelmed by strong emotions.

Counselling/Therapy Services

As a clinical psychologist I explore different ways of understanding life experiences, aligning your life with the things that matter most to you, and finding ways to connect more meaningfully with the world. We might discuss patterns of thinking or behaviour or relating to others that may be affecting your wellbeing, and how to change these if they are not serving you well. This might include identifying obstacles to the life you want, a shift in perspective, or perhaps taking a different approach to your situation. Before we meet I recommend a brief phone conversation so I can get an idea of what you are wanting help with, to check that this fits with the work that I do.

Counselling/Therapy Approach

By seeking insight into what you are struggling with, and exploring how your early life experiences have shaped you, we would look together at how we might ease your distress. I most often do medium or long-term therapy. My training includes Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Each of these therapy approaches informs my current work.

Background and Experience

Since 2011 I have been working in a private psychology practice. Prior to that I worked at adult community mental health centres for Counties Manukau DHB and Auckland DHB.