Lisa Beachman

Psychotherapist & Certified Sex Therapy Informed Couples Therapist

I offer a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space where we work together to understand how you have come to be where you are, and I see my professional role as facilitating your journey toward being the person you hope to be and resourcing you for the fulfilling, meaningful life you wish to lead.

Areas of Special Interest

I specialise in working with people troubled by anxieties, depression, relationship and identity/self-esteem issues. I have extensive training in the longterm effects of trauma (especially relational and/or childhood trauma).

I have a particular interest in working with people impacted by ADHD. I have recently completed training to become internationally certified as an ADHD Clinical Services Provider. Only registered psychiatrists are legally allowed to diagnose and prescribe medication for ADHD. But I am able to advise and support you to consider your options following a diagnosis, or if you suspect ADHD may be relevant to you. 

Working with couples who find themselves without the trust and lively connection they would like is also a strong professional interest, and I have recently completed a Masterclass lead by Esther Perel to support this approach.

Counselling/Therapy Services

Life can be hard, and most of us find ourselves feeling overwhelmed by our problems at some point. Often at such times, we either feel like there is no-one safe to talk to, or that talking might make everything worse. I understand that when you are feeling scared or hurt the idea of opening up can seem crazy. But I also know from experience that working through your problems with a sensitive, caring professional can be an enormously positive, even comforting experience. It has also been proven to bring about lasting change.

When problems are longstanding or overwhelming, psychotherapy helps you explore ways in which past experiences and early relationships are impacting your current life. I have been trained to help you understand and modify your own behavioural and emotional patterns, and working together with me, either individually or with your partner, to deal with whatever this brings up can give a fresh perspective on your past and present difficulties, and fresh optimism about your future.

Counselling/Therapy Approach

I am warm, empathic and thoughtful, and interactive in style. I work in a collaborative way and approach wellbeing holistically. I also enjoy a laugh at times.

My primary training is in psychodynamic psychotherapy, but I also draw from other approaches. I work intersubjectively, which means I pay particular attention to how important relationships have set up patterns of thinking/ behaving that might not be serving your present interests.

I am a certified Sex Informed Clinical professional and influenced by Esther Perel’s approach to supporting sexuality within long-term relationships. I am also trained in the Developmental (or Bader-Pearson) model of working through the difficulties that couples experience in the course of relationship. This method integrates attachment theory with the neuroscience of relationship and insight into how tension can help us grow together and as individuals. So I work with couples in a bespoke way that is able to combine different approaches that support and integrate all aspects of a couple’s relationship toward the goal of a vital, enriching connection.

Background and Experience

I have worked with adults of all ages, and couples dealing with a wide range of personal and relationship difficulties. I have been married for over twenty years and have children of primary school-university age. Much of my practical understanding of how close relationships work is drawn from this experience, so this too informs my work with clients.

FAQs

Q Registrations and Memberships

- Registered Psychotherapist
- Member NZ Association of Psychotherapists (MNZAP)

Q Qualifications

- Masters of Psychotherapy (1st Class Honours)
- Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy Studies
-Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSDIP)
- ADHD Clinical Services Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP)
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1
- Master of Arts (1st Class Honours)
- Bachelor of Arts

Q Appointments

Monday-Friday in Grey Lynn

Q Fees

- Individuals: $160 for 55 minute session
- Couples: $240 for 90 minute session
- payment can be made by Cash, Eft-Pos, online.

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