Professional

I hold a first class honours masters degree in psychology from Massey University and have worked in the public health sector (Te Whatu Ora) and for private and NGO providers since 2005. I am a registered practitioner and clinical supervisor with the professional organisation which regulates addiction treatment providers - the Addiction Practitioners’ Association (DAPAANZ). DAPAANZ has rigorous standards in which a practitioner must demonstrate competence and be reviewed annually. I am also a member of the New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPsS).

As a condition of renewing my annual Practising Certificate, I am required to undertake regular training and ongoing education.

In addition, I also undergo regular Clinical Supervision from an independent, certified Clinical Supervisor, helping to maintain ethical practice, transparency and accountability.
 

Ethical

There are a number of legal statutes by which I am bound. These include the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003) and The Health Information Privacy Code 1994. These can be viewed here and here.

In addition, both DAPAANZ and the NZPsS have comprehensive codes of ethics which guide the practices and behaviours of all members and there is a complaints procedure to follow if you feel you have experienced unethical practice. See here.

Effective

All the treatment approaches utilised at thinkstraight are evidence-based meaning there is peer-reviewed research which provides support for their effectiveness.

However therapy is highly personal and is not always a linear process. This article describes how you might go about evaluating whether counselling is working for you - and what to do if it’s not.