In most cases we start with an initial consultation. If your presenting concerns are about your child or children, or other aspects of relationship or family dynamics, this first session is usually an 'adults-only' session. This is so that we can talk freely and comprehensively about your concerns and relevant background information without the children or young people present. Sometimes it can be appropriate to involve the children or adolescents at the initial session, but this is decided on a case-by-case basis. You may also be sent some basic paperwork to complete ahead of the initial consultation if possible. If you are seeing me under an ACC contract (e.g. sensitive claims) there is usually some additional paperwork that we need to complete together.
At the end of the initial appointment we will agree on a plan together about where to next. Exactly what this plan looks like will depend on your particular circumstances, needs and preferences. We may be able to continue straight on to therapy / intervention sessions, or we may need to do further assessment first. This could involve any or all of the following: - Observations at home or school - Consultation with other family members, friends or professionals involved - Child/adolescent interview or assessment session(s) - Psychometric testing
Once assessment is completed, I would usually meet with you again for a feedback session where we go through the results of any testing and agree on a working formulation. "Formulation" in this context refers to a joint understanding of the presenting issues - the 'why' or 'how' of the problem. The formulation will inform our plan for treatment or intervention. Intervention may include: - A block of therapy (e.g. 4-6 sessions then review). For child and adolescent clients, this could be individual, parents-only, whole family, or a mixture of these. - Liaison / consultation with early childhood centres or schools to help with learning or behavioural supports there. - Parenting support. - Recommendations or onward referrals for other appropriate services if necessary.
fees
(Effective from 1 January 2024 - all prices are inclusive of GST)
In some instances there may be other charges, such as travel or report-writing costs. Comprehensive assessments are usually charged as a package rate upfront (i.e. assessment, report and feedback charged as a package rather than per hour). In most cases I will be able to give you a more accurate cost estimate following an initial consultation and discussion about further assessment and/or therapy services required. In some situations you may be eligible for funded or partially funded services, for example via ACC Sensitive Claims, ACC Psychological Services, Gumboot Friday fund or some insurance policies. I am happy to discuss your options with you.