When it came to making a career decision in high school, I knew from deep within that I wanted to work with people. I started out as a geography high school teacher, whilst furthering my studies in psychology. 

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After I completed my practical training, I knew the "teacher" within me also needed to be recognised, therefore I accepted a lecturing position at the University of Pretoria (South Africa) in the Department of Educational Psychology. It has always been an honour to see young students grow into confident practitioners, and for them to connect with their inner strength and wisdom. 

 

As a practising professional, I have always been intrigued by our inner world of emotions and how we make sense of life. I enjoyed learning about Sandplay, and expressive modalities such as journalling, drawing, movement and breathwork, to access our inner landscape. Somatic Experiencing has had a huge influence on how I approach the work that I do and led me to specialise in how we can address trauma from a more embodied perspective.

 

We immigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2016 and moved to Tauranga in 2018. We feel truly blessed to be part of this whenua. 

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QUALIFICATIONS, REGISTRATION & MEMBERSHIPS

PhD (2005) Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria with a thesis titled: The experiences of children growing up in same-gendered families (https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/26932)

 

Professional qualifications

MEd Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria (1999), BEd Hons Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria (1997), and BA(Ed) School Guidance and Counselling, University of Pretoria (1993)

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Registration and memberships

New Zealand Board for Psychology: NZPB Reg no 90-06379

The New Zealand Psychological Society Member no 10409

ACC (ISSC/ Sensitive Claims) Provider no 26CEXY

Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SE International)

Somatic Regulation & Resilience Practitioner

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