What to Expect

During our time together we will work on understanding and implementing what you would like to be different, using strategies for your emotions, your ways of thinking and your behaviours. Sometimes you might have things to take away and work on in between sessions to help implement what we speak about and try in appointments.

TelehealthTherapy/Online Appointments

Only by arrangement. You will receive a secure link for your telehealth appointment. Please make sure you have a quiet, confidential space (headphones can help) with a camera on and strong wifi/data coverage to ensure you get the most from your appointment.

Cancellations:

Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may be charged a late cancellation fee of 100% of the session.

An hour is set aside just for you, alongside planning and preparation for your session, so we appreciate as much notice as possible to reschedule or cancel an appointment.

$220 for a 60 minute appointment. Payment is expected on the day and further appointments may not be able to be offered if invoices are outstanding.

Additional fees may apply for any specific written reports if these are required, but this will be discussed with you prior to this occurring.

If you wish a third party (such as an employer) to be invoiced you must outline this and discuss this prior to your appointment occurring so an arrangememt can be made.

Fees

Mental Wellbeing Services

Harnessing evidence-based psychology for adaptive change

Psychological Therapy

Personalised therapy sessions to help you navigate challenges and effectively improve your emotional wellbeing. Targeting meaningful change.

We use researched psychological therapies including behavioural therapies such as: cognitive behavioural, DBT- informed, metacognitive, compassion-focussed, acceptance and commitment therapies, motivational and mindfulness-based approaches.

Professional clinical supervision to ensure contemporary, ethical and self-reflective practice for health professionals. Sarah has supervised Clinical Psychologists in Australia and New Zealand for 17 years.

Experience supervising clinical and general psychologists, medical officers, students, nurses, social workers, community and peer workers, counsellors and therapists.

Professional Supervision

We can also offer consultation and training in mental health awareness and well-being to organisations. Please get in touch for more informations.

I have provided training to GPs in Australia, to health professionals and students, consulted with primary health and not-for-profit organsations, provided supervision and been on community service organisations boards of governance. More recently, I have been in clinical and leadership roles in large health organisations.

Understanding Confidentiality

We prioritise your privacy and provide information about how to get the best from your appointment with your therapist. This ensures you are able to feel secure and informed.

Learn

We only gather information that is needed to best understand your goals, what you are experiencing and what you wish to work on to improve your wellbeing.

Your health information is kept in a secure electronic record system that is password protected and only accessible by your psychologist.

What is discussed in your session will be kept confidential and private, unless an exception is required by law.

We would not discuss information with third parties (such as a family member, GP, or health professional) without your specific consent.

It is rare, but in the event of significant safety concerns relating to yourself or other people, a psychologist may be required to break confidentiality if it would reduce this risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Telehealth appointment work?

By arrangement you will be emailed a secure link to join your Telehealth appointment that you will click on to begin. Please check that you know how to adjust any microphone or speaker options on your device.

You will need to make sure other people cannot hear what your are discussing for your privacy, (headphones can help) and having some water, pen and paper and tissues on hand might help sometimes!

What Device should I use?

Whatever you feel most comfortable with. A laptop or desktop computer with a camera is ideal, but any Smart Phone or Tablet that has strong reliable wifi/data connection is possible.

Do you offer diagnostic or Neuropsychological Assessments?

Unfortunately, we do not do diagnostic or formalised psychological assessments such as ADHD or ASD reports at present.

How can I contact you?

You can reach us by using our email address or the contact form. Many issues will need to be discussed at your appointment with your psychologist. We are not a crisis service, so for more general enquiries please email info@changes.co.nz

What if it is a mental health emergency?

If you are concerned about your own immediate safety or that of someone else, please call the police on 111. Crisis Resolution at Te Whatu Ora can also be contacted on 0800 920 092 (24/7) if you are in Canterbury.

Is there any financial support for Psychology sessions?

Individuals may be eligible through Work and Income, for some partial costs towards therapy if they meet their eligibility criteria for a disability allowance. Please contact WINZ for more information.

Some Private Health Insurance providers may also cover some psychological treatment costs - please contact them prior to your appointment to discuss, if you wish to ascertain your eligibility.

Some workplace wellbeing teams can pay for a few private sessions with a clinical psychologist for an employee at their discretion. Please ask them about this possibility. We welcome enquiries from employers.

Do I need to be referred to Changes?

Referrals by health professionals are welcomed, but not necessary to see a Psychologist. You, or a family member can reach out and make an appointment at any point.

Get in touch

Please email for appointments or any further questions you may have