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Areas of specialty
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Academic Qualifications
MA (First Class Honours in Psychology) (University of Canterbury)
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (University of Canterbury)
Diploma in Sport Studies (University of Otago)
Diploma of Clinical Hypnosis (NZ Society of Hypnosis)
Certified EFT Couple Therapist (four to five years training and supervised practice)
Professional Qualification
I am registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board in the Clinical Scope of Practice
Professional Affiliations
Member New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists (MNZCCP)
Life Member New Zealand Psychological Society (MNZPsySoc)
Member New Zealand Society of Hypnosis (MNZSH)
Experience and current work environments
I have practised Clinical Psychology for 38 years.
Initially I worked for the Canterbury Hospital Board as a Clinical Psychologist at the Acute Psychiatric Unit, Hillmorton. Then I was appointed Senior Clinical Psychologist at Christchurch Public Hospital, supporting clients to accept and manage a range of physical health problems.
I ventured into Private Practice in 1988 and have seen clients presenting with a range of issues. My areas of specialty have included treatment of psychological trauma, depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, and relationship therapy.
I have an interest in defining what it is that allows some people to function well with the chaos of life. What approaches help to make our life experience more fun and rewarding? This is the area of personal growth, emotional well-being, performance enhancement, and includes Life Coach support.
I am also qualified as a Sport Psychologist and was the inaugural President of the NZ Sport Psychology Association and one of the first psychologists accompanying a NZ team at the Commonwealth Games in 1990. Sport Psychology involves the application of psychology to both Sport Performance enhancement and Clinical Sport Psychology e.g. exercise compulsion, anxiety issues.
My approach to therapy involves
My initial training was in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy but I was also influenced by the work of Milton Erikson, who focused on utilising personal strengths and creative ways to resolve emotional issues. A further approach clients find helpful is Emotion Focused Therapy. This approach highlights the awareness and expression of ‘healthy’ emotions. This includes how to recognise, understand and express feelings constructively. Another influence has been the Mindfulness approach, which is closely aligned with my interest in hypnosis.
I believe each of us have the resources to accept or resolve psychological issues, and to improve our functioning and emotional well-being.
My focus in therapy is on collaborative, achievable goals and working at a pace you are comfortable with. It is also important to have a thorough psychological assessment, and work from your unique perspective.
Services
The number of sessions required varies. Many issues can be addressed in four to six sessions e.g. mild depression, couples communication, and self-management skills. With more complex issues e.g. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Depression, Social Phobia, Couples Emotional Focused Therapy 8 t0 12 sessions are recommended.
I have contracts with ACC including Psychological Services for Physical Injury and Sensitive Claims trauma.
Several private health insurance companies fund Clinical Psychologists. WINZ funding may also be an option if you are eligible.
My rooms are close to Hagley Park with car parking available, and close to a bus route
Fees
$200 (including GST) per 50-minute session
Availability
Monday to Wednesday 7.30am to 4pm
Thursday 7am to 11am
Articles of interest written for The Press
The Value of Humour
The Christmas Days
Healthy Self-Awareness
Breaking the Rumination Habit
Healing through Self Compassion
Contact Details
Graeme Clarke
Unit 10
35 Riccarton Road
Telephone: 3485595
Website: www.graemeclarkepsychologist.co.nz
Email: graemesclarke@xtra.co.nz
