Online Video Consultations

Ria.Tsai's picture
Counselling Psychologist

Ria Tsai is one of our Auckland Consultants

I am a counselling psychologist based in Central Auckland, seeing clients online and in-person. I have worked in a variety of mental health settings specializing in depression, anxiety, addictions, neurodiversity, sexual harm, trauma and relationship issues.

I am passionate in supporting my clients to develop a healthy sexual identity and form satisfying intimate relationships. I help clients explore their unique journey of sexuality development, and to:

· Learn the necessary elements for healthy sexual functioning

· Identify deeper sexual desires and barriers/factors influencing their current ideas and behaviours around sex

· Change their thoughts, feelings, and mind-body connection to improve sexual satisfaction and intimacy.

The foundation of my therapy work draws on attachment theory, schema work and the developmental model for couples. I utilize different therapy approaches to best suit the presenting issue and needs of my clients, including CBT, ACT, DBT and trauma processing. I am also an ACC-registered therapist.

My fee is $200 (incl gst) per session. Please also be aware that once made, appointments not kept or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged. This service is only available to people who are in New Zealand at the time of the consult or to New Zealanders oversea

 

Emily.West's picture
Registered Psychologist

Emily West is one of our Auckland Consultants

I am a registered psychologist based in North Shore, Auckland, working with clients face-to-face and online. I am currently in training with Sex Therapy New Zealand, bringing experience from providing evidence-based treatments for individuals across the lifespan dealing with a range of psychological difficulties, including trauma, depression, anxiety, stress management, chronic pain, sexual pain, and health issues.

I am particularly interested in working with people who experience sexual pain that is impacting sexual functioning and intimacy. Additionally, I work with various sexual challenges and relationship and communication issues that individuals may experience. My approach to sexuality is holistic and grounded in the biopsychosocial model. I employ therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy, tailoring my approach to each individual. This ensures my support is evidence-based, effective, client-driven, and aligned with achieving clients' most important goals.

I strive to help each individual thrive and feel empowered in their life and sex life. I am dedicated and compassionate, understanding that life can be overwhelming and that we often need to reach out for support to help us overcome different challenges. There is no problem too big or too small for therapy. If you are considering reaching out for therapy, please feel free to contact me today on the form below.

My fee is $200 (incl gst) per session. Please also be aware that once made, appointments not kept or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged. This service is only available to people who are in New Zealand at the time of the consult or to New Zealanders overseas.

Debbie.Penlington's picture
MCouns, NZRN, MNZAC

Debbie Penlington is a senior consultant in Tauranga

I particularly enjoy working with individuals or couples who are experiencing sexual, emotional or intimacy issues, supporting them to make their relationship and sex lives as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible.

Common issues include  lack of closeness and connection; desire differences; self acceptance and body image; difficulty talking about sexual needs and preferences; sexual pain; performance anxiety; confusion over sexual orientation; affairs; erectile dysfunction and pornography. I find the combination of my nursing and counselling experience also enables me to work  effectively with clients where health issues / illness is impacting on their ability to maintain a satisfying close, intimate or sexual relationship.

I believe that every couple's relationship is special and different from all other relationships. Over time, cycles or patterns can develop in a relationship which make it difficult for partners to hear each other, neither partner is right or wrong - both just see the same situation from different perspectives. With my support each partner can better understand what is happening for them in the relationship, how this may be influenced by their previous experiences and how they impact on their partner.

My approach is strongly influenced by the work of Dr Sue Johnson who developed Emotionally Focussed Therapy (EFT) in the 1980's. EFT is one of the very few approaches to relationship issues that has had research on its effectiveness carried out. Compared to other approaches findings have been very positive showing that relationships of 80-90% of couples receiving EFT improved and 60% of these maintained their improvements or continued to improve. I work from rooms in the Tauranga CBD

My fee is $185.00 inc GST. Please also be aware that once made, appointments not kept or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged. This service is only available to people who are in New Zealand at the time of the consult or to New Zealanders overseas.

Catherine.Whitehouse's picture
Dr
D.Clin Psych; M.Sc Psych (1st Hon), B.BS; NZPB; MNZPS

 

Catherine is based in Hastings and covers Hawke's Bay and Central Hawke's Bay. She also offers nationwide online sessions

The training in sex therapy and relationship counselling that I am undertaking, is to ensure that I am effective and relevant when working alongside couples and individuals who are experiencing sexual challenges, relationship, and communication difficulties. As a sex therapist I support the ethos of sex positive, that is, having a positive attitude about sex and support my clients in their journey regarding sexual identity and sexual behaviours, and encouragement of healthy sexual relationships. I also have a particular interest working with individuals who are experiencing sexual and intimacy challenges or relationships difficulties due to medical conditions or impacted by oncology treatments. 

Having retrained as a Clinical Psychologist after years of working in the corporate and non-profit sector, I endeavour to deliver evidence-based therapy that is practical, and workable. Importantly I aim to deliver therapy in a way that clients feel they have a safe space where they feel heard, their concerns are not minimised, they can talk openly and freely without fear of judgement, shame, or awkwardness. This encourages a therapeutic relationship enabling us to work collaboratively and achieve therapeutic goals that will enhance client's day to day living and interpersonal relationships. Therapies and skills utilised include ACT, CBT, Compassion Focused Therapy, DBT, and have recently started training in EMDR.

My fee is $200.00 inc GST. Please also be aware that once made, appointments not kept or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged. This service is only available to people who are in New Zealand at the time of the consult or to New Zealanders overseas.

Paula.Dennan's picture
Dip of Psychology (Clinical); Registered Clinical Psychologist

Paula Dennan is our Central and South Auckland Regional Director and Therapist

As a regional director, I coordinate referrals within the Auckland Region, liaising with the most suitable therapist for your needs. We have a team of excellent therapists operating in the Auckland Region, including Central, North, South and East Auckland areas.    

I work in Central Auckland in Parnell and offer online consultations. I have over 30 years of clinical experience, completing Advanced Sex Therapy training in 2005. I am particularly interested in working with couples with emotional and sexual relationship/ intimacy issues.  I believe each person has a unique history of experiences and skills influencing their thinking, feelings and behaviour. I enjoy working collaboratively to develop therapy goals and new possibilities towards these goals.

I also provide consultancy for various personal and clinical issues (e.g. mood disorders - anxiety and depression, grief, and emotional and/or sexual trauma, which can also impact healthy sexual functioning).

I am also involved in training and supervising therapists in sex therapy and relationship therapy skills, enabling me to support our therapist and allied professional community.

My fee is $240 + GST ($276 incl), per 50-minute session. Please also be aware that once made, appointments not kept or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged.This service is only available to people who are in New Zealand at the time of the consult or to New Zealanders overseas.

Pragnya.Indugla's picture
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Pragnya is one of our consultants with the online team. . 

I am a very experienced psychologist, registered in both New Zealand and Australia. Currently, I am working as part of Sex Therapy New Zealand's on-line team, offering sex therapy via secure video consultations. 

After some years working as a psychologist, I chose to train 'in-house' with Sex Therapy New Zealand so that I would also benefit from the collegiality and professionalism of that team, as well as, from the hands on experience. 

Generally, I work with people that have issues with emotional and sexual intimacy and desire, utilizing, in addition to sexology approaches, a range of evidence-based modalities including CBT, Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution focused therapy, and Narrative therapy, to tailor to the needs of my clients.

I prioritize safety and trust to build a nourishing environment for my clients. I am compassionate, friendly, and work in collaboration with my clients to reach their goals, while keeping their holistic wellbeing at the forefront. I support clients by building on their strengths while increasing awareness to any limiting beliefs and addressing them by exploring helpful strategies. Even though the focus is on achieving your goals, I try to create an environment that can, at times, feel light and enjoyable, and you may even find yourself enjoying the process with a few laughs along the way.

My work can be with individuals or couples, adolescents or adults of all genders and ethnicities. I am also flexible with my availability so, please do contact me.

My fee is $185.00 per 50-minute session. Please also be aware that once made, appointments not kept or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged. As Pragnya is registered in New Zealand, this service is available to people who resident are in New Zealand or Australia at the time of the consult or to New Zealanders or Australians overseas.

Sid.Naidu's picture
Mr
MA (Hons); Post Grad Dip. Clin Psy (Massey); MNZPsS MICP MNZPS MACBS MIAAP Registered Clinical Psychologist

Sid Naidu is one of our senior consultants in Wellington

I am a registered Clinical Psychologist trained in New Zealand. I offer sex therapy, marital and relationship therapy. Apart from sexual concerns faced by heterosexual individuals and couples, I also specialise in issues faced by older adults and gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender sexual orientation. I am able to take appointments Mondays and Fridays during normal office hours. 

Clients can expect to receive a culturally-attuned service, and to be treated non-judgmentally, and with professionalism, respect, empathy, and positive regard.

My previous work experience was in Alcohol & Drug Services, pain and   rehabilitation services. 

My fee is $250.00 inc GST per 50 minute session. Please also be aware that once made, appointments not kept or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged.This service is only available to people who are in New Zealand at the time of the consult or to New Zealanders overseas.

 

Vicki.Murray's picture
MCouns, BA, Prov Member Registered with NZAC, Member of NZ Sexual Health Society

Senior Consultant, available on-line nationwide. 

I am a sex therapist and relationship counsellor, working in private practice utilizing  Video consultations, but I am based in Gisborne  I work in a respectful and non-judgmental way, and have a friendly, down-to-earth approach.  I provide a safe and supportive space to discuss sexual problems and I combine my professional counselling skills with an understanding of current international research to provide appropriate information and fresh ideas as we work together to find a way forward.

My aim is always to help people have positive and fulfilling sexual experiences, which in turn enhances physical and emotional well-being. There is research that demonstrates that a healthy sex life makes for a stronger, more enduring and more enjoyable relationship.

Whilst I mainly work with couples and individuals, I can, where required and appropriate, work with whanau, within a Kaupapa Maori framework.

My fee is $175.00inc GTS per 50-minute session. Please also be aware that once made, appointments not kept or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged.This service is only available to people who are in New Zealand at the time of the consult or to New Zealanders overseas.