Life can be full of challenges. Sometimes we can face these challenges head on and come out the other side unscathed. Periodically, however, we can become overwhelmed and unable to cope with our everyday lives. Our ability to focus on work, engage with our family and participate in day-to-day activities can feel like an impossible task. Well meaning friends may tell us to “snap out of it” but it is not that easy. Whether you are facing relationship problems, adjustment issues, anxiety, care-giver burnout, depression or emotional dysregulation, psychological therapy can help you to acquire insight while honing effective strategies for managing your thoughts, emotions and behaviours enabling you to realise your goals and lead a happier and more fulfilling life. Our goal is to work collaboratively with you in a confidential, non-judgmental space to help you achieve emotional wellbeing and inner calm.
BSocSc, MSocSci (Psychology) Registered Counselling Psychologist
Kirsten Tolond
I am a registered psychologist with almost 20 years of professional experience. I am registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board and am a member of the New Zealand Psychological Society. My psychological work has traversed both the public and private sector working predominantly with adults with varied needs from a range of diverse backgrounds. My approach to therapy is collaborative and guided by the following evidence-based approaches, Schema Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I have also recently been trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. My focus is on assisting clients make sense of their difficulties and find new adaptive ways of coping to enable them to realise their potential and lead fulfilling and productive lives.
I provide psychological assessment and evidence-based treatment for a variety of difficulties including:
- Trauma
- Interpersonal relationship issues
- Emotional dysregulation
- Grief and loss
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress management and burnout
- ACC sensitive claims
I am also an experienced clinical supervisor and offer supervision for those clinicians working within forensic psychology contexts.
For an appointment with me contact kirsten.takapunapsych@gmail.com or mobile 021-025-05862
FAQ’s
If I need therapy is there something wrong with me?
Mental health issues and emotional distress are more common than you might think. According to the New Zealand Mental Health Foundation, in a recent survey they found that 16% of adults had been diagnosed with a common mental health disorder at some time in their lives. In addition, nearly 200,000 New Zealanders acknowledged experiencing some form psychological distress in the six weeks leading up to the survey. Anyone can benefit from therapy. Psychologists can help you to be the best version of you. In addition to helping people navigate a crisis or providing treatment for more serious mental health problems, our personal life, work and relationships can be improved by increased self-awareness and personal growth that can be achieved through psychological therapy.
Do I need a referral?
There is no need for a referral. Just ring or email Kirsten directly.
How much does therapy cost?
The fee for a 50-minute session is $190 + GST. Payment is required prior to your next session (or within seven days) via bank transfer, using your first initial and last name in the reference line. Cancellation will need to be made 24 hours prior to your session or a 50% cancellation fee will apply.
How often will I need to attend/how many sessions will I need?
Answers to these questions will depend on your individual circumstances. Typically, you will have an initial assessment where together you and I will formulate a treatment plan to best suit your needs and estimate the frequency and duration of therapy sessions.
I’m concerned about confidentiality. How confidential are therapy sessions?
All information that you disclose in therapy is confidential but there are legislated limits to confidentiality. This will be discussed with you in detail during the initial session.