My name is Jo, and I am an Art Psychotherapist. I was born and trained in the UK before moving to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2013. I quickly fell in love with this beautiful country and have happily called it home ever since.
Since qualifying in 2009, I have specialised in working with children, adolescents and families who are experiencing challenges in their relationships, emotional wellbeing or mental health.
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I bring a creative, flexible and developmentally attuned approach to therapy, meeting each child where they are at and adapting sessions to their interests, abilities and sensory needs. I value getting to know each child's unique way of experiencing and responding to the world.
Learn moreAdolescence is a time of enormous change. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low, disconnected, or struggling to make sense of what has happened to you, I will meet you where you are and work alongside you at a pace that feels safe.
Learn moreBeing a parent is rewarding, joyful, exhausting and one of the hardest jobs in the world. If you're finding parenting difficult, feeling stuck, or noticing patterns you'd like to break, I'd love to work alongside you to discover new ways of responding that feel more aligned with your values.
Learn moreWhen life feels overwhelming or we have experienced trauma, it can affect how we see and treat ourselves, relate to others and navigate the world around us. Therapy offers a space to make sense of these experiences, develop self-understanding and find new ways forward. My role is to walk alongside you. I offer guidance, support and encouragement, but ultimately you bring the courage to work towards healing.
I work in a creative, playful and compassionate way. Humour has an important place in my practice, and I believe that kindness and gentle challenge can exist together. I have extensive experience working with attachment and trauma informed approaches, tailoring therapy to each person's individual needs.
My practice is guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. I warmly welcome people of all cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent thinkers, and anyone seeking a safe, accepting space to explore their experiences. I strive to create a therapeutic space where people feel safe, heard and empowered, while recognising the importance of culture, identity and belonging.
As an ANZACATA Registered Supervisor, I provide reflective, creative and ethically grounded clinical supervision for therapists at all stages of their professional journey. Supervision offers a dedicated space for reflection, professional growth, ethical decision making and practitioner wellbeing, and ultimately is a place to ensure clinical excellence for your clients.
I specialise in supporting people who have experienced sexual harm, and understand the profound impact these experiences can have on relationships, identity, self-worth and emotional wellbeing. If you have been sexually harmed I can help you access therapy through the ACC Sensitive Claims Service. I provide a safe, respectful and non-judgemental space where your experiences will be met with care, compassion and at a pace that feels right for you.
If you are interested in working creatively, I can guide you through arts-based processes that help explore thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to express with words alone. Art Therapy is not about artistic ability it is about using creative expression to deepen self-awareness, process emotions and discover new pathways towards healing.
And if sitting in a room talking for an hour isn't your jam, that's okay too. My practice is located within the beautiful Risingholme Park, alongside the Heathcote / Ōpāwaho River, and I'm always happy to take our session outdoors for a walk while we talk.
If you're curious about working together, I'd love to hear from you. Tell me a little about what's bringing you here; there's no need to have it all worked out. I offer a free, no-pressure introductory call to see whether working with me feels like the right fit.
I usually reply within a couple of working days, and anything you share is treated in confidence.
22 Cholmondeley Avenue, Opawa, Christchurch, 8023
Many people come to therapy carrying something they can't quite put into words. You don't need a diagnosis or a tidy explanation to begin; wherever you are is a fine place to start.
