Psychological services
Support to help and empower you to reach your full potential and work
through the concerns stopping you from enjoying a happy and healthy life.
We provide a range of assessments that help direct possible future treatment and access to other health services.
Our registered psychologists use a variety of evidence-based approaches to access underlying issues, including:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT)
- Rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)
This includes IQ assessments, ASD and ADHD assessments, neuropsychological assessments and more.
Our services
You may be referred to APM from ACC or your healthcare provider.
You can also approach our local teams directly if you need help to improve your thoughts, feelings, and general wellbeing.
Individual therapy
Individual therapy provides a safe and confidential space to explore and work through life’s challenges. This is never a simple process, but it is a rewarding one.
In individual therapy, we will collaborate to develop the skills needed to face life’s daily challenges.
These challenges may include trauma, depression, anxiety, injury-related challenges.
Couples therapy
Relationships can be hard work, but they can also be a source of fulfilment and meaning.
Couples therapy helps couples work on pre-existing challenges, develop healthy communication strategies, and restore physical and emotional intimacy.
Couples therapy can also help with a healthy separation/divorce process.
Family therapy
Family therapy supports family members to improve communication and resolve conflicts.
It may include all family members or just those able or willing to participate.
The treatment plan will depend on your family’s unique situation.
These sessions teach you skills to deepen family connections and support you through stressful times.
Children's therapy
Children's therapy supports children to cope with a variety of psychological, behavioural, and social difficulties.
Children's therapy uses a strengths-based approach that allows a child’s natural means of expression.
It supports children struggling with concerns such as separation anxiety, bullying, low self-confidence, enuresis, parental divorce, abuse, or trauma.
Psychological assessments
Psychological assessments are specialised assessments used to evaluate core components of an individual’s psychological functioning.
These involve identifying areas for growth and personal strengths, and can include personality and IQ assessments.
Psychological testing encompass a variety of research-based tests and are generally divided into four primary types:
- Clinical interview
- Assessment of Intellectual Functioning (IQ)
- Personality assessment
- Behavioural assessment
Neuropsychological assessments
Neuropsychological assessments are specialised assessments used to determine the extent of impairment to an area of functioning caused by a brain injury, brain disease, or other neurological factors.
Neurological assessments generally focus on:
- Attention and orientation
- Memory and learning
- Speech and language
- Viso-spatial skills
- Motors skills
Many people feel anxious or apprehensive about their first meeting with a psychologist.
Psychologists are trained to be empathic and respectful of your feelings about coming to therapy.
The first meeting with a psychologist is usually an opportunity for you to talk about what has brought you to them.
They may ask you some questions to get a better picture of what is happening in your life and establish your goals for the therapy or assessment process.
This meeting is an opportunity for you to ask questions and ensures you have sufficient information to make a decision moving forward.
Toward the end of the initial meeting, the psychologist will usually discuss their evaluation of your situation and their recommendations.
These recommendations may include further individual therapy, therapy for families or couples, further assessment, or appropriate referrals to other professionals.
Our approach
Here at APM we live our values everyday, with one another, and with our clients.
Our approach is grounded in providing quality psychological services with integrity, respect, and empowering you as a person.
We'll manage your concerns with empathy and compassion.
We specialise in using evidence-based approaches attuned to your unique needs to help you to achieve the best possible outcomes.
An evidence-based approach is a process where your therapist combines well-researched therapies and treatments with their clinical experience to provide the most suitable service for you.
These approaches can include cognitive behaviour therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, rational emotive behaviour therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy.
Short and long-term talking therapy and assessments
As part of a wholistic approach, APM's team can also support you with health concerns and recovery needs.
We offer employment assistance, physiotherapy, vocational rehabilitation, pain management services, and community-based services for people who have sustained an injury or have a disability or illness.
Please note, some of our services are location dependant.
Take a look at our team, and feel free to get in touch if you have any further questions or would like to make an appointment.
Our psychology team provide assessment and treatment services to all ages and help people with a variety of mental health concerns, this includes:
- Anxiety problems, including panic attacks, stress, generalised anxiety, social phobia, and specific fears such arachnophobia or agoraphobia
- Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia
- Difficulties related to head injuries and neurological conditions
- Personality problems, such as borderline personality disorder
- Childhood difficulties
- Pervasive developmental disorders, such as ADHD and ASD
- ACC covered conditions, such as concussion or psychological difficulties associated with physical injuries
- Return to work plans
- Stress management
- Pain management
- Relationship problems
- Eating problems, such as anorexia, bulimia, and overeating
- Mood problems, such as depression and bipolar disorder
- Identity and sexuality difficulties
- Psychological problems related to physical illness
- Adjustment problems
- Grief and loss
Frequently asked questions
How can talking to a psychologist help me?
Psychologists assist people with everyday concerns such as stress, relationship difficulties, and mental health issues.
Therapy offers a safe space where you can look closely at the challenges you are experiencing and develop skills to cope with difficulties and prevent ongoing issues.
Everyone's experience with therapy is different.
Some people come to see a psychologist to develop coping strategies to reduce or manage symptoms of mental illness.
Others come to therapy to understand patterns in their relationships and behaviours or to receive ongoing support.
Psychologists can work with you to process traumatic or stressful situations such as divorce, job loss, grief, and criminal activities.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
Psychiatrists and psychologists are both trained to diagnose and treat people with mental health conditions. However, they have different educational backgrounds, training, and roles in treatment.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with advanced qualifications from residency who specialises in psychiatry.
They use therapy, medications, and other treatments to treat people with mental health conditions.
Psychiatrists are registered medical specialists with the New Zealand Medical Council.
Psychologists have an advanced degree, such as a PhD or PsyD.
Psychologists do not prescribe medications; they treat mental health conditions with therapy and assessment services.
Psychologists are registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board.
What is a psychological assessment?
A psychological assessment involves using standardised and informal measures/tools to identify strengths and weaknesses in cognitive and emotional functioning, development, and academic performance.
Before the assessment, a psychologist usually meets with the person to discuss the reasons for their referral and any specific concerns.
The psychologist then decides which tests and procedures are most suitable.
How many therapy sessions will I need to attend?
There is a great deal of variety in the length of time therapy will last.
It depends on the type of treatment your therapist uses, the goals you hope to achieve through therapy, and the symptoms you may be experiencing.
Some people benefit from a few sessions, especially if they are working on a single, well-defined problem, while others benefit more from long term support.
During your first session, you can discuss how many sessions you may need with your therapist.
What if I don’t like my psychologist?
If you feel like your psychologist isn't a good fit, you can tell them at the end of the session.
They won't take offence if you feel you would benefit from working with someone else.
Psychologists are trained to negotiate difficulties in relationships and will be open to discussing your concerns.
Your psychologist will always act in your best interest and can help you find a more suitable psychologist.
I have been advised to consider therapy for my child. What now?
Children are referred to psychologists for many reasons, including emotional, behavioural, academic, and developmental concerns.
There is no one-size-fits-all therapy technique for children.
It is best to find a psychologist who specialises in working with children and have an initial meeting with them to discuss your concerns.
The psychologist will recommend a treatment plan, which can include play therapy, family therapy, or a referral for an assessment.
Will I need to explore my childhood?
Not all psychologists will want to explore your childhood.
Some may focus sessions on present situations to help you develop the skills to address current challenges.
Some psychologists may work with you to look back on childhood experiences to better understand how you respond to similar situations now.
This can help you better understand your emotional and behavioural patterns and adjust them accordingly.
Psychologists are guided by the stories and challenges you bring to sessions, but you decide what to share and work on in your sessions.
Can my psychologist discuss my sessions with anyone?
Psychologists are regulated by the ethical code set by the New Zealand Psychologists Board.
This means your sessions are strictly confidential.
Your psychologist is not permitted to discuss you or your sessions with anyone else without your written consent.
In certain circumstances, your psychologist may be obliged to breach confidentiality.
These circumstances include situations when your psychologist is concerned about you causing harm to yourself or others or if the psychologist is subpoenaed (requested) to appear in court.
What is the cost per session?
Session rates are based on medical insurance guidelines, which are updated annually. For more information regarding session rates please contact your insurance provider or APM.
How can I pay for my sessions?
If you are paying for the session privately, we have Eftpos machines available on site or payments can be made online.
We accept most credit cards. If you have insurance you will need to contact your insurance provider.
Will my medical insurance cover my sessions?
In the first instance, we recommend you speak with your insurance company.
