Sarah's Professional Background
I have 20+ years’ experience as registered health professional with an extensive background in both mental health therapy/counselling and occupational therapy . I completed my Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 1999 and am registered with the New Zealand Occupational Therapy Board.
​​I am a member of the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA) and Occupational Therapy New Zealand, Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa (OTNZWNA).
​
​Within my private practice I provide therapy and counselling to both individuals and those referred by organisations. I provide therapy for OCP and Ignite Aotearoa EAP services as well as clinical supervision for health professionals. For the past two winter seasons, including 2025, I have been part of the counselling team at Coronet Peak (NZ Ski). Outside of my private practice I also work for a Charitable Trust that supports children who are neurodivergent.
Prior to my private practice commencing in 2023, I have worked in a variety of mental health and rehabilitation settings including, GP brief intervention counselling services, community mental health services, forensic psychiatry, as well as, ACC community services under the Sensitive Claims and Training for Independence Contracts (neurorehabilitation). My career has spanned across a variety of health organisations including government, non- government and privately funded services.
​​​
As a New Zealand Registered Occupational Therapist I am required to engage in regular professional development alongside completing a professional portfolio to provide evidence of my clinical competency. I am also required to have regular clinical supervision.
In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
― Albert Camus
Therapeutic approaches I use in my practice:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Psychoeducation alongside Neuro-affirming, Occupational and Psychosocial models of practice.
​​​
Trauma informed including using the Polyvagal Theory to guide an evidence based approach for nervous system regulation.​
​Utilisation of:
- The New Zealand Clinical Principles Framework for ADHD,
- The Australian Evidence Based Clinical Practice
Guideline For Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder, (ADHD),
- The Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA),
to assist with non-pharmacological clinical treatment of
ADHD.
​​​
Providing referrals to other social services or community groups that can also support you on your way.
​​
I​ am aware of my responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and work for equitable outcomes for Maori health and wellbeing.
