Clinical Practice
I help people with a variety of difficulties. I most often help people living with depression and anxiety. I can also assist people with relationship and communication difficulties, stress management, eating disorders, psychosis and personality traits which cause difficulties in the persons life.
During my post-graduate study, I trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), the gold-standard psychological therapy. Since graduating in 2004 I trained in other more recent therapy modalities, including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) and most recently Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These newer therapies have developed from CBT and include the concepts and practices of mindfulness. My blog post A brief (and selected) history of psychotherapy reviews these different therapy models in more detail.
During the course of a psychological assessment I am able to select which of these therapies is best suited for the individual in front of me. We then collaboratively work together using a therapy modality to effect change for that person’s life.
Professional development and teaching
I have worked with professionals from many different fields and have a unique understanding of the stressors related to professional fields. I can offer professional development courses for your workplace on the following topics:
- Stress management
- Building resilience
- Maintaining wellness
- Education about mental health and it’s impact on the workplace
These courses follow a workshop format which strongly encourages discussion and participation from staff and aims to provide concrete strategies they can use in their daily life. The workshops are designed in consultation with your workplace to ensure the content is especially relevant for your setting.
I am a Guest Lecturer at the University of Canterbury for post-graduate level clinical psychology courses.
Supervision and mentoring
I am pleased to offer supervision to other clinical psychologists and allied health professionals. I completed training in professional supervision in 2006 and since then I have supervised other clinical psychologists, clinical psychology students and other members of the allied health professions.
I volunteer as a mentor for clinical psychology students at the University of Canterbury.
Fees
Initial Assessment (90 minutes) $330 incl of GST
Follow-up appointments (50 minutes) $220 incl of GST
Professional Supervision appointments (50 minutes) $195.00 incl of GST
Professional Development courses by negotiation
Amanda Baird 