About
“Wildflowers, I envy them. They’re brave. Seeds cast by the wind to land where they may, they stay and hold against most hot, most cold. They persevered, roots shallow yet fierce and free. They epitomise to me all that I sometimes yearn to be.” — Poem by Julie Andrews
About me
As the founder of Wildflower Psychology, I bring over a decade of diverse mental health experience across both the UK and New Zealand, complemented by six years of rigorous academic training. My professional journey has taken me through multiple therapeutic environments—from addiction rehabilitation and forensic settings to primary care clinics, ACC-contracted services, general practices, and private consultations. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals at every life stage, working effectively with adults, adolescents, children, and whole families to foster meaningful psychological wellbeing.
My journey in mental health has taken me through various roles in both the UK and New Zealand—from supporting people with addiction challenges and working with youth, to collaborating on larger mental health programs and initiatives. I’ve had opportunities to contribute to government-funded projects in both countries, learning valuable lessons about creating accessible mental health support.
Along the way, I’ve developed skills in training and facilitation, including becoming certified to teach suicide intervention techniques (ASIST). Sharing knowledge with other practitioners has been a particularly rewarding aspect of my work.
Throughout my career, I’ve found myself drawn to understanding and supporting women’s wellbeing. This interest led me to seek additional training in areas like psychological trauma and family violence. I’ve been fortunate to contribute to conversations about women’s mental health at various levels, including participating in a UK National Commission examining how violence affects mental wellbeing.
This passion for women’s health led me to co-found Haven Health Collective with Celia Wahnig, a pelvic health physiotherapist. Our vision was to create a collaborative space where women could access integrated physical and psychological care. While I’ve since shifted my primary focus, I still conduct in-person sessions at Haven, maintaining this valuable connection to holistic women’s health services.
More recently, my practice has evolved to specialise predominantly in motherhood support. My training with Dr. Sophie Brock, a motherhood studies sociologist, has deeply influenced how I approach this work. Rather than simply treating individual challenges, I combine psychological expertise with sociological understanding to address the broader systems affecting mothers—including the ‘motherhood penalty,’ structural inequalities, and societal pressures. This integrated approach allows me to support mothers not just as individuals experiencing personal challenges, but as people navigating complex social systems that profoundly impact their wellbeing.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice (Massey University)
- Master of Science, Psychology (First Class Honours), Health Psychology (Massey University)
- BA, Psychology (University of Otago)
- Registered as a ‘Psychologist’ with the New Zealand Psychologists Board
- Member of Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa (PADA)
My Approach
I provide support for people navigating life’s challenges and transitions. My practice centres on attentive listening and understanding your specific circumstances before working together to develop practical strategies. I focus on helping you make sense of your experiences and find ways forward that align with your values and goals. Whether you’re dealing with motherhood challenges, health concerns, or other life difficulties, my aim is to create a space where you feel heard and can gain the clarity needed to move toward the life you want.
I create a warm, non-judgmental environment where you can share your experiences—challenges, vulnerabilities, and successes—at whatever pace feels right for you. Every therapeutic relationship is unique, so I tailor my approach specifically to you and your concerns rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method.
While drawing from various evidence-based practices, I primarily work with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This approach helps you build a meaningful life by developing a new relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings, identifying what truly matters to you, and taking actions aligned with your personal values. Rather than eliminating discomfort (which is a natural part of being human), we focus on responding to life’s challenges with greater flexibility and authenticity.
Our work together typically includes practical exercises and strategies you can apply in everyday situations. These tools help you navigate challenging thoughts, emotions, and circumstances in ways that move you toward your goals and values.
Throughout all my services—whether individual therapy, workshops, or courses—I ground my approach in evidence-based therapeutic models and current scientific research while maintaining a compassionate, person-centred focus.
“Staying vulnerable is a risk we have to take if we want to experience connection” — Brené Brown