Along with assessment and treatment, the Bealey Centre psychological practitioners offer clinical supervision for other health professionals. Our practice offers short and long term psychological therapies for all ages - individuals, couples, families, adolescents and children. Please note we are not currently able to take ACC referrals
Consider psychological help when:
Psychological therapies have been subjected to considerable research. This shows that, when well delivered, they are the most effective (or amongst the most effective) treatments for depression, anxiety problems (e.g. panic, worry, obsessions), various adjustment issues and a range of interpersonal difficulties.
Some of the short and long term therapies our practice offers include:
To practice as a psychologist in New Zealand it is necessary to be registered by the Psychologists Board. It takes a minimum of six years university training to become a clinical psychologist, the same amount of time as a medical degree. A clinical psychologist may provide counselling and psychotherapy but will also draw from rigorous scientific research to ensure that treatments are effective and well matched to what the client needs and wants. Clinical psychologists are more “active” than psychotherapists and counsellors. Most specialise in one or more areas of clinical practice and develop high levels of specific expertise.
Clinical psychologists in New Zealand do not prescribe medication. They have a good understanding of relevant medicines and will be able to identify when you should consult your doctor for medical help and be able to provide advice to your doctor on suitable medication.
Psychiatrists - A psychiatrist has studied medicine first, then gone on to specialise in mental illness. Psychiatrists must be registered as medical practitioners. They often prescribe medications. In practice, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists often work together.
Psychotherapists - In New Zealand, psychotherapy commonly refers to psychological therapies that are based on so-called psychodynamic theories of human behaviour and personality. These theories emphasise the importance of unconscious mental processes, early childhood experiences, and the role of emotions in shaping behaviour.
Counsellors - Counselling, as a professional occupation, arose not from the clinic but from more social settings: it reflects the need for one person to seek out help or advice from another person. Counselling focuses on helping people resolve “normal” problems rather than mental health problems. In New Zealand it has not traditionally been associated with qualifications in psychology, or with any particular form of training, although this is gradually changing.
Coaches - Some people advertise themselves as providers of coaching. Coaching, like counselling, is meant to help “healthy” clients. Instead of helping them solve problems, coaching focuses on helping persons utilise their abilities more effectively than they have previously and is often used in business settings with executives. No license or official registration is needed to practice coaching.