Frequently Asked Questions

All of the psychologists here at The Child Psychology Service are registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board and hold a current practising certificate. This means we are bound to the practising guidance of the New Zealand Psychologists Board as well the New Zealand Psychological Society . We’re also members of the British Psychological Society.

What does this mean to you?  Well it gives you the knowledge that what we do is monitored and your health and safety is protected by the Board to make sure we’re doing all the right things.

Psychologists are experts in all aspects of psychology. Emotional, behavioural and reasoning. We’re skilled at assessment and intervention meaning we are well place to not only work with you and your child but also can provide specific advice and support plans to help you move on.

Only people registered with the Board of Psychologists in New Zealand are allowed to called themselves psychologist.

Psychologists are trained in how to manage a wide range of emotional and behavioural issues that may impact on their life.

Yes. Including the information that your child shares with us.

However, if we feel you or your child are at risk of harm we may have to share information about you or your child. We will always inform you of our intention to do so where possible.

To help us make sure we’re offering you the right help we may share information between us as a team to ensure we are using our collective expertise, and also in supervision. In all cases the people we do discuss your case with are also bound by confidentiality.  

Psychologists can work with children on medication but do not prescribe medication. The support we provides is based on making positive behavioural changes and upskilling.

If we feel there may be a benefit to your child being seen by a professional who does prescribe medication such as a paediatrician or psychiatrist, then we will always discuss this with you first.

We will put together a safety plan when we meet with you to help you manage this, but if you have serious fears regarding your child’s safety or intent to harm themselves, please contact your GP as soon as possible.

Children grow up in family systems and our best work can be done when everyone is on the same page. At our first session we’ll put together a list of people in your family and those who are special to you and your child. We can work with any of these with your permission.

We work with children up to the age of 19 years old. With younger preschool children we tend to undertake an observation at day care or kindy and work with you as parents as you’re your child’s key person of influence. With older school age children we can still take this approach but will also undertake 1:1 sessions with them too.

All of our strategies are based on assessing the root of the issue and thinking about what strengths and resources you, your child and the school have at your disposal. We pride ourselves in being grounded and practical.