Jo Orchard Educational and Developmental Psychologist 

Jo is a registered Educational and Developmental Psychologist with over 14 years of experience working alongside children, young people, whānau and the professionals who support them. She is passionate about helping children and young people flourish by building strong relationships and creating safe, supportive spaces where strengths are recognised and challenges are understood.

Jo works with children and adolescents experiencing a range of social, emotional, behavioural and learning challenges, including anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, neurodevelopmental differences, and the impacts of stress, trauma and change.

She also provides comprehensive psychological and educational assessments to help families and schools better understand a child’s learning, development and wellbeing. Her assessment work aims to provide clear and meaningful insights, together with practical recommendations that can support children across home and school.

Jo’s practice is grounded in evidence-based, neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed approaches. She believes that behaviour is a form of communication and seeks to understand each child’s experiences within the context of their relationships, developmental stage and environment. She works alongside children, whānau, educators and other professionals to develop individualised supports that build confidence, resilience and participation.

Jo understands that finding the right support can sometimes feel daunting. She aims to make the process welcoming and collaborative, helping families feel informed and supported throughout. Her goal is to provide insights that deepen understanding while also translating into practical strategies that make a genuine difference in everyday life.

At The Child Psychology Service, Jo provides both in-person and online support, providing families with flexibility in how they access her services.