About me

Kia ora, my name is Rowan. I was born in the UK and moved to NZ as a teenager with my family. I went to school in South Canterbury – which I still think of as home. After leaving school I worked as an outdoor instructor, and then in emergency services for around ten years, including as a frontline EMT with Hato Hone St John, Wellington Free Ambulance, and in research/advisory roles within Police. I trained as a Clinical Psychologist at Victoria University, Wellington, and continue to maintain a strong interest in supporting emergency services personnel through specialist trauma and wellbeing contracts.​

After completing my training, I worked in the disability sector, providing assessment and support for people of all ages with neurodiversity conditions and disabilities. I then worked as a Senior Psychologist for Te Whatu Ora in adult community mental health teams at Hillmorton Hospital, much of which was as a rural psychologist. Growing up in a multigenerational farming family has given me insight into some of the unique challenges faced by rural communities. I currently work as a Clinical Educator at the University of Canterbury, where I teach and supervise new generations of clinical psychologists, alongside my private clinical practice.​

My areas of clinical interest include trauma, dissociation, stress and resilience, grief and adjustment, rural mental health, and neurodiversity. I have particular expertise supporting rural communities and emergency services personnel, drawing on my own background in these settings.​

I provide evidence-based psychological assessments and therapy for adults across a range of difficulties. I have training and experience in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Metacognitive Therapy (MCT) – all of which I am happy to talk about and explain.

My services

Therapy and assessment

I offer assessment for a range of difficulties people may experience. One of my favourite parts of my job is working with people to develop a better understanding of their thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and any other experiences they have. It can also help create a better understand of the environments and situations we find ourselves in. As a psychologist I can also provide formal diagnoses where appropriate.

I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches to help people develop additional skills and strategies to manage their difficulties, and improve their quality of life. Therapy is a personalised process, and the specific techniques and duration of therapy will vary for each person based on their unique needs and circumstances. This is something that we typically discuss in our initial meeting. I have training and experience using CBT, ACT, EMDR, PBS, DBT, and MCT. I also offer ACC Sensitive Claims therapy.

Support for emergency services staff

I maintain contracts with NZ Police and Hato Hone St John. My own experience of having worked in a front-line role in emergency services allows me increased insight in the unique challenges that emergency services personnel face. This can include support for specific events, cumulative stressors, as well as more general support for the impact that this work can have on our overall well-being at work and at home. If you require support, please contact your organisation's well-being representative.

I have experience supervising colleagues from a range of professional backgrounds - including therapy, medical, allied health, and non-clinical roles. I have received training in a few supervision models and try to find an approach that works for you. Please get in touch and we can explore whether it would be a good fit.

Clinical supervision