Child and Family Psychologist - Christchurch Wide

I am a Registered Child and Family Psychologist who has experience working with children, adolescents and families who have experienced psychological difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief or loss - some of which may manifest in behavioural difficulties such as aggression, self-harm, school refusal, issues with eating, sleeping, toileting, and separation from caregivers or psychosocial difficulties such as bullying, identity confusion, negative body image, self-esteem issues, and withdrawal.

These difficulties may have been under the surface for a long time, not really becoming a problem until now. When I meet with families, I build a picture of how the associated behaviours have been protective for the child and their family, because while it may not seem like it all the time, children’s behaviours often serve a positive purpose, otherwise they wouldn’t do them.

Children’s behaviour often reflects a learned way of coping with stress at school and home. Therefore, within the family context, it is not just one person who is responsible, it is a shared responsibility between family members. The good thing about that is if just one family member makes positive changes, it affects the whole family and invites other family members to follow, leading to more of the positive connections and behaviours that you want. Ultimately, once we understand the purpose of the behaviour, we can then look to other more positive ways of meeting those needs.

My method for working with children is first and foremost about making a connection. Relationships are the most integral part of making positive and lasting therapeutic change. Once we have established a connection, we begin peeling back the layers that bring the person/family into therapy. I draw on my training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Triple-P Parenting, Imago Relationship Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Brief Therapies to help guide families to achieve their goals inside and outside of the therapeutic environment.

At times it can be hard to ‘speak’ about difficulties, particularly with younger children. In these instances, I use a range of creative art and dynamic play therapy techniques to build relationships, co-regulate emotions, and hold therapeutic conversations. My aim in working with younger children is identify the needs behind their behaviours and facilitate more positive ways they can communicate and meet these needs within their family.

My approach has always been to look at the person in their entirety: their family, community, environment, and all of the unique strengths that they hold within their collective tribe. To find out more or to book an appointment, please send me an email at info@positiverelationships.co.nz or call (03) 421 1926 and leave a detailed message. I also offer animal-assisted therapy sessions with Bailey.

For more information about our services, click here.

Corrina Hooper, PGDipChFamPsyc (University of Canterbury, Christchurch), MSc. with First Class Honours (University of Canterbury, Christchurch).