Child Psychologist - Christchurch

Every parent wants their child to feel happy, confident, and supported, but it’s not always easy to know where to turn for help. At Positive Psychology & Psychotherapy, we provide practical, compassionate care tailored to help children and families thrive. Contact us today to connect with our Christchurch-based child psychologist.

meet your child psychologist - Corrina hooper

Child & Family Psychologist Christchurch | Positiverelationships.co.nz

I am someone who believes deeply in the potential of every child and the power of connection to bring about meaningful change. As a warm, approachable, and relational therapist, I pride myself on creating strong relationships, not just with the children I work with, but with their families too.

As part of a family-based team of therapists, I draw on the shared expertise of my colleague to provide comprehensive care tailored to your family’s unique needs. In addition, I will sometimes incorporate animal-assisted therapy into sessions, where my dogs (Bailey & Ellie) and cat (Milo) play an important role in helping children feel calm, safe, and confident. Whether through play, connection with animals, or creative therapies, I focus on sessions that are engaging and tailored to your child’s developmental stage and personality.

What sets me apart as an experienced child psychologist, is the care I take to truly get to know your family and the challenges you’re facing. My goal is to make every session feel purposeful and personal, leaving you and your child feeling supported and hopeful for what’s ahead. You can learn more about me on my About Me page.

Specialised Support for Your Child and Family

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, phobias, 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.

Drawing on my comprehensive training as a child psychologist, as well as specialised training in trauma-focused therapy, imago relationship (couples) therapy, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) therapy, borderline personality disorder (BPD) therapy, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), I am confident that I can provide your family with quality child counselling and psychology.

What to Expect

Every child is unique, and so is every family. That’s why my approach is tailored to the specific needs of your child and the dynamics within your family. When you work with me, you can expect a compassionate and collaborative process where you and your child feel safe, supported, and understood.

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 approach to child therapy focuses first and foremost on building a strong connection with each child, as I believe that 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 a variety of effective therapeutic modalities 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 to 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. Below, you’ll find an overview of the key modalities I use, each offering unique benefits to help your child and family thrive.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based approach to understanding and overcoming challenges like anxiety, depression, and behavioural concerns. When working with children, I make CBT engaging and tailored to their developmental stage. For example, we might explore what anxiety feels like in their body, identify the thoughts that fuel their worries, and practise strategies to manage and shift these patterns. I emphasise teaching children how to face fears gradually and confidently, while celebrating small victories along the way. I also integrate other CBT-based approaches, such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for managing intense emotions, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to explore children’s values and find ways to make positive choices, and mindfulness techniques to boost their self-awareness.

Play Therapy

Play Therapy is an integral part of child therapy, providing a safe and creative space for children to express their feelings and work through challenges using play as their language. Through storytelling, role-playing, and games, children learn to process emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and build confidence in a way that feels natural to them. I also incorporate Sandtray Therapy, where children use sand and miniature figures to safely explore and express thoughts or feelings they may struggle to put into words. Additionally, I use art-based therapy to encourage self-expression through drawing and other creative activities, helping children communicate in ways that feel comfortable and empowering. Parents often find these creative therapies offer meaningful ways to support their child’s progress and emotional well-being.

Family Support

When I work with families, I see each child as part of a larger family ecosystem, where everyone’s interactions and relationships play a role in their emotional wellbeing. My approach focuses on not just the child’s needs, but also the dynamics within the entire family. I am also a certified Imago Relationship Therapist, which allows me to help parents and children strengthen communication and build closer connections within the family. By understanding how these patterns affect your child, we can identify the core issues that may be causing stress or challenges at home. Together, we’ll explore what’s working well in your family and where things might feel stuck or difficult. I provide practical, easy-to-follow strategies to help strengthen relationships, improve communication, and create a more supportive home environment. This might include learning how to navigate conflicts calmly, setting healthy boundaries, or finding new ways to connect as a family. The goal is to empower everyone in your family to feel heard and valued, while giving you tools to work together and support your child in the best way possible. When the whole family grows stronger, your child thrives too.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Child psychologists are highly trained professionals who complete a minimum of seven years of tertiary education to qualify and register with the New Zealand Psychologists Board (NZPB). This ensures they are equipped with a deep understanding of child development, emotional and behavioural challenges, and the impact of a child’s environment.

    In simple terms, a child psychologist helps children and families understand and manage emotional, behavioural, and social challenges. Whether it’s building a child’s confidence, reducing anxiety, or improving family communication, the goal is to provide practical tools and support to help your child thrive.

    As a registered child psychologist, I am bound by the ethical standards and guidelines of the New Zealand Psychologists Board, so you can feel confident knowing that our work prioritises your child’s safety and wellbeing.

  • You might consider seeing a child psychologist if your child is struggling with persistent anxiety, low confidence, behavioural issues, difficulty at school, or changes in mood or social interactions. If you’re unsure, a consultation can provide clarity and support.

  • I work with children, teenagers, and young adults from 6 years old through to 23 years old. I tailor therapy approaches to suit your child’s developmental stage and unique needs.

  • I’m happy to work with families through self-referrals or referrals from GPs, schools, and other healthcare professionals. Simply contact me directly to schedule a session.

  • Yes, sessions are confidential. However, there are exceptions if there are concerns about safety or harm. We discuss confidentiality and its limits during the first session to ensure transparency.

  • You can find our current fees and details about funding assistance on our Fees page. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further information.

  • The length of child therapy varies depending on your child’s needs and goals. Some children benefit from a few sessions to address specific challenges, such as overcoming a phobia, while others may need longer-term support for issues like emotional regulation or family dynamics. After spending some time understanding your child’s situation, we can discuss a plan that feels right for their progress.

  • Finding the right therapist is about building trust and connection. It’s important to choose someone who makes both you and your child feel comfortable and has the skills to support their specific needs. I encourage you to explore my approach and ask any questions to ensure I’m the right fit for your family before booking an appointment.

  • To book an appointment, visit our Contact Us page or send an email. We’ll guide you through the process and find a time that works for your family.

Christchurch Child Counselling & Therapy

Choosing the right support for your child is an important decision, and I’d be honoured to help. Let’s explore how we can work together to support your child’s growth. To find out more or to book an appointment, please send me a message through our Contact Page. I look forward to hearing from you.

“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”
— Carl Jung