Arlene Conway

The reality is that everyone struggles at some time, everyone needs help at some time because life gets messy and it gets complicated. It takes courage to face your life as it is, not as you would like it to be. I help adults and couples cope with difficulties and strengthen their relationships.

I offer therapeutic and psychological help for many situations including difficulties in:

• relationships
• stress and fatigue
• managing anxiety and/or depression
• coping with trauma and/or loss
• sustaining lifestyle changes
• resolving conflict
• I have a specific interest in strengthening couple relationships especially during difficult times such as a breach of trust and/or transition to parenting.

Couple Counselling

For couple counselling, I prefer Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) because it is based on attachment theory, one of the most researched psychological theories* that explains why strong emotional bonds with a significant other is vital to health and happiness. It is experiential (meaning you get to talk to each other not just listen to me), humanistic (I look at the situation through the eyes of each partner not my own) and acknowledges the dynamic role of the couple system (meaning it’s not just about each of you but also about the interaction between you).

* including my own thesis on attachment styles and attitudes towards parenting

Maternal Health & Parenthood

I have a special interest in maternal health and adjusting to parenthood including helping expectant and new parents cope with stress, anxiety, insomnia, post-natal depression, and relationship conflict. In these areas I take a wellness approach which looks at the whole person in the context of their situation, lifestyle behaviours, beliefs and social support.

Therapeutic Methods

I choose processes grounded in science that are collaborative and focus on an individual’s strengths. I use a range of therapeutic skills learned from evidence based approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy,  Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).

I help clients understand their big picture while at the same time explore important details that can often lead to deep personal insights and motivation for change.

My Approach

Having an open, empathetic relationship between therapist and client(s) is critical to making progress together. If you have time, please take 3 minutes to view this video Empathy vs Sympathy by Brene Brown it really gets to the heart of what empathy means and why it is important. Exploring the client/therapist “fit” before going too far down the track can be a good approach. If you are unsure whether seeing a Psychologist is the right thing for you and you would like to find out more then please book an introductory 30 minute session.

My preference is for strength based approaches that draw on your past successes, tap into your motivations for change and help you identify personal, meaningful goals that are doable.

About Me

I have been involved in assessing and contributing to recommendations that have enhanced the well-being and quality of life of New Zealanders for the past 20 years. During this time I have worked for research agencies, sport organisations, health services, counselling services and a corporate psychology company.

My research background is invaluable in identifying valid, scientific findings that I integrate into my therapeutic approach. I am currently working in private practice and serve as Chair of the Wellington Branch of the NZ Psychological Society.

My personal life experience encompasses bringing up my son as a single teenage mother, raising my daughter together with my husband of 20 years and enjoying being a grandparent.