Dr Chris Bampton

I offer support and psychotherapy to help with difficulties in a wide range of emotional, relationship, and psychiatric problems. My approach is shaped by the changes you would like in your life, paired with my own experience, training and research in psychotherapy.

Areas of Special Interest

• relationships
• low mood or depression
• anxiety
• self-esteem
• compulsive behavior
• difficulties staying in work and work relationships
• problems with children or parenting
• childhood abuse, neglect, or lack of emotional support
• and all general issues

Please note I do not do assessment or treatment for ADHD / ADD.

Counselling/Therapy Services

• What is it you are seeking help with? Maybe this is clear in your mind, maybe not.
• Will therapy help you? In my experience the vast majority of people who seek therapy do find it changes things for the better. I see it as my role to help you get there.
• Do you feel overwhelmed by intense emotions but are unsure where they have come from or why you are having them?
• Are sadness, anxiety, sudden anger, shame and guilt, self-hatred, fear of others (or yourself) a problem?
• Do you find your relationships often seem to become difficult, whether it be romantic, at work or school, family or elsewhere?
  
• Do the people most important to you also cause you the most angst?
• Do you find yourself repeatedly doing things that confuse you or you regret later?

These are a few of the things that psychotherapy is designed to help with. Everyone has a story, therapy is about exploring yours. I will work with you to understand your emotions and behaviours, so you can navigate relationships more smoothly and be more aware of your own vulnerabilities and potential.

I am also registered with ACC to carry out Sensitive Claims and Physical Injury assessments.

Counselling/Therapy Approach

Therapy is shaped as much by the client as the therapist. What you are seeking and what you would like to understand determines what your therapy looks like and what you get out of it. It is sometimes about exploring the past, but equally it is about your life right now – your current relationships and experiences, and how they can be better.

I have training and experience in a number of medium to longer term therapies. I think people’s feelings are important and sometimes sensitive, so there needs to be time and space to work on things.

My approaches include traditional styles such as psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, group therapy and family therapy, as well as contemporary approaches including Mentalisation, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).

Read My Article

Hidden Obstacles to Treatment in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: An Introduction to Intergenerational Trauma
(Originally published in JAACAP Connect)

Background and Experience

I initially trained in psychology, completing my Honours degree in 1997. I then undertook medical training which I finished in 2003 and then specialist psychiatric training.

I have practiced and trained in psychotherapy since 2006 as part of my psychiatric work. I hold advanced certificates in child & adolescent psychiatry as well as adult psychotherapy. In 2015 I took on the role of director of advanced training in psychotherapy for New Zealand, for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.

Alongside my private practice I also work in the public system where I am currently developing and researching a new mode of psychotherapy to help parents help their teenagers with mental health problems.