Explore Psychology and Wellbeing

Our team of mental health and wellbeing specialists will help you achieve lasting change.

We are committed to working meaningfully with individuals, their whānau/family, and wider support networks to provide high-quality, evidence-based wellbeing and psychological services. Our approach builds on people’s existing strengths and resources, empowering them to achieve positive and lasting change.

Our team of Clinical Psychologists are highly qualified and belong to a New Zealand-registered professional body, ensuring excellence in training, competence, and confidentiality. As registered professionals, our team is extensively trained and experienced in assessing and treating a broad range of mental health challenges across all ages, including tamariki/children, rangatahi/young people, and adults.

We specialize in conducting comprehensive psycho-diagnostic assessments and currently deliver these services across multiple funding providers. Our assessments are timely, culturally responsive, and tailored to individuals with a wide range of often highly complex needs. In addition to assessments, we offer both short- and long-term interventions designed to support a diverse range of clients. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances, ensuring you or your whānau/family member are matched with the most suitable clinician while also guiding you towards potential funding options.

Our services include in-person appointments in the Wellington area, as well as nationwide telehealth options, making high-quality psychological support accessible wherever you are.

 

What we can help with:

  • Managing trauma
  • Anxiety
  • Sexual abuse
  • Depression
  • Loss and grief
  • Relationship issues
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder
  • Work or Job-related stress
  • Self harming behaviours
  • Assessment of Neuropsychological issues
  • Gender identity
  • Concussion screens and treatment
  • Coping/Adjusting to health issues
  • Couples counselling
  • Pain management
  • Training and supervision

 

Assessments available:

  • Neuropsychological Assessment
  • Intellectual disability assessment (ID)
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder assessment (ADHD)

 

For more information, please contact the Psychology & Wellbeing team:

FAQs

Q Danielle Hayward

- Registered Clinical Psychologist
- Member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists (MNZCCP)
- Masters in Science (Psychology)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (Victoria University).

Danielle is based in Wellington and prides herself on building warm and trusting relationships with her clients. Her style aims at establishing a safe and non-judgemental environment in which clients can feel heard and supported. Danielle enjoys working with a range of presenting issues and tries to craft a tailored therapeutic approach for each client she sees. She completes assessments for neurodevelopmental difficulties such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and intellectual disability. She also provides assessments and interventions for individuals with mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and trauma related disorders.

Danielle uses evidence-based modalities in her practice, predominantly employing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) when working with clients.

Danielle is passionate about providing thorough psychological assessments that serve to help clients understand how their current difficulties have developed, and how they are being maintained. These assessments serve as the cornerstone for personalized interventions with clear rationales.

Q Maddie Coad

- Registered Clinical Psychologist
- Masters in Psychology (with Distinction, Victoria University)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (Victoria University)

Maddie started working at Explore at the beginning of 2024 Maddie and is primarily trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) but draws from other modalities to suit her client’s needs. She works across multiple areas, providing therapeutic interventions as well as conducting assessments such as ADHD and intellectual disabilities. She places particular importance on developing a warm, trusting relationship with her clients where they can develop a shared understanding of their difficulties and how best to address them.

Q Molly Fisher

- Registered Clinical Psychologist

Molly has previously worked with children, adolescents and young adults in a public setting. Since starting at Explore in March 2024, Molly has worked primarily with adults for short-term individual therapy.

Molly works across multiple areas, including conducting assessments for ADHD and intellectual disability, as well as providing assessments and therapy for mental health challenges, such as issues with low mood and anxiety. She works part-time into the Piki service, offering psychological support to those aged 18-25 years of age in the Wellington region.

Molly is primarily trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and draws from other modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She places importance on developing an understanding of what might have precipitated a person’s mental health challenges and what the current maintaining factors are so that intervention is targeted and specific to the person. This process is always collaborative and led by the person and their experiences.

Q Romesha Uduwawela

- Intern Clinical Psychologist

Romesha is a third-year Clinical Psychology student at Victoria University of Wellington, currently completing her clinical psychology internship training. She has a strong theoretical foundation in psychological disorders across children, adolescents, and adults, complemented by hands-on experience in psychological assessments, formulation, and evidence-based interventions.

Romesha has worked in clinical settings, providing psychological assessments and interventions for a range of mental health presentations, including neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, mood disorders, and anxiety-related difficulties. She has experience conducting thorough psychological assessments, clinical interviews, risk assessments, and administering psychometric testing.

Romesha primarily utilizes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in her treatment approach and is passionate about fostering strong, trusting therapeutic relationships. She is committed to providing culturally responsive, evidence-based psychological care and strives to create a supportive and empowering therapeutic environment for her clients.

Q Sophie Hedley (she/they)

- Registered Clinical Psychologist
- Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology, Victoria University)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (Victoria University)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours, Psychology, Victoria University)
- Bachelor of Science (Psychology & Classical Studies, Victoria University)

Sophie (she/they) is a clinical psychologist with a background in cognitive psychology. She completed her training in 2020 and has since worked primarily in adult mental health and addiction. Sophie specializes in evidence-based cognitive behavioural therapies to support individuals facing a wide range of mental health challenges. She also has a strong interest in neuropsychological assessments for both young people and adults.

Beyond her clinical work, Sophie is passionate about teaching and research. Her PhD thesis at Victoria University explored how the brain contributes to creativity. She has also supervised clinicians completing the University of Otago’s Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Sophie is dedicated to supporting diverse communities, with a particular focus on the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. She upholds the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and ensures her practice is culturally responsive and inclusive. She values the importance of understanding different cultural backgrounds and making therapy accessible to all. From 2023 to 2024, Sophie travelled the world, deepening her understanding of different cultures and approaches to well-being. She now brings this enriched perspective to her current role.

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