Kimberley Sutherland

You have thousands of thoughts a day and most of them are the same as yesterday. Whatever you are going through, your brain has the ability to rewire itself. I can help you think differently, process past loss and break unhelpful habits. Let me show you how.

Areas of Special Interest

• Loss of a child through miscarriage, birth or any developmental stage
• Grief and loss, including loss of a family member
• depersonalisation
• derealisation
• understanding your personality and the cornerstones of resilience and wellbeing

Counselling/Therapy Services

I am trained in a wide range of evidence based therapies which I tailor to your individual needs. These include:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) – EMDR is a leading evidence based treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. EMDR will help you process negative life events that keep you ‘stuck.’ I can help you process the negative beliefs you have attached to a situation. This can result in permanent brain change. EMDR is also effective for processing grief and finding healing during significant loss.
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Through CBT you will learn how to identify, evaluate and challenge unhelpful ways of thinking that keep you stuck. CBT is effective for treating depression and anxiety.
• Schema Therapy – This therapy uncovers early schemas (core beliefs about yourself and the world). These beliefs become your reality. You will gain insight into yourself and learn to break negative patterns of behaviour. Schema therapy is helpful for managing intense emotional states, depression and anxiety.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – ACT involves learning to change your relationship with problematic thoughts and feelings, tolerate distress and get present (mindfulness). ACT is effective for treating depression, anxiety and other psychological problems.

Counselling/Therapy Approach

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is an incredibly important vehicle for change. I genuinely care about the people I see and have a warm, validating approach.

Together, we can explore your early history, significant experiences, thoughts and feelings that explain how you have reached this point. Treatment may involve learning new ways of thinking along with effective strategies to help you manage your difficulties. These techniques can literally reshape your brain.

EMDR Treatment for loss includes processing the moments of realization and raw emotion, along with ‘stuck’ thoughts and beliefs  associated with your loss.  EMDR processing also includes moving from loving in presence to loving in absence through a continuing bond.

Background and Experience

I have over 18 years experience working across a wide range of settings including private practice and several adult Community Mental Health Teams across New Zealand. I currently work at a Consultant level within the CCDHB.

My interest in anxiety states led me to co-create a mobile application to help people manage anxiety and panic. This can be found at calmkeeperapp.com.

I work with a number of individuals, who I see privately, or through organisations such as NZ Police and the Family Court.

I have spoken to several community groups, particularly on the subject of anxiety, managing stress and resilience.

I am trained in grief and mourning, and utilizing EMDR therapy for this.

Supervision Services

I have completed formal supervision training through the CCDHB, where I facilitate group and individual supervision for staff. I regularly attend peer supervision groups and am involved in supervising other Clinical Psychologists.