Services
We offer assessment and therapy for children, teens and adults for a variety of issues including:
- Anxiety difficulties/disorder
- Mood difficulties/disorders
- Perinatal and postnatal distress and mental health issues
- Adjustment to life stages and difficult circumstances
- Grief and loss
- Stress and burnout
- Trauma and PTSD
- Neurodivergence e.g. ADHD and ASD
Therapy Approaches
Client-Centred Therapy
Eye Momevement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
Mindfulness
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Schema therapy
Strength based therapy
Compassion focused therapy
Fees
Initial Assessment Session with Dr Missy Wolfman (Senior Clinical Psychologist) or Sam Patel (Senior Psychologist)
$395
- GST Inclusive
- 80 minutes
- $250 (incl GST) for 50 minute therapy sessions
ADHD Assessment (Children & Adult)
$1650 (incl GST)
- Initial Assessment Session (80 minutes)
- Developmental History Session (50 minutes)
- Psychometric Questionnaires
- Feedback Session (50 minutes)
- ADHD Assessment Report with Recommendations and Resources
- Psychiatrist or Pediatrician Referral for medication if needed
ASD Assessment (Children & Adult)
$1800 (incl GST)
- Initial Assessment Session (80 minutes)
- Developmental History Session (50 minutes)
- Psychometric Questionnaires
- Feedback Session (50 minutes)
- ASD Assessment Report with Recommendations and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions for initial assessment and therapy (not for ADHD or ASD assessment)
What do you treat?
We offer specialised assessment for ADHD and ASD, as well as psychological assessment and therapy for a variety of issues such as:
- anxiety
- depression
- workplace issues
- trauma and PTSD
- social anxiety
- relationship issues
- parenting
- life changes and transitions
- identity
- grief
- feeling stuck
- stress
- work-life balance
- motivation and purpose
- Coping issues
- Burnout
- Acceptance
What do you not treat?
Due to our limited availability we are not able to see clients who are presenting with:
- Severe level of mental health symptoms
- High risk of harm to self and/or others
- Borderline personality traits or disorder
- Eating disorders
- Bipolar
- Schizophrenia or Psychosis related presentations
Please note we are not psychiatrists, we are not able to prescribe medication. If you need medication e.g. after we diagnose you with ADHD, we will refer you to private pediatrician or psychiatrist.
What treatment approaches do you use?
We always offer individualised treatment to our clients depending on their presenting problems, their goals for therapy, and what we believe will be helpful for them. All our psychologists are trained in evidence based treatments such as CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, and EMDR (currently only Dr Missy Wolfman offers EMDR).
Please note we are not psychiatrists, we are not able to prescribe medication. If you need medication e.g. after we diagnose you with ADHD, we will refer you to private pediatrician or psychiatrist.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) ?
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
What is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy?
EMDR is a type of psychological therapy where we use bilateral stimulation (usually with eye movements) to reprocess distressing or disturbing memories. It’s an evidence-based treatment for trauma and PTSD.
I’ve never done therapy before/seen a mental health professional, what shall I expect?
Well done on taking the first step! It’s a big step to get support for your mental health and we’re glad you’re here reading this.
Therapy involves 2 steps – the first is the initial assessment appointment (80 minutes) and then we do therapy sessions (50 minutes).
Assessment is the first appointment (80 minutes) when I ask about what is currently going on for you, your current difficulties and what you would like help with, and your history. At the end of the assessment session, we will develop an individualized treatment plan and goals of therapy.
Psychological therapy involves learning about your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and typical patterns in your life that may be contributing to your difficulties. Psychological therapy also involves learning about strategies and techniques that may help change the unhelpful patterns in your life. These strategies can include mindfulness, self-compassion, recognising and acknowledging your feelings, distress tolerance and many more.
Psychological Therapy is more effective if you practice these strategies between sessions. Think of psychological therapy like engaging in physiotherapy or other physical health rehabilitation – you need to practice the strategies learned in the sessions everyday in order to recover and improve your mental health.
Please note we are not psychiatrists, we are not able to prescribe medication. If you need medication e.g. after we diagnose you with ADHD, we will refer you to private pediatrician or psychiatrist.
How long are each sessions?
Initial assessment session is 80 minutes.
Psychological therapy session is 50 minutes.
How many sessions will I need and how often will I need to attend?
This depends on your need and we will discuss this at the end of the initial assesment appointment.
Cost, payment, location and scheduling an appointment
How much do sessions cost?
Initial Assessment session costs $360 (including GST) and subsequent therapy sessions costs $230 (including GST).
Initial Assessment with Dr Missy Wolfman (Senior Clinical Psychologist) or Sam Patel (Senior Psychologist) session costs $395 (including GST) and subsequent therapy sessions costs $250 (including GST).
Please email to inquire about ADHD or ASD assessment package – missy@empowerment-psychology.com. Alternatively please fill out the new client inquiry form.
How do I pay and when do I need to pay?
Payment is required upon booking your appointment.
If payment has not been received prior to the appointment, the appointment will be cancelled.
An invoice will be emailed to you after booking. You can pay by bank transfer or by credit card online. Please note, if you choose to pay by credit card, a processing fee of 2.9% + $0.30 will apply.
Do I need a referral to see you?
No, you can self-refer. If you are looking for an ADHD or ASD assessment you also do not need a referral.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Please inquire first to make sure that we are the best psychologist for your need. You can email at missy@empowerment-psychology.com or fill out the new client form.
Where is your clinic?
Our clinic is at 80 College Hill, Freemans Bay.
Our clinic is conveniently located right by the bus stop so it is very accessible by public transport, as well as by walking and cycling. To find out how to get to our private practice by these modes, you can use google maps, or the Auckland Transport Journey Planner.
Street parking is available on College Hill or other side streets (e.g. Margaret Street).
What if I need to reschedule or cancel a session?
Please give us as much notice as possible if you need to reschedule a session.
If you cancel less than 24 hours, you will not be refunded the payment for the appointment.
What financial support is available?
If you have Southern Cross and psychology cover with them they will cover $150 per session for 4 sessions per policy year (total of $600) or for some policy up to $1500 per annum. Please inquire with Southern Cross or ask us to check if you have this funding.
You may receive a disability allowance from WINZ with approval from your GP which can give you a weekly amount to help with cost of treatment.
Depending on your employer, you may have sessions funded through EAP providers such as Clearhead.
Dr Missy Wolfman is a registered provider for Victim Support Services, however, you will need to be referred by Victim Support to receive the fully funded sessions (up to 30 sessions).
Can I bring a support person?
You have a right to bring a support person and you are always welcome to. However, please let your psychologist know so they can prepare.
