Meet the Empowerment Psychology Team

Dr Wolfman — Senior Clinical Psychologist & Director (She/Her)

Kia ora! I’m a compassionate and experienced clinical psychologist dedicated to supporting individuals through their unique mental health journeys. With nearly two decades of professional experience and over 10 years of specialized training, I bring a depth of expertise and understanding to my practice.

My Specialties

  • Neurodevelopmental Support: I specialize in working with neurodivergent individuals, offering comprehensive assessments and support for ADHD and Autism

  • Trauma Recovery: Utilizing EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), I help clients process and heal from PTSD and complex trauma

  • Parent and Maternal Mental Health: I’m passionate about supporting mothers and parents through their challenges

Professional Background

Throughout my career, I’ve worked across diverse and challenging settings, including:

  • Lead Psychologist in a Neurodevelopmental Team at Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

  • Clinical roles in:

    • Private Practice

    • Child, Youth & Family’s Secure Care & Protection

    • Youth Justice Residences

    • High Security Prison

    • Community Mental Health Services (Waitemata DHB)

My Approach

I bring a holistic, evidence-based approach to therapy. Trained in advanced assessment techniques like the ADOS-2, I’m committed to providing thorough, compassionate, and personalized care. My goal is to help you understand yourself, heal from past experiences, and develop strategies to thrive.

Clinical Supervision

In addition to my clinical work, I offer professional clinical supervision both in-person and online, supporting fellow mental health professionals in their practice.

qualifications

PhD in Psychology

Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Health Science Conjoint

Dana Lee (She/Her; Registered Counselling Psychologist)

I was born in Seoul, Korea and moved to New Zealand with my family when I was six years old. I now live with my husband on the North Shore. I am a Counselling Psychologist, registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board. I have seven years of clinical experience as a psychologist working with children, adolescents, adults and families. I am also experienced in working with Māori, Pasifika, Asian and NZ European clients.  I led the ASD pathway in my previous role at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (Te Whatu Ora) on the North Shore.
I provide clinical supervision and evidence-based therapy in my private practice.
Languages:
 English. 
Availability:
Online or in-person assessment in Northcote, North Shore
Client types: Children and adults for ADHD and ASD assessment only

Qualifications

Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology
Master of Health Science (Honours) Psychology
Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) Psychology

Ria Tsai (She/Her; Registered Counselling Psychologist)

I am a registered Counselling Psychologist and I have been practicing since 2015. I am passionate about working with neurodiversity, as well as general mental health issues including depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, sexuality and relationship difficulties. I support my clients by providing them with new insight, knowledge and practical skills to address their problems. My therapy goals focus on reducing my client’s distress, improving their life functioning and bringing out their strengths. I am trained in ACT, CBT, DBT and trauma-informed therapy. 
 
Languages: 
Mandarin and English
Availability: 
Ria is currently on maternity leave

Qualifications

Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology
Master of Health Science (honours)
Bachelor of Health Science (honours)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology

Jenny Parsons (She/Her; Registered Psychologist)

I am a registered Psychologist with a health coaching and Health Psychology background. Working in primary mental health care and private practice, I have experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health presentations including anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and managing chronic health conditions.
At Empowerment Psychology, I offer ADHD assessments and therapeutic support for clients aged 18 and older. I provide comprehensive assessments and interventions tailored to client’s individual needs.
I take a holistic and strengths-based approach in my therapy practice, drawing on my knowledge of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness. I aim to create a collaborative space where people feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions, helping clients to develop skills that can support them in effectively navigating life’s challenges.
Language:
 English. 
Availability:
Wednesday- Online only
Friday – In-person at 80 College Hill or online
Client types: Adults only for mental health assessment and therapy, and  ADHD assessment

qualifications

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice
Master of Science in Health Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Educational Psychology.

Sam Patel (She/Her; Senior Psychologist)

Kia ora, I’m Sam, an experienced registered Psychologist of over 25 years (Senior Psychologist, and worked in a variety of roles including leadership, consulting, and training / supervisory.
I take a holistic approach to working with clients; integrating the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual parts of self into sessions, whilst ensuring each session responds to the unique needs of the individual and / their whānau.
As a queer, south Asian female I draw upon my lived experience, and appreciate the role of intersectionality in wellbeing. I offer services from a lens that is inclusive and culturally informed, whilst drawing on a range of approaches and theories. Aligned with this I provide a Person-Centred approach with a focus on respecting clients’ fluid identities and cultural backgrounds. I also draw upon Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Mindfulness, where appropriate.
With my extensive experience of working with organisations and leaders I also specialise in working with work place issues.
I also provide ADHD assessments / profiles and ADHD coaching, specialising in working with adult women.
Languages:
Gujarati and English. 
Availability:
Monday- Online only
Tuesday 9 AM – 2 PM: In-person at 80 College Hill
Wednesday: Takapuna
Thursdays: Online only
Client types: Adults only for mental health assessment and therapy, and  ADHD assessment

qualifications

Postgraduate Certificate, Cross Cultural Therapy
Master of Science, Criminological Psychology
Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Nadjela Salimi (She/Her; Registered Clinical Psychologist)

I am a clinical psychologist with a warm, down-to-earth style and a passion for evidence-based, client-led care. My clinical focus is neurodivergence, particularly ADHD and Autism assessments for children, adolescents, and adults—and the treatment of OCD and anxiety‐related conditions. I draw on CBT, ERP, ACT, and trauma-informed approaches, tailoring each intervention to the goals and values of my clients. I also enjoy supporting parents as they navigate the challenges of family life. I hope to bring a culturally curious lens to every session and strive to create an inclusive, judgment-free therapeutic space. Colleagues and clients would describe me as warm, reflective, and strengths-focused.
Languages:
English, Swedish, Russian and French (for assessment). English and Swedish (for therapy). 
Availability:
Tuesdays: 6.30-8.30 PM (Online only)
Thursdays: 6.30-8.30 PM (Online only)
Saturdays: ADHD and ASD assessment at 80 College Hill
Client types: Children and adults for mental health assessment and therapy, and ASD, ADHD assessment

qualifications

Master of Science (Clinical Psychology) – Uppsala University, Sweden

Jade Fersterer (She/Her; Registered Educational Psychologist)

I am a registered Psychologist, specialising in Educational and Developmental Psychology. For the past 6 years, I have worked primarily with neurodivergent children and adults, with a focus on understanding their needs and building capacity within the environments that support them. Prior to this, I gained experience administering educational assessments and providing feedback to children and families, as well as supporting the provision of specialised services contributing to students’ engagement and wellbeing in the school setting. I feel passionate about working with people to create the conditions for them to flourish and realise their full potential.
Language:
English
Availability:
Tuesdays: In-person at 80 College Hill 
Client types: Children and adults for educational/learning assessment only 

qualifications

Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology, Monash University, Australia

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Griffith University, Australia

Heba Mortaja (She/Her; Registered Psychologist)

I am a registered psychologist with experience working with both children and adults across a range of presentations. My experience includes supporting neurodivergent clients, particularly individuals with ADHD, ASD, and FASD, as well as clients presenting with mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation challenges. I am primarily trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and draw on this evidence-based approach to support clients in developing practical skills, increasing self-understanding, and working towards meaningful and achievable goals. I take a collaborative and client-centred approach, and am committed to creating a safe space that is responsive to each client’s unique needs, strengths, and goals. My experience also includes working with individuals from diverse backgrounds to provide culturally responsive care. 
Languages:
English and Arabic 
Availability:
Mondays: Kristin School (Morning only)
Tuesdays: In-person at 80 College Hill or online
Thursdays:  In-person at 80 College Hill or online
Fridays: In-person at 80 College Hill or online
Client types:
Children and adults for mental health assessment and therapy, and ASD, ADHD assessment

qualifications

 Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Practice – Massey University

Master of Science, Majoring in Psychology with First Class Honours – University of Auckland

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology with Distinction – University of Auckland

Bachelor of Science in Psychology – University of Auckland

Dr Jane Cha (Registered Health Psychologist)

I am a registered psychologist with a specialisation in Health Psychology. I have experience across both public and private sectors, working with adults experiencing a range of physical and mental health challenges, including within cancer, pain, and broader health contexts. I commonly support clients with grief, anxiety, depression, stress, perfectionism, burnout, and life transitions.
My approach is collaborative and compassionate, and guided by each person’s unique experiences and values. I draw on evidence-based approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and self-compassion strategies. My clinical work is also informed by my academic research. I hold a PhD in Health Psychology, with a research focus on self-compassion, values, and well-being.
I aim to provide a warm, supportive, and non-judgemental space where individuals can explore their experiences and work towards meaningful change in their lives.
Languages: English and Korean
Availability: Tuesdays and Fridays- In-person or online.
Client types: Adults only

qualifications

PhD in Health Psychology, University of Auckland

Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology, University of Auckland

Master of Health Psychology (First Class Honours), University of Auckland

Bachelor of Arts, University of Auckland

Ruby Freeman (Registered Counselling Psychologist)

Kia ora! 
I am a registered Counselling Psychologist with several years of experience, primarily in child, youth, and family private practice. I provide a warm and approachable environment where children, adolescents, adults, and families can explore concerns such as anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depression, neurodiversity, relationship dynamics, and life transitions.
I take a strengths-based, client-centred approach and am committed to creating a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their experiences. My work is grounded in a collaborative and contextual understanding of wellbeing, recognising the influence of societal, cultural, familial, and spiritual factors on mental health. I work alongside clients to develop a shared understanding of their challenges and strengths, and to build practical, compassionate, and effective strategies for lasting change.
I draw on evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), tailoring my work to the unique needs of each individual and their wider context. I am also trained in the assessment and diagnosis of ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders, using neuropsychological assessment tools alongside specialised clinical interviewing and observation schedules.
As a Third Culture Kid, having lived in Kenya, America, and New Zealand, I value working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. I bring a culturally responsive and inclusive lens to my work and I am committed to building strong, collaborative relationships with clients and their families/whānau.Clients often describe me as as calm, warm, and practical, and I value creating a space where people feel both supported and empowered to make meaningful change.
Languages: English 
Availability: Mondays,  In-person or online.
Client types: Children and adults, assessment for ADHD, Autism, AuDHD and psychological therapy

qualifications

Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology

Master of Science in Psychology (Honours)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Postgraduate Certificate in Health Science

Postgraduate Certificate in Arts

Mattias Kvarnfors (Registered Senior Clinical Psychologist)

I am a registered clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I have extensive experience conducting neuropsychological assessments, particularly ADHD and autism assessments, as well as supporting clients with anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and everyday functioning.

I value a collaborative and strengths-based approach in my clinical work. In addition to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), I have extensive training in Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

Languages: English and Swedish
Availability: June and July telehealth appointment only, Mon, Thu & Friday 6-8 PM. From August, Wednesdays and Saturdays in-person. 
Client types: Children and adults, assessment for ADHD, Autism, AuDHD and psychological therapy

qualifications

Master of Science in Psychology – Uppsala University, Sweden

David Setiawan (Registered Educational Psychologist)

Kia ora, I’m David, a New Zealand registered psychologist with a specialist scope in Educational and Developmental Psychology. Originally from Indonesia and now based in Aotearoa New Zealand for over a decade, I have spent much of my career working alongside neurodivergent people across a range of settings.
In my practice, I work with children, adolescents, and adults, and regularly provide consultation to parents and other professionals when a collaborative approach is helpful. I also enjoy working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Together, we may work on a range of areas like emotional regulation, anxiety and stress, executive functioning, understanding behaviour, and navigating neurodivergence, including autism and ADHD. I am also experienced in cognitive and behavioural assessments, including assessment and diagnosis of intellectual disability.

As a psychologist, I aim to create a space that feels safe and respectful, grounded in a compassionate, neuroaffirming, and trauma-informed approach. I draw on evidence-based therapies while taking the time to understand each person’s needs and context. I feel privileged when people tell me that our work together has helped them better understand themselves, feel empowered, and develop practical strategies for the life they want to live.

Outside of work, I’m a passionate dancer and value movement as an important source of wellbeing and self-expression.

Languages: English and Indonesian
Availability: Saturdays in-person or telehealth
Client types: Children and adults

qualifications

Postgraduate Diploma in Educational and Developmental Psychology (Distinction)
 
Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology (First Class)
 
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in Psychology (Distinction)
 
Diploma in Dance Therapy
 
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Summa Cumlaude)

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