Services

I 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
  • Neurodiversity e.g. ADHD and ASD 
Dr Missy Wolfman

Testimonial from a therapy client

Mum holding a toddler

“As a busy mum of two toddlers I was struggling to adjust with the huge changes that motherhood brought to my life and my anxiety was controlling me. Missy helped me to really understand those changes and work on managing my anxiety better. She had some wonderful tools and tips for both my anxiety and parenting. I found her super relatable being a mother herself and she made me feel comfortable from the very first session. “ 

Sophie – mum of two 

Therapy Approaches

Client-Centred Therapy

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy

Mindfulness

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy

Strength based therapy

Compassion focused therapy

Fees

Initial Assessment session

$330

  • GST Inclusive
  • 80 Minutes
Inquire

Therapy Session

$220

  • GST Inclusive
  • 50 Minutes
Inquire

EMDR Therapy Session

$250

  • GST Inclusive
  • 80 minutes
Inquire

ADHD Assessment (Children & Adult)

Please Inquire

  • Price and the number of sessions required for assessment depend on the complexity of the presentation
Inquire

ASD Assessment (Adult only)

Please Inquire

  • Price and the number of sessions required for assessment depend on the complexity of the presentation
Inquire

Testimonial from an ADHD assessment client

“I would like to thank Dr Missy Wolfman , from Empowerment Psychology for making my journey of discovery, easy and without the associated anxiety that can accompany this type of inspection. Her easy way made me very comfortable and her diagnosis of my ADHD at 61 year old is quite a revelation. I have no hesitation, in the slightest, of recommending Dr Wolfman.”

– David

Old man sitting on bench

Testimonial from an ASD assessment client

Looking away woman up a mountain

“Missy was very responsive, transparent, and informative during the entire process. Her calm attitude made it very easy for me to open up and to be myself during the ASD assessment. It was especially reassuring to know that Missy was experienced with Autism in women and how it presented differently. I felt very comfortable during the appointments and I would definitely recommend Missy to anyone looking for an ASD assessment” – 23 year old woman

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mum holding baby

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you treat?

I 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 my limited availability I am 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
What treatment approaches do you use?
I am trained in the following evidence-based treatment approaches – Cognitive, Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. I always offer individualised treatment to my clients depending on their presenting problems, their goals for therapy, and what I believe will be helpful for them. 
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) ?
CBT is a type of psychological therapy where you learn the link between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Therapy then focuses on changing your relationship with your thoughts and start changing your behaviour, to change the unhelpful pattern in your life. 
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)? 
ACT is a type of psychological therapy where you learn to be aware and distance yourself from your distressing thoughts, and accepting your emotions,  so you have more control of your behaviour – and thus changing the unhelpful pattern in your life and start working towards a rich and fulfilling life that aligns with your values. 
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 I’m glad you’re here reading this. 

Therapy involves 2 steps – the first is the initial assessment appointment (80 minutes) an 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.

How long are each sessions?

Initial assessment session is 80 minutes. 

Psychological therapy session is 50 minutes. 

However, EMDR therapy session is 80 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 $330 (including GST) and subsequent therapy sessions costs $220 (including GST). EMDR session 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?

After each session you will receive an invoice, and you can pay by bank transfer or you can pay by credit card online. However there is a processing fee of 2.9% +$0.30 if you are paying by credit card. 

Payment will need to be done within 7 days of appointment. You will receive an invoice via email for the appointment. 

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 I am the best clinician for your need. You can email me at missy@empowerment-psychology.com or fill out the new client form. 

Where is your clinic?

I see clients online or in-person at 80 College Hill, Freemans Bay. 

My 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 my private practice by these modes, you can use google maps, or the Auckland Transport Journey Planner. 

Street parking available on College Hill or other side streets (e.g. Margaret Street). 

 

What if I need to reschedule or cancel a session?

Please give me as much notice as possible if you need to reschedule a session.

If you cancel less than  24 hours, you will be charged the full session fee.

What financial support is available?

I am a Southern Cross easy-claim provider. If you have Southern Cross and clinical psychology cover with them they will cover $150 per session for 4 sessions per policy year (total of $600). 

I can also provide fully funded sessions via Medical Protection Insurance (six sessions per annum) if you are a health professional and have indemnity insurance with them. 

I am also a registered provider for Victim Support Services, however you will need to be referred by Victim Support to me to receive the fully funded sessions (up to 30 sessions). 

I am also a registered provider for ACC sensitive claims therapy. 

Depending on your employer, you may have sessions funded through Clearhead scheme. 

You may receive disability allowance from WINZ with approval from your GP which can give you a weekly amount to help with cost of treatment.