Sandra Buchanan

About Me

I am Otago born and bred, but lived in the UK for many years where I was very strongly involved in issues of politics and social justice. Such issues are still very important to me, in both my personal life and in my work.

I worked in many areas before becoming a psychotherapist. It was my own personal experience of being in therapy, and how that helped me make major changes in my life, that stimulated my want to pursue this career. I was and am motivated to try to help others to do the same. I believe it is never too late to try to have a fulfilled and contented life – or at least a life with more sense of fulfilment and contentment.

I have now been training and working as a psychotherapist for over 15 years, my primary training having been at The Ashburn Clinic in Dunedin.  I enjoy and value the benefits of shorter-term therapy and, at present, am able to offer up to 15 sessions of focused work . My areas of expertise and interest include depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, and addictions. I am also experienced at working with sexual trauma, both adult and historic childhood abuse, and am registered with ACC for this work (though am not taking on new ACC referrals at present).

I have an interest in working bi-culturally, and have studied Te Reo Maori for some years.

Supervision

I provide clinical and occupational supervision, to those in the psychological fields and in other areas, where oversight and discussion of work is helpful for good work practice. Further information on how supervision can help you at work, can be provided.

Practice Hours

Tuesday to Thursday

10.00 – 6.00

and Friday mornings, 10 – 1 pm

 

Duration and Cost

The sessions are 50 minutes long. My fee is $100.

Cancellation Policy

I require two working days’ notice of any cancellation.

Accepted by Insurers

Registered with ACC for Sensitive Claims work, if eligible (but not accepting new ACC referrals at present).

Registered with various Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providers, if eligible.

Registered with Victim Support, if eligible.

Disability Allowance under WINZ may be available, if eligible, to contribute towards counselling costs.

Some health insurers will fund psychotherapy – please check with your insurer.

Formal Qualifications

BSc (Hons) Biochemistry (Kings College London, UK)
MA Communications in Computing (Middlesex University, UK)
Certificate in Psychotherapy (Ashburn Clinic training programme)
Diploma for Graduates in te Reo Māori (part-completed, University of Otago)

Other Training or Experience

Certificate of Advanced Clinical Practice (New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists)

Statutory Registrations

Registered with Psychotherapy Board of Aotearoa New Zealand

Memberships of Professional Organisations

New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists