Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists in Otago
My name is Jess and, together with my therapy dog Odinn, I offer body-based and animal assisted counselling and therapy services. We work with adult clients across the whole wellbeing spectrum: from people who want to get more out of their life, find a deeper sense of self, or connect to their body; to those that have experienced trauma struggling with basic tasks of daily living. Many have found traditional cognition based talk therapy less helpful or do not know yet how to put their experiences into words. No matter your reasons, we are here to create a space in which we can explore where you are, what you want, and what you need.
My name is Jess and, together with my therapy dog Odinn, I offer body-based and animal assisted counselling and therapy services. We work with adult clients across the whole wellbeing spectrum: from people who want to get more out of their life, find a deeper sense of self, or connect to their body; to those that have experienced trauma struggling with basic tasks of daily living. Many have found traditional cognition based talk therapy less helpful or do not know yet how to put their experiences into words. No matter your reasons, we are here to create a space in which we can explore where you are, what you want, and what you need.
Vanishar Jayaprakash
Counsellor, MA, NZAC - Provisional
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Queenstown 9300
Hi, I’m Vani, and I’m here to support you—whether you’re processing the past, navigating the present, or planning for the future. With a background in psychology and counselling, I take a down-to-earth, client-focused approach. My experience includes working with diverse communities, from volunteering with Bluebird Pluho to establishing a counselling unit at an international high school and working in private practice. I support clients through anxiety, depression, burnout, and life transitions, creating a safe space where you can explore, heal, and grow at your own pace.
Hi, I’m Vani, and I’m here to support you—whether you’re processing the past, navigating the present, or planning for the future. With a background in psychology and counselling, I take a down-to-earth, client-focused approach. My experience includes working with diverse communities, from volunteering with Bluebird Pluho to establishing a counselling unit at an international high school and working in private practice. I support clients through anxiety, depression, burnout, and life transitions, creating a safe space where you can explore, heal, and grow at your own pace.
Therapy is a valuable resource for anyone looking to better understand themselves and navigate life’s challenges. I believe that therapy can provide the guidance and support needed to manage everyday stresses, make sense of difficult emotions, and uncover a deeper understanding of yourself. As a Therapist, my approach is to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups as well as those struggling with a wide range of difficulties e.g., trauma, grief, feeling stuck or at a crossroads in your life, disordered eating, depression, anxiety, difficulty in relationships, or sexuality.
Therapy is a valuable resource for anyone looking to better understand themselves and navigate life’s challenges. I believe that therapy can provide the guidance and support needed to manage everyday stresses, make sense of difficult emotions, and uncover a deeper understanding of yourself. As a Therapist, my approach is to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups as well as those struggling with a wide range of difficulties e.g., trauma, grief, feeling stuck or at a crossroads in your life, disordered eating, depression, anxiety, difficulty in relationships, or sexuality.
Hi, I am a registered clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist living and practicing in Nelson, New Zealand. My primary focus is providing psychotherapy. Psychotherapy involves the careful application of techniques that help people change their behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and other personal characteristics in ways that enable them to thrive and cope with the stresses of living. I prefer to work with clients in person but if meeting in person is impossible or impractical, I can provide services online.
Hi, I am a registered clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist living and practicing in Nelson, New Zealand. My primary focus is providing psychotherapy. Psychotherapy involves the careful application of techniques that help people change their behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and other personal characteristics in ways that enable them to thrive and cope with the stresses of living. I prefer to work with clients in person but if meeting in person is impossible or impractical, I can provide services online.
As Bessel van der Kolk notes, trauma is specifically an event that overwhelms the central nervous system, altering the way we process and recall memories. “Trauma is not the story of something that happened back then," he adds. "It's the current imprint of that pain, horror, and fear living inside people.” I am a well-established health professional who has dedicated my professional life working on releasing trauma in a natural, nurturing way, returning my clients to their natural state of wholeness. I call this "The Journey Home". I work from a neuroscience perspective. Harmonizing all aspects of our being Mind, Body and Soul
As Bessel van der Kolk notes, trauma is specifically an event that overwhelms the central nervous system, altering the way we process and recall memories. “Trauma is not the story of something that happened back then," he adds. "It's the current imprint of that pain, horror, and fear living inside people.” I am a well-established health professional who has dedicated my professional life working on releasing trauma in a natural, nurturing way, returning my clients to their natural state of wholeness. I call this "The Journey Home". I work from a neuroscience perspective. Harmonizing all aspects of our being Mind, Body and Soul
Shelley obtained a Doctorate of Psychology and completed post grad work in Nova Scotia Canada in 2010. She is a NZ registered clinical psychologist & served in the role of Clinical Manager of a National DBT Service. DBT is an integration of western and eastern psychological philosophies and along with EMDR and CBT based prolonged exposure, is one of Shelley’s preferred therapeutic models for working with emotional regulation, complex needs and trauma.
Shelley obtained a Doctorate of Psychology and completed post grad work in Nova Scotia Canada in 2010. She is a NZ registered clinical psychologist & served in the role of Clinical Manager of a National DBT Service. DBT is an integration of western and eastern psychological philosophies and along with EMDR and CBT based prolonged exposure, is one of Shelley’s preferred therapeutic models for working with emotional regulation, complex needs and trauma.
Kia ora, I'm Paola. In therapy, change comes in waves and cycles, like with the tides. I provide my clients a safe and professional environment to navigate those therapeutic tides in the smoothest way possible. I bring to the therapeutic process competence, clarity and clinical discernment for the client to be able to dive safely in the deep waters of personal transformation. Clients report that they experience tangible results as enhanced self-esteem and trust, reduced severity of symptoms as anxiety, depression, grief or mental confusion, and the restoring of their capacity for secure, and organized relationships, among others.
Kia ora, I'm Paola. In therapy, change comes in waves and cycles, like with the tides. I provide my clients a safe and professional environment to navigate those therapeutic tides in the smoothest way possible. I bring to the therapeutic process competence, clarity and clinical discernment for the client to be able to dive safely in the deep waters of personal transformation. Clients report that they experience tangible results as enhanced self-esteem and trust, reduced severity of symptoms as anxiety, depression, grief or mental confusion, and the restoring of their capacity for secure, and organized relationships, among others.
Online Therapists
I am a New Zealand Registered Counselling Psychologist, providing therapy for adults in Ponsonby at Resilience Psychology. I have significant experience working with people from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
My aim is to help you improve your awareness, insight, skills and knowledge to manage your challenges and difficult thoughts and feelings and go towards a rich and meaningful life.
Providing a safe, non-judgmental and inclusive space is a priority and I work from a client-centered perspective, making sure that you feel heard, understood and respected.
I am a New Zealand Registered Counselling Psychologist, providing therapy for adults in Ponsonby at Resilience Psychology. I have significant experience working with people from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
My aim is to help you improve your awareness, insight, skills and knowledge to manage your challenges and difficult thoughts and feelings and go towards a rich and meaningful life.
Providing a safe, non-judgmental and inclusive space is a priority and I work from a client-centered perspective, making sure that you feel heard, understood and respected.
I work with people on their healing journey who are over 20yrs who are not finding meaning in their life struggles. It may be despondency, fear, difficulties in relationships, a lack of self-compassion and/or other issues that fuel their troubles. Within the therapeutic relationship we explore what's been previously unheard and unacknowledged to find a place of safety, ease and peace inside and out. Difficult feelings are signals to unmet needs, and together we explore and work through unfinished business and grief to arrive at needs being met, self-acceptance and previously untapped positive energy (prev as a Health Psychologist).
I work with people on their healing journey who are over 20yrs who are not finding meaning in their life struggles. It may be despondency, fear, difficulties in relationships, a lack of self-compassion and/or other issues that fuel their troubles. Within the therapeutic relationship we explore what's been previously unheard and unacknowledged to find a place of safety, ease and peace inside and out. Difficult feelings are signals to unmet needs, and together we explore and work through unfinished business and grief to arrive at needs being met, self-acceptance and previously untapped positive energy (prev as a Health Psychologist).
Melanie believes in the importance of tailoring the psychological therapy process to suit the client’s needs, including respecting the client’s pace, and to provide the client with an impactful experience to facilitate change and improved mental well-being. Melanie regularly attends seminars, workshops, symposiums, trainings, and courses to expand her knowledge and range of expertise to ensure that clients are offered the most up to date, evidenced-based treatment options. She continues to hone her proficiency in EMDR therapy and Ego-State therapy with a focus on addressing the intricate dynamics of trauma and dissociation.
Melanie believes in the importance of tailoring the psychological therapy process to suit the client’s needs, including respecting the client’s pace, and to provide the client with an impactful experience to facilitate change and improved mental well-being. Melanie regularly attends seminars, workshops, symposiums, trainings, and courses to expand her knowledge and range of expertise to ensure that clients are offered the most up to date, evidenced-based treatment options. She continues to hone her proficiency in EMDR therapy and Ego-State therapy with a focus on addressing the intricate dynamics of trauma and dissociation.
I offer integrative therapy which includes EMDR (Memory reprocessing), Traumatic attachment and Inner Child Healing), TCTSY (Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga), and Somatic Approaches (body-oriented). These modalities are evidence-based, effective, and holistic approaches. Your body has an innate ability for physiological and psychological healing. But much like your physical healing, your psychological recovery needs to be supported by the right treatment, that which is effective and empowering. Full recovery from psychological distress or injury is possible and should be available to all of us.
I offer integrative therapy which includes EMDR (Memory reprocessing), Traumatic attachment and Inner Child Healing), TCTSY (Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga), and Somatic Approaches (body-oriented). These modalities are evidence-based, effective, and holistic approaches. Your body has an innate ability for physiological and psychological healing. But much like your physical healing, your psychological recovery needs to be supported by the right treatment, that which is effective and empowering. Full recovery from psychological distress or injury is possible and should be available to all of us.
I am an experienced, professional, empathetic, and down-to-earth registered Integrative Psychotherapist with over 28 years of experience working with a wide range of people, ethnicities, cultures, and life experiences. I specialize in EMDR intensives, which can be conducted in person or online. I am available in Auckland Central, Waiheke Island (New Zealand), and Bali. Alongside EMDR, I offer a broad range of skills and approaches to support healing. If you're seeking focused, compassionate therapy to make lasting change, I invite you to reach out and explore how we can work together.
I am an experienced, professional, empathetic, and down-to-earth registered Integrative Psychotherapist with over 28 years of experience working with a wide range of people, ethnicities, cultures, and life experiences. I specialize in EMDR intensives, which can be conducted in person or online. I am available in Auckland Central, Waiheke Island (New Zealand), and Bali. Alongside EMDR, I offer a broad range of skills and approaches to support healing. If you're seeking focused, compassionate therapy to make lasting change, I invite you to reach out and explore how we can work together.
I have over twenty years experience as a psychotherapist, and offer compassionate and personalised support to people seeking to improve their well-being, and make important changes in their lives. I have worked both in the public sector (Eating Disorders, Segar House: Personality Disorders and Trauma, and Marinoto: Adolescent mental health) and in private practice. Areas of special interest are Anxiety, Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Trauma, Eating Disorders, late adolescent mental health, and Immigration.
I have over twenty years experience as a psychotherapist, and offer compassionate and personalised support to people seeking to improve their well-being, and make important changes in their lives. I have worked both in the public sector (Eating Disorders, Segar House: Personality Disorders and Trauma, and Marinoto: Adolescent mental health) and in private practice. Areas of special interest are Anxiety, Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Trauma, Eating Disorders, late adolescent mental health, and Immigration.
Ideal clients could be suffering from disappointing life experiences, an unfair chance at life and those who are needing awhi, encouragement and support. They can be feeling sad or down, confused, have a reduced ability to concentrate, fearful, mood swings, feelings of guilt, withdrawal, loneliness, tiredness, low energy or have trouble sleeping. Understanding these issues by listening, identifying their needs and determine some goals may help formulate changing circumstances for a better future of growth and prosperity; a balanced life with whānau, friends and work situations.
Ideal clients could be suffering from disappointing life experiences, an unfair chance at life and those who are needing awhi, encouragement and support. They can be feeling sad or down, confused, have a reduced ability to concentrate, fearful, mood swings, feelings of guilt, withdrawal, loneliness, tiredness, low energy or have trouble sleeping. Understanding these issues by listening, identifying their needs and determine some goals may help formulate changing circumstances for a better future of growth and prosperity; a balanced life with whānau, friends and work situations.
I am a Senior Clinical Psychologist and director of Serenity Psychology. I have been practicing for over a decade and have a special interest in ADHD assessment and treatment, couples therapy/ couples counselling anxiety and stress, depression, trauma, bi-polar, sexual challenges, obsessions and compulsions and more. I understand that each individual situation is unique and I treat each case with care and understanding, in order to accurately facilitate compassionate, effective change.
I am a Senior Clinical Psychologist and director of Serenity Psychology. I have been practicing for over a decade and have a special interest in ADHD assessment and treatment, couples therapy/ couples counselling anxiety and stress, depression, trauma, bi-polar, sexual challenges, obsessions and compulsions and more. I understand that each individual situation is unique and I treat each case with care and understanding, in order to accurately facilitate compassionate, effective change.
Clients offer an array of personal difficulties, seeking insight to issues that are consuming their normally functional life. I have treated clients on a wide spectrum of issues, ranging from mental, physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual ailments. As we uncover a client's personal narrative, their initial needs may change, yet the result remains the same, to find a sense of security and hope in their personal life.
Clients offer an array of personal difficulties, seeking insight to issues that are consuming their normally functional life. I have treated clients on a wide spectrum of issues, ranging from mental, physical, emotional, cultural and spiritual ailments. As we uncover a client's personal narrative, their initial needs may change, yet the result remains the same, to find a sense of security and hope in their personal life.
Good on you for reaching out, that’s the first step! The Progress of Counselling is a Professional Imitate Relationship, where we can walk through suffering, depression, grief, whanau breakdowns, parenting issues, together. If you are suffering, struggling and wanting help, reach out and together we can work to make positive changes. No Judgement, Everyone Welcome.
Good on you for reaching out, that’s the first step! The Progress of Counselling is a Professional Imitate Relationship, where we can walk through suffering, depression, grief, whanau breakdowns, parenting issues, together. If you are suffering, struggling and wanting help, reach out and together we can work to make positive changes. No Judgement, Everyone Welcome.
Bernard earned his counselling and clinical supervision qualifications at the University of Waikato and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. He has been a full member of New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) since 2005. Bernard has worked in private practice since 2005 providing counselling and clinical supervision services to individuals, teams and a range of social service agencies in the community. Bernard accepts self-referred clients as well as individuals referred through a range of contracts he has with ACC Sensitive Claims, Family Court, Victim Support, numerous EAP providers and social service agencies.
Bernard earned his counselling and clinical supervision qualifications at the University of Waikato and Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. He has been a full member of New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) since 2005. Bernard has worked in private practice since 2005 providing counselling and clinical supervision services to individuals, teams and a range of social service agencies in the community. Bernard accepts self-referred clients as well as individuals referred through a range of contracts he has with ACC Sensitive Claims, Family Court, Victim Support, numerous EAP providers and social service agencies.
Personal counselling and psychotherapy from a highly trained professional with over 25 years of international experience. Assisting adults with difficult personal situations or emotional stress: Relationship difficulties with a partner / family or at work; Feeling at unease or anxious or upset; Feeling "down" or depressed; Being diagnosed with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, etc.
Personal counselling and psychotherapy from a highly trained professional with over 25 years of international experience. Assisting adults with difficult personal situations or emotional stress: Relationship difficulties with a partner / family or at work; Feeling at unease or anxious or upset; Feeling "down" or depressed; Being diagnosed with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, etc.
I provide a warm, non-judjemental space to explore areas of your life, thoughts and emotions, you are struggling with. I have worked as a Psychotherapist since 2002, and over time have developed an interest in working with Trauma/abuse, Anxiety, Attachment issues, self esteem, identity, depression, adoption issues, grief, problems with relating and conflict, I focus on creating a collaborative trusting relationship, with individualised therapy goals and coping strategies.
Psychodynamic , Attachment, DBT, EMDR, Ego state /parts work, and Mindfullness mainly inform my practice.
I provide a warm, non-judjemental space to explore areas of your life, thoughts and emotions, you are struggling with. I have worked as a Psychotherapist since 2002, and over time have developed an interest in working with Trauma/abuse, Anxiety, Attachment issues, self esteem, identity, depression, adoption issues, grief, problems with relating and conflict, I focus on creating a collaborative trusting relationship, with individualised therapy goals and coping strategies.
Psychodynamic , Attachment, DBT, EMDR, Ego state /parts work, and Mindfullness mainly inform my practice.
Dissociative Disorders (DID) Counsellors
How does therapy for dissociative disorders work?
Dissociation may be triggered by stress or other upsetting circumstances, and therapy can address the traumatic events at the core of an individual’s dissociation. Understanding why a person may dissociate can help the therapist and the individual come up with alternative methods of coping. A person with a dissociative disorder may get stuck on negative thinking, for example, and treatment like Cognitive behavioural therapy is a gold standard for breaking such thinking. And dialectical behaviour therapy, for example, can help a person manage their anguish through better emotion regulation.
Which therapies are best for dissociative disorders?
Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioural, dialectical behaviour, psychodynamic, schema therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioural and dialectical behaviour therapies are two widely used therapies that can help individuals with painful memories and past traumas. These therapies work to integrate an individual's different identities into one person.
Are there specific medications for dissociation?
There are no specific medications prescribed for dissociative disorders. However, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and/or panic often co-occur in dissociative disorders. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications for any accompanying symptom which may include antipsychotics, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety drugs.
How often and how long are therapy sessions?
Like any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Patients may see improvement within 15 to 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, perhaps, a six-month period. There are still other patients, especially those who have co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, who may need to continue sessions for up to 12 to 18 months.