Sports Performance Therapists in Otago

Photo of Julie Routier, Counsellor
Julie Routier
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I am a Holistic Counsellor, an Intuitive & a spiritual mentor. My spiritual awareness and my background in the field of health have benefitted my appreciation for both tangible and mystical perceptions when it comes to physical and mental wellbeing. The transformation & sacred journey I will take you on will enable you to reach wellbeing by liberating yourself from traumas, conditioning, and self-limiting beliefs rooted in past experiences that are no longer serving you. I have a nurturing, proactive & empowering approach to help you find freedom within yourself in a supportive and safe environment.
I am a Holistic Counsellor, an Intuitive & a spiritual mentor. My spiritual awareness and my background in the field of health have benefitted my appreciation for both tangible and mystical perceptions when it comes to physical and mental wellbeing. The transformation & sacred journey I will take you on will enable you to reach wellbeing by liberating yourself from traumas, conditioning, and self-limiting beliefs rooted in past experiences that are no longer serving you. I have a nurturing, proactive & empowering approach to help you find freedom within yourself in a supportive and safe environment.
021 209 7739 View 021 209 7739
Photo of Alysha Simonsen, Psychologist, MPsych
Alysha Simonsen
Psychologist, MPsych
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kiaora from your friendly neighbourhood Psychologist in Queenstown. I can help you to identify how anxiety, depression, struggles and patterns might be impacting on you living life well. We all get stuck, which can make us feel alone and broken. If this is you, then please know you are a certified human being and you are absolutely not alone! I would be thrilled to help you figure out what things we can do, learn or change to help your situation - no matter where you are, there are always things we can do to make it better. I have no waitlist, and am always able to accept and welcome new clients.
Kiaora from your friendly neighbourhood Psychologist in Queenstown. I can help you to identify how anxiety, depression, struggles and patterns might be impacting on you living life well. We all get stuck, which can make us feel alone and broken. If this is you, then please know you are a certified human being and you are absolutely not alone! I would be thrilled to help you figure out what things we can do, learn or change to help your situation - no matter where you are, there are always things we can do to make it better. I have no waitlist, and am always able to accept and welcome new clients.
0800 627 024 x98 View 0800 627 024 x98
Photo of Taylor Rapley - AHUA Psychology, Psychologist
AHUA Psychology
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Wanaka 9305
I work with people in mental health and performance, delivering sessions in person in Wānaka & online all over NZ. I work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, burnout, injury / illness, and stress. In the scope of performance psychology, I work with athletes. When I’m not practising psychology and getting involved with my community, I love to get amongst the ocean and mountains surfing, skiing, and mountain biking. I ground myself with regular meditation, travelling as much as possible, and time spent in nature with the people I love.
I work with people in mental health and performance, delivering sessions in person in Wānaka & online all over NZ. I work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, burnout, injury / illness, and stress. In the scope of performance psychology, I work with athletes. When I’m not practising psychology and getting involved with my community, I love to get amongst the ocean and mountains surfing, skiing, and mountain biking. I ground myself with regular meditation, travelling as much as possible, and time spent in nature with the people I love.
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Photo of Ale Held, Psychologist
Ale Held
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Online Only
Alexandra (Ale) Held is an NZ-trained and registered psychologist and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). She is experienced in working with a variety of challenging behaviours across adults, adolescents, and children in a range of settings, providing a high level of behavioural assessments and interventions. She is experienced in implementing intensive Behaviour Support Services, based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis. She works from a non-aversive framework to increase positive behaviour, increase positive interactions, develop skills, and decrease the occurrence of challenging behaviours.
Alexandra (Ale) Held is an NZ-trained and registered psychologist and a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). She is experienced in working with a variety of challenging behaviours across adults, adolescents, and children in a range of settings, providing a high level of behavioural assessments and interventions. She is experienced in implementing intensive Behaviour Support Services, based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis. She works from a non-aversive framework to increase positive behaviour, increase positive interactions, develop skills, and decrease the occurrence of challenging behaviours.
0800 327 477 View 0800 327 477
Photo of Karen Hielkema, Psychologist
Karen Hielkema
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Online Only
Karen is a passionate psychologist with experience across a wide variety of settings. Karen has a particular interest in anxiety, women’s psychology, gender issues and workplace issues. She offers a safe and non-judgemental space for you to open-up about any challenges you may be facing. Karen often utilises unique and creative models for both therapy and coaching, based on the use of mindfulness and connection to values. You both can work together to develop effective strategies that you can implement outside of therapy to help better manage symptoms.
Karen is a passionate psychologist with experience across a wide variety of settings. Karen has a particular interest in anxiety, women’s psychology, gender issues and workplace issues. She offers a safe and non-judgemental space for you to open-up about any challenges you may be facing. Karen often utilises unique and creative models for both therapy and coaching, based on the use of mindfulness and connection to values. You both can work together to develop effective strategies that you can implement outside of therapy to help better manage symptoms.
0800 627 024 x17 View 0800 627 024 x17
Photo of Dan Ford - The Better Sleep Clinic, Psychologist, MA
The Better Sleep Clinic
Psychologist, MA
Verified Verified
Online Only
You have trouble sleeping. You're tired (mind the pun) of lying awake at night tossing & turning. The thought of going to bed makes you worry. You don't drop off when you put your head on your pillow. If you do, you wake up during the night and can't get back to sleep for hours. You worry about the toll your sleeplessness is having on your health, your mood, your relationships and your ability to function at work. You want to sleep better. You want to look forward to bedtime. You want to wake up feeling refreshed. You want to feel like sleep isn't controlling your life. Assess your insomnia here: https://www.thebettersleepclinic.com
You have trouble sleeping. You're tired (mind the pun) of lying awake at night tossing & turning. The thought of going to bed makes you worry. You don't drop off when you put your head on your pillow. If you do, you wake up during the night and can't get back to sleep for hours. You worry about the toll your sleeplessness is having on your health, your mood, your relationships and your ability to function at work. You want to sleep better. You want to look forward to bedtime. You want to wake up feeling refreshed. You want to feel like sleep isn't controlling your life. Assess your insomnia here: https://www.thebettersleepclinic.com
0800 627 050 x58 View 0800 627 050 x58
Photo of Becky Bradley, Counsellor, MCouns, NZAC - Provisional
Becky Bradley
Counsellor, MCouns, NZAC - Provisional
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Kia ora, I am an experienced Counsellor with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology. I support clients with varying issues, from anxiety, relationship difficulties and body image to disordered eating and OCD. Growing up in several different countries has given me a deep appreciation for people of diverse cultures, identities and backgrounds, and has informed my open-minded understanding and acceptance of others. With experience providing long-term, trauma-informed counselling, I offer a safe, collaborative and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, supported and work towards your goals.
Kia ora, I am an experienced Counsellor with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology. I support clients with varying issues, from anxiety, relationship difficulties and body image to disordered eating and OCD. Growing up in several different countries has given me a deep appreciation for people of diverse cultures, identities and backgrounds, and has informed my open-minded understanding and acceptance of others. With experience providing long-term, trauma-informed counselling, I offer a safe, collaborative and non-judgemental space where you can feel heard, supported and work towards your goals.
0800 447 359 x44 View 0800 447 359 x44
Photo of Frank Marinthe Life Coach
Frank Marinthe Life Coach
Verified Verified
Online Only
Are you suffering from anxiety related to personal or professional challenges? As a certified Life Coach, I'm here to help you create clarity around issues you may have, to help you regain emotional control, allowing you to considerably strengthen your position as a solution maker. Life Coaching starts with a conversation, confidential and non-judgemental to provoke insightful solutions.
Are you suffering from anxiety related to personal or professional challenges? As a certified Life Coach, I'm here to help you create clarity around issues you may have, to help you regain emotional control, allowing you to considerably strengthen your position as a solution maker. Life Coaching starts with a conversation, confidential and non-judgemental to provoke insightful solutions.
0800 627 004 x87 View 0800 627 004 x87

Online Therapists

Photo of Jenna Steer, Counsellor, NZCCA
Jenna Steer
Counsellor, NZCCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Temuka 7920
My background was sports and coaching, believing the body has a voice that needs to be listened to, and given space to express its lived experiences as well as thoughts and emotions.
If you're reading this, chances are you're on a journey. Maybe you're navigating through the tangled web of life, feeling a bit like Indiana Jones without the map. Well, fear not, because I'm here to be your guide through the jungle of emotions, thoughts, and everything in between. Counselling can be daunting. It's like going on a blind date with your feelings, except I promise there won't be any awkward small talk or fumbling for topics. Instead, imagine a safe space where you can unload your mental backpack, unpack those thoughts, and together, we'll sift through them like treasure hunters on a mission.
My background was sports and coaching, believing the body has a voice that needs to be listened to, and given space to express its lived experiences as well as thoughts and emotions.
If you're reading this, chances are you're on a journey. Maybe you're navigating through the tangled web of life, feeling a bit like Indiana Jones without the map. Well, fear not, because I'm here to be your guide through the jungle of emotions, thoughts, and everything in between. Counselling can be daunting. It's like going on a blind date with your feelings, except I promise there won't be any awkward small talk or fumbling for topics. Instead, imagine a safe space where you can unload your mental backpack, unpack those thoughts, and together, we'll sift through them like treasure hunters on a mission.
0800 451 520 x52 View 0800 451 520 x52
Photo of Chris Neuenfeldt, Psychologist
Chris Neuenfeldt
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Online Only
Dr. Chris Neuenfeldt is a registered Clinical Psychologist and member of the New Zealand Psychological Society. He completed his studies in Colorado before moving to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2018. Since then, he has practiced in Wellington and Napier, working with clients of all ages. He completed EMDRIA approved Level 1 & 2 pieces of training in 2010 and has advanced training in EMDR and substance use, recent traumatic events, group applications of EMDR, and performance enhancement utilising EMDR.
Dr. Chris Neuenfeldt is a registered Clinical Psychologist and member of the New Zealand Psychological Society. He completed his studies in Colorado before moving to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2018. Since then, he has practiced in Wellington and Napier, working with clients of all ages. He completed EMDRIA approved Level 1 & 2 pieces of training in 2010 and has advanced training in EMDR and substance use, recent traumatic events, group applications of EMDR, and performance enhancement utilising EMDR.
0800 327 477 View 0800 327 477
Photo of Grant Wattie - #1 Relationship Expert, Couples Therapist & Author, Counsellor, MNZAC
#1 Relationship Expert, Couples Therapist & Author
Counsellor, MNZAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Can You Save Your Marriage? When you're lying in bed at night, feeling distant from your partner, it may seem hopeless. But change is possible—even if only one of you is ready to take the first step. Many successful professionals struggle with relationship issues like broken communication, constant conflicts, lost intimacy, or trust rebuilding. If you're tired of cold silence and talk of divorce, and traditional couples therapy isn't working, there’s hope. Grant Wattie specializes in online couples counselling using the Aroha Rapid Transformation Method, guiding individuals and couples through these challenges effectively.
Can You Save Your Marriage? When you're lying in bed at night, feeling distant from your partner, it may seem hopeless. But change is possible—even if only one of you is ready to take the first step. Many successful professionals struggle with relationship issues like broken communication, constant conflicts, lost intimacy, or trust rebuilding. If you're tired of cold silence and talk of divorce, and traditional couples therapy isn't working, there’s hope. Grant Wattie specializes in online couples counselling using the Aroha Rapid Transformation Method, guiding individuals and couples through these challenges effectively.
0800 627 003 x20 View 0800 627 003 x20
Photo of Jenna Cunneen - MindFlex, Psychologist, MA
MindFlex
Psychologist, MA
Verified Verified
Auckland 0632
Being flexible in the way that we think and being open to change is essential for developing and strengthening positive psychological wellbeing. Being psychologically fit is the foundation of a vital life. We all have ingrained habits, beliefs, rules, behaviours and ways of thinking about the world. Some of these provide us the tools to navigate our lives in a positive and flexible way and some can be severely restrictive, impacting us all in unique ways, from complex mental health issues to performance related difficulties in our work and relationships.
Being flexible in the way that we think and being open to change is essential for developing and strengthening positive psychological wellbeing. Being psychologically fit is the foundation of a vital life. We all have ingrained habits, beliefs, rules, behaviours and ways of thinking about the world. Some of these provide us the tools to navigate our lives in a positive and flexible way and some can be severely restrictive, impacting us all in unique ways, from complex mental health issues to performance related difficulties in our work and relationships.
0800 627 050 x84 View 0800 627 050 x84
Photo of Kerry Charlesworth, Psychologist, MA
Kerry Charlesworth
Psychologist, MA
Verified Verified
Orewa 0931
9 years study in Psychology-specialising in Health Psychology. My experience involves supporting whanau and individuals impacted by cancer, and group/individual therapy specialising in (cancer specific distress, grief, chronic illness/ chronic pain, couples therapy, sleep difficulties, Depression, Anxiety, stress, PTSD, sex and intimacy).
9 years study in Psychology-specialising in Health Psychology. My experience involves supporting whanau and individuals impacted by cancer, and group/individual therapy specialising in (cancer specific distress, grief, chronic illness/ chronic pain, couples therapy, sleep difficulties, Depression, Anxiety, stress, PTSD, sex and intimacy).
0800 627 003 x17 View 0800 627 003 x17
Photo of Megan Williams, Psychologist
Megan Williams
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Auckland 0814
BSc(Pysch) MSc(Psych)(Honours) PGDipPP Registered Psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board and current Annual Practicing Certificate Member of New Zealand Psychologists Society. Megan Williams is a Psychologist who works with clients of all ages. Megan has a warm and caring approach, ensuring that clients feel safe and respected during their journey through therapy.
BSc(Pysch) MSc(Psych)(Honours) PGDipPP Registered Psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board and current Annual Practicing Certificate Member of New Zealand Psychologists Society. Megan Williams is a Psychologist who works with clients of all ages. Megan has a warm and caring approach, ensuring that clients feel safe and respected during their journey through therapy.
0800 327 477 View 0800 327 477
Photo of James Peter Moana Hill - Moana Hill Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, PBANZ
Moana Hill Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, PBANZ
Verified Verified
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.
0800 627 003 x42 View 0800 627 003 x42
Photo of John Murphy, MSc
John Murphy
MSc
Verified Verified
Online Only
“Supporting you in turning setbacks into pathways toward flourishing”. Hi, I’m John, a registered Mental Health Occupational Therapist. Originally from Ireland, I now live and practice in New Zealand. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, low mood, career transitions, or simply wanting to gain more clarity, our work together will focus on practical, evidence-based strategies to help you take meaningful steps forward.
“Supporting you in turning setbacks into pathways toward flourishing”. Hi, I’m John, a registered Mental Health Occupational Therapist. Originally from Ireland, I now live and practice in New Zealand. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, low mood, career transitions, or simply wanting to gain more clarity, our work together will focus on practical, evidence-based strategies to help you take meaningful steps forward.
0800 451 520 x59 View 0800 451 520 x59
Photo of Elaine Allison, Psychologist, MA
Elaine Allison
Psychologist, MA
Verified Verified
Auckland 0620
Elaine is a Senior Registered Psychologist in New Zealand and a Registered Clinical and Counselling Psychologist in the UK. Elaine has lived in New Zealand for over 25yrs. Elaine helps her clients using a warm, empowering approach to assist her clients achieve their goals in the most appropriate way. Using a wide variety of approaches such as CBT, positive psychology, DBT and mindfulness etc. Elaine has over 27 years experience working with adults, teenagers, children and families. Elaine has worked in the UK and New Zealand within the Health Service, NHS, G.P. surgeries, Social Services, Special Education and in private practice.
Elaine is a Senior Registered Psychologist in New Zealand and a Registered Clinical and Counselling Psychologist in the UK. Elaine has lived in New Zealand for over 25yrs. Elaine helps her clients using a warm, empowering approach to assist her clients achieve their goals in the most appropriate way. Using a wide variety of approaches such as CBT, positive psychology, DBT and mindfulness etc. Elaine has over 27 years experience working with adults, teenagers, children and families. Elaine has worked in the UK and New Zealand within the Health Service, NHS, G.P. surgeries, Social Services, Special Education and in private practice.
0800 627 024 x53 View 0800 627 024 x53
Photo of Aramis Dennan - Poseidon Psychology, Psychologist
Poseidon Psychology
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Auckland 0622
As a Clinical Psychologist I value working with clients from an evidence-based approach to assessment and therapy. I have developed my knowledge and experiences across a range of clinical, research, and teaching work both in public and private settings. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, in doing clinical and neuropsychological assessments, as well as delivering a wide range of modalities). I have also authored an ACT-based group program for sportspeople. ​I enjoy working with people to support them in making effective change in the direction they want their life to lead.
As a Clinical Psychologist I value working with clients from an evidence-based approach to assessment and therapy. I have developed my knowledge and experiences across a range of clinical, research, and teaching work both in public and private settings. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, in doing clinical and neuropsychological assessments, as well as delivering a wide range of modalities). I have also authored an ACT-based group program for sportspeople. ​I enjoy working with people to support them in making effective change in the direction they want their life to lead.
0800 627 024 x83 View 0800 627 024 x83
Photo of Debra Jayne Fraser - Psychology&Counselling Partners Ltd, Dr Deb Fraser, PhD
Psychology&Counselling Partners Ltd, Dr Deb Fraser
PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
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).
0800 627 003 x21 View 0800 627 003 x21
Photo of Neil Westwood - Plot Twist Talk Therapy: Neil Westwood, Counsellor
Plot Twist Talk Therapy: Neil Westwood
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Feilding 4702
I am an experienced Social Worker, Counsellor and Group Facilitator that has been involved in clinical work for the past 10+ years. I work alongside clients who are navigating major life transitions, coping with mental health challenges, or seeking greater self-awareness. My top specialties are relationship dynamics, men's issues, intimate partner abuse and violence, anger management, communication, and parenting.
I am an experienced Social Worker, Counsellor and Group Facilitator that has been involved in clinical work for the past 10+ years. I work alongside clients who are navigating major life transitions, coping with mental health challenges, or seeking greater self-awareness. My top specialties are relationship dynamics, men's issues, intimate partner abuse and violence, anger management, communication, and parenting.
0800 451 520 x51 View 0800 451 520 x51
Sports Performance Counsellors

How does sports psychology work?

Sports psychology helps athletes identify and overcome challenges, such as perfectionism or a fear of failure, and improve key mental skills, such as confidence or concentration. By applying principles and techniques from psychology, such as goal-setting, visualisation, positive self-talk, and emotion regulation, sports psychologists help athletes improve their performance on the field and their well-being overall.

How long does treatment for a sports-related problem take?

The duration of sports psychology treatment depends on the athlete’s individual challenges, goals, the complexity of the interventions used, and even on the length of the season. A performance anxiety issue may be treated with a short-term treatment, like Cognitive behavioural therapy, while issues such as depression, substance abuse, or severe anxiety may require longer-term treatments.

How effective is treatment for sports performance problems?

Sports psychology has been shown to improve performance and help athletes manage their emotions. Sports psychology can be effective in boosting performance, team dynamics, and injury rehabilitation. Over the past decade, nearly every professional sports team in every major sport has added a sports psychologist to its staff. Many colleges have done the same, and even some high school programs have done the same. Olympic hopefuls may consult with sports psychologists starting in elementary school.

What are the limitations of sports psychology?

Sports psychology may have several limitations. Every athlete is unique and may respond differently to sports psychology treatments. Therapy can help an athlete reach their potential; it can help athletes cope with injury and pain, but it cannot change the physical limitations that may be affecting an athlete’s performance.