Svenja [‘Svenya’] is a Consultant Psychologist and Accredited EMDR Practitioner, specialising in the reprocessing of psychological trauma, intrusive memories and adverse life experiences, using Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
In addition to working in private practice, Svenja has worked as a Psychologist in the public mental health, child care and protection, as well as education sector for many years.
Therapy Approach:
Svenja uses a holistic, non-judgmental and evidence-based treatment approach, drawing on a variety of therapeutic modalities include Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Specialist Area of Interest:
Svenja’s area of expertise includes memory and trauma reprocessing to allow people to find meaning and live their best lives. Svenja enjoys working with individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, and supporting their unique challenges.
Svenja works with people who may be struggling with a range of difficulties including
- Stress and anxiety,
- low mood,
- emotional difficulties,
- relationship issues,
- dissociation and
- psychological trauma (e.g., after accidents, injuries, disasters, abuse).
Clinical Experience:
Svenja’s clinical experience includes working in the public mental health service and leading a comprehensive Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) for adolescents treatment team; providing trauma focused therapy under ACC contracts; and working in the child care and protection sector.
Svenja completed her Masters and Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology at the University of Canterbury in 2012. Svenja has also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy at Massey University.
Svenja is a registered ACC Sensitive Claims Service (SCS) and ACC physical injury (PSA) provider, and people who have been involved in an accident or experienced sexual abuse may be able to receive free psychological services and support through ACC funded treatment.
Background:
Originally, I am from the harbour city, Hamburg, in the Northern hemisphere; I arrived on the shores of Aotearoa New Zealand in 2003. Initially, I was drawn to the snowy mountains of Te Wāi Pounamu, where I enjoyed snowboarding and completed my degrees in Social Work and Psychology at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha / The University of Canterbury.
In 2013, after my studies, some earthquakes, and gaining a few years work experience I moved to Tāmaki Makaurau, where I enjoy spending time by the sea.
It is a privilege to support people from different walks of life through some of their darkest times. I am very grateful to all the people who have allowed me to share part of their journey, and who have taught me so much about humanity and the incredible strength they carry within.
Memberships and Affiliations:
- Registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board
- Member of the New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPS)
- Member of EMDR Association of New Zealand (EMDRNZ)
- Member of EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA)
- Registered Test User Qualification Level C (Psych) – New Zealand Council for Educational Research
Please note, Svenja does not offer mental health crisis services or eating disorder interventions. If you require immediate support, please contact your local mental health crisis team, your GP, or call 111 if someone’s safety is at imminent risk.
m: +64 21 043 3655 e: svenja@psychologicalservices.nz
Psychological Services Aotearoa 