Bruce is a highly experienced clinical psychologist who works with children, young people, families and adults where they are facing a range of difficulties and at times complex needs. Bruce believes in the capacity of individuals, parents and families to utilise the strengths and resources they have available with the support and expertise of someone who is non-judgmental, knowledgeable and supportive.
Bruce has extensive experience in assessing and working therapeutically with a range of presenting difficulties across ages. Bruce has training and expertise in a variety of models of evidence-based psychological therapy including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focussed Brief Therapy and Narrative/Systemic Therapy.
Bruce has worked as a clinical psychologist in New Zealand and the UK for more than 30 years in hospital-based and community health settings with both children and adults. After training and working in NZ, Bruce worked in the UK National Health Service for more than 20 years, 15 of those as Lead Consultant Clinical Psychologist in Surrey Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services. Bruce was responsible for the development and delivery of psychological services for children, young people and families, and for the clinical supervision of the psychologists within the service. Bruce also spent five years as Associate Director of Therapies for Children and Young People’s Services.
Areas of Specialist Interest and Expertise
- Anxiety conditions (excessive worry, over-thinking, panic attacks and phobias)
- OCD (Obsessional Compulsive Disorder) and compulsive behaviours
- Depression and mood difficulties
- Anger management
- Self-harming (and self-destructive) behaviours
- Bereavement and loss
- Attachment and adoption issues
- Self-esteem, body image and identity issues
- Coping with physical health conditions including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and pain
- Issues related to developmental disorders including Autistic Spectrum Conditions, ADHD and Learning Disability
- Stress management, including work-related stress
- School-related issues including peer relationship difficulties and exam stress
- Managing the impact of bullying and coping with social media pressures
- Family relationships and tensions
- Challenges associated with parenting
- Impact of parental separation and divorce
Bruce is committed to working in partnership with clients to develop collaborative working relationships which are strength-based and solution-focused. He believes that therapy is most helpful when someone feels listened to and supported to tackle the challenges which may be impacting on their lives and relationships. Bruce works with people to arrive at a shared understanding of the issues they want to address and agree goals which feel helpful, reasonable and achievable.
Professional Qualifications
- Masters in Psychology (with Honours), University of Auckland (NZ)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (University of Auckland)
Memberships to Professional College/Boards & Credentials
- Registered Psychologist (NZ Psychologists Board)
- Chartered Psychologist, British Psychological Society (BPS)
- Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH)
- Division of Clinical Psychology & Faculty for Children, Young People & their Families, BPS1
© 2018 Totally Psyched, All Rights Reserved.
