ABOUT ME


Dr Sarah Bell-Booth
Clinical Psychologist
BA (Hons), DClinPsych
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist with seven years of training. This training included a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Massey University. In addition, I have ten years of experience in both public and private mental health settings.
In my clinical practice, I treat mild-moderate severity:
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anxiety (e.g., panic disorder, social phobia, specific phobia, hypochondriasis, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder),
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depression,
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anger and irritability,
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perinatal mental health concerns,
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difficulty adjusting to new situations/roles such as parenthood, and
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relationship and parenting difficulties.
I am particularly passionate about prevention, early intervention and treatment of perinatal difficulties such as antenatal anxiety and postnatal distress. I can offer sessions either in person or via Skype.
The evidence-based techniques I use are primarily drawn from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This includes metacognitive therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT; including mindfulness and assertive communication training), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and positive psychology (resilience/strengths based work). Research shows that these techniques reduce distress and improve quality of life. My role is to help individuals apply these techniques to specific problems in a practical and collaborative manner. This collaboration empowers people to achieve their goals.
In my personal life, I am a mother of three children, including twins. I understand the challenges associated with modern life, pregnancy and the adjustment to motherhood and feel passionate about helping others who may feel vulnerable.