My name is Rachel Hodge and I am a registered Consultant Clinical Psychologist working in Christchurch, New Zealand. Canterbury Psychology was established in 2019 when I started working as a private practitioner, alongside my work at Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB).
I offer confidential psychological therapy and assessment for adults 16+ who are struggling with mental health difficulties. I also work with people who are experiencing more general life difficulties. I work with individuals collaboratively to bring about change using approaches tailored to individual needs. That is, together we find what works for you. I consider therapy a privilege and want my clients to feel respected, heard and accepted with an overall goal to empower you to become your own therapist.
Experience
I have worked for over ten years at the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB), initially in the Specialist Mental Health Services, working with adults experiencing severe and enduring mental health problems. This involved both inpatient and community work, doing both full psychological and neuropsychological assessments as well as therapy. Individuals I have worked with have had a wide range of significant mental health problems. I also have some experience working with individuals with an Intellectual Disability and the mental health difficulties and challenges they face.
Further to the mental health experience, I have worked in a service supporting adults with psychological distress as a result from having a cancer diagnosis, and at present, I am working for the CDHB doing clinical work in the Diabetes Service for adults. Both these positions often involve working with people with chronic and severe health problems alongside challenging psychological issues such as anxiety, adjustment issues, anger, grief, existential issues, and pain. In addition to working with people with diabetes, I also carry out the Psychology Clinical Lead position at the Christchurch Hospital Campus, CDHB.
Therapeutic Approach
I have an integrative approach to therapy which is influenced by the concerns an individual brings to therapy, by the individual themselves, and by the psychological research regarding the problem. My main therapeutic approaches are Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Meta-Cognitive Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Qualifications
University of Canterbury
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Bachelor of Science (honours) in Psychology
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Masters of Science in Psychology – thesis was completed at Christchurch Public Hospital and was about understanding and helping people cope during hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy.
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Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology
New Zealand Cognitive Analytic Therapy Association
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I am an accredited Cognitive Analytic Therapy Practitioner
Memberships
Full member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists
Full member of the Australian & New Zealand Association of Cognitive Analytic Therapy
Registered Clinical Psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologists Board