Our Psychologists

DClinPsych, PGCert, BSc Hons

Registered Psychologist (NZ Psychologists Board, Clinical Scope)
Member, New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologist
Member, Australian and New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders 

I am a UK-trained child & adolescent Clinical Psychologist with a specialist interest & strong experience in early intervention and treatment of eating disorders. I believe in person-centred care and take a holistic approach, based on the needs of the young person and their family. I believe that treatment needs to be tailored to each client, and have a strong evidence base. I have worked in mental health for the past 20 years and as a Clinical Psychologist for the past 13 years.  I have been working as a specialist eating disorders Clinical Psychologist at Nurture Psychology for the past 3 years.

My work is focused on clinically significant fussy eating (ARFID) amongst children & teens, based on a specialist form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-AR) which is inclusive of parents. I also work with adolescents/teens with anorexia nervosa, typically within the framework of Adolescent & Parent Treatment (APT) which combines family based & individual adolescent treatment models. I enjoy the collaborative way of working with the family toward both physical and psychological recovery that APT provides. In particular, providing a space for the young persons’ voice & supporting them to find their own identity, resilience and strengths alongside family-based work, in order to overcome the eating disorder. Given my experience in the Starship Hospital paediatric diabetes team, I have a special interest in developing awareness of, and providing treatment for, disordered eating presenting in the context of diabetes (diabulimia).

Therapeutically, I work in an integrative manner drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and other mindfulness based interventions. I believe in working systemically to help young people manage a broad spectrum of psychological and social stressors including mood difficulties, anxiety, friendship and relationship difficulties. I have worked across the lifespan but my main focus and passion is supporting children, adolescents and families. I am dedicated to helping young people and families to learn skills and strategies to improve their confidence, self-esteem and overall quality of life.

I previously worked for the NHS in leading hospitals in the UK in facial visible difference, palliative care and oncology before moving to New Zealand in 2016. I have since worked for the Auckland District Health Board at Starship Hospital in both paediatric diabetes and complex pain. After 3 years working out of our Auckland clinic, I am now continuing my work with Nurture Psychology based in our Christchurch rooms.

Clinic days are Tuesday & Wednesday
Christchurch rooms

To book an appointment, please complete our self-referral form here.

PgDipClinPsyc (Dist), MSc(Dist), BA

Registered Psychologist (NZ Psychologists Board, Clinical Scope)
Member, New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologist
Member, Australian and New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders 

I am a clinical psychologist with over 10 years specialist experience across the public and private sectors, focussed on supporting clients to recover from eating disorders.

I trained at Victoria University of Wellington, then worked for the Capital and Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) specialist eating disorder service (CREDS). In 2017, I opened my own clinical psychology practice, with a focus on clients experiencing disordered eating and body image concerns. Since that time, I have worked with both adolescents and adults who are experiencing everything from mild eating or body-image issues to those with more severe and enduring eating disorders. Eating disorders rarely exist in isolation, and for that reason, I have experience working with a range of more general mental health challenges in particular, anxiety, stress, worry, ‘life issues’, self-esteem and mood. I also have expertise in relation to neurodiversity – including ADHD and ASD - which can co-occur with eating related concerns.

In 2023 I joined the Nurture team, with the goal of bringing their comprehensive and evidence-based models of eating disorder treatment to the capital city. I am trained and experienced in Cognitive behavioural therapy for eating disorders (CBT-E), Family Based Treatment (FBT) and Adolescent & Parent Therapy (APT) - an emerging therapy for young people and their families, with good, early research evidence. I also use more general therapeutic approaches, including ACT and DBT where appropriate. In particular, I find the values-based work from ACT and the distress tolerance and emotion regulation skills from DBT are a useful adjunct to therapy for my eating disorder clients.

When working with clients and their families, I aim to create a safe and non-judgemental environment, in which clients can explore the challenges they are currently facing. I work collaboratively to tailor interventions to the client needs, while keeping treatment grounded in the evidence-base.

Alongside my client work, I provide supervision to other psychologists and counsellors, and education sessions on mental health issues – often for schools. I am passionate about sharing knowledge and understanding about eating disorders, body image and self-esteem, with the goal of using public education to reduce the incidence of mental distress. Outside of my therapeutic work, I am a Trustee of the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.

Clinic days are Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday
Wellington rooms

To book an appointment, please complete our self-referral form here.

PGDipClinPsyc, MSc ForensicPsych(Dist.), BA Hons (1st)

Registered Psychologist (NZ Psychologists Board, Clinical Scope)
Member, New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists
Member, Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders

I trained as a Clinical Psychologist through Victoria University of Wellington in 2017. I have worked in community mental health, private practice, and the Justice system, with adults and young people from varied walks of life. This has involved psychological and cognitive assessments, providing individual treatment, working with complex mental health presentations, and within multidisciplinary teams.

I’m especially interested in the intersections between physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, having supported clients through a range of challenging life events (traumatic brain injury and concussion, chronic pain, learning difficulties, relationship difficulties, violence, grief, trauma) and associated difficulties with mood, anxiety, self-identity, and stress. I believe in taking a holistic view of the whole person, understanding what matters most to them, and working collaboratively to bring about meaningful change.

In my therapeutic work with eating disorders I bring compassion, warmth, and curiosity. I’m down-to-earth and enjoy using humour and creativity alongside evidence-based modalities. I primarily work with adolescents/teens with anorexia nervosa and their parents, and also with young adults with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. I have specialist training in treating eating disorders (CBT for eating disorders/CBT-E, and Adolescent & Parent Treatment/APT), and enjoy tailoring these models to my clients needs, and keeping up-to-date with the latest research and clinical practice.

In addition to work within our specialist eating disorder treatment models, I also draw upon Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), and somatic-based interventions when appropriate, to provide an approach that is safe, supportive, and tailored to each client’s strengths and needs.

Coming from a strong background in health and wellness, I’m passionate about challenging social pressures relating to body image and diet culture, and value the importance of reconnecting with our authentic selves by cultivating joy, acceptance, and gratitude. In our work together I help clients to make sense of their difficulties and develop practical, effective skills to work through challenges and build resiliency.

Clinic days are Wednesday & Friday
Auckland rooms

To book an appointment, please complete our self-referral form here.

**Chelsea is currently on maternity leave

PGDipCounsPsych, MHSc (1st), BSc Hons, BSc 

Registered Psychologist (NZ Psychologist Board, Counselling Psychology scope)
Member, New Zealand Psychological Society
Member, Australian & New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders

I trained as a Counselling Psychologist through Auckland University of Technology, and have a background in mental health services in primary care. I have experience supporting clients across multiple age groups and presentations including anxiety, depression, grief, disordered eating, weight and exercise concerns, stress, identity exploration, parenting difficulties, pregnancy loss/fertility issues and relationship difficulties. My experience includes psychological assessment and intervention, group work, as well as working within multidisciplinary teams.

It is an absolute privilege to work as a psychologist supporting young people with eating disorders and their families/whānau through their healing journey to improved physical and psychological health. I have a genuine interest and passion for supporting teens and young adults experiencing difficulties related to eating, food, shape, weight and/or exercise, including anorexia and bulimia nervosa. My goal in therapy is to work collaboratively with the young person and their whānau to reach their recovery goals, empowering them to live a meaningful life. I understand that eating related difficulties often co-occur with other mental health difficulties (e.g., anxiety and mood concerns) and as such I support clients with these also.

When working with clients and their families/whānau, I am non-judgemental, compassionate and curious to listen and learn how to best support them, alongside acknowledging their own unique strengths and resources. I take a holistic therapeutic approach considering the whole person across a variety of contexts including environmental, cultural, spiritual, psychological and developmental. I am passionate about addressing eating disorders within a family context (where clinically appropriate) as this can have a vital role in early intervention, treatment response, and promotion of long-term wellbeing.

In my therapeutic approach I utilise evidence-based practice that is adapted to the unique person and their family. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Enhanced for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) adapted for adolescents, and Adolescent and Parent Treatment (APT) in my work with clients. Additionally, I utilise components of other evidence-based therapies (where appropriate) including Maudsley Family-based treatment (FBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

My aim in therapy is to help increase self-awareness regarding the difficulties you are experiencing alongside providing skills and strategies to help manage lifes challenges more effectively, with an ultimate goal of improving overall-wellbeing and resilience.

Clinic days are Wednesday & Friday
Auckland rooms

To book an appointment, please complete our self-referral form here.

DClinPsych, BSc

Registered Psychologist (NZ Psychologists Board, Clinical Scope)
Member, NZ College of Clinical Psychologists
Member, Australian & New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders

I am a Clinical Psychologist with specialist interest and experience in early intervention and treatment of eating disorders. I am originally from the UK and have been working in the field of eating disorders, both in a clinical and research capacity, since 2009. Prior to clinical training, I worked as a researcher at the Section of Eating Disorders at King’s College London, and have authored a number of publications in the field. In 2014 I completed my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, and spent a number of years working at the world leading Maudsley Eating Disorders Service. Within this role, I championed the development of the FREED Service (First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders) which went on to win the British Medical Journal’s Mental Health Team of the Year award in 2017. I have also been significantly involved in the development and dissemination of MANTRA (the Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults) and I am currently a recognised trainer in this approach within New Zealand.

My family and I relocated to New Zealand in late 2017, and since this time, I have worked part-time at the Central Region Eating Disorders Service (CREDS) in Wellington. Here, alongside my clinical work, I enjoy providing training and supervision to members of the clinical team and regional teams across Tu Whatu Ora and Primary Healthcare Organisations. I provide teaching for clinical psychology doctoral students at Massey University and regularly supervise clinical psychology interns from both Victoria and Massey University.

As an eating disorder therapist, I wholeheartedly believe recovery is possible for everyone, and I always aim to work collaboratively with clients towards their individual recovery goals. I take a warm, non-judgmental and compassionate approach, and believe in the importance of developing a strong and supportive therapeutic relationship with the people I work with. I am passionate about the importance of delivering high quality evidence-based treatments and use a variety of approaches in my work, tailored to the needs of the individual. These include CBT-E (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Eating Disorders), MANTRA and SSCM (Specialist Supportive Clinical Management), alongside elements of Schema Therapy, DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy where appropriate. Whilst I have experience in working across the lifespan, my main area of interest is working individually with adult clients, particularly the emerging adult population (18-25) with a focus on early intervention. As eating disorders commonly occur alongside other mental health problems, I also have extensive experience in working with co-occurring difficulties such as mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, self-harm, and attachment difficulties.

Clinic day is Friday
Wellington rooms

To book an appointment, please complete our self-referral form here.

Dr Hannah Jones
Clinical Psychologist
(Christchurch rooms)

PhD (Cant), PGDipClinPsych, BA

Registered Psychologist (NZ Psychologists Board, Clinical Scope)
Member, NZ College of Clinical Psychologists
Member, Australian & New Zealand Academy of Eating Disorders

I am a registered clinical psychologist with a commitment to helping people overcome the challenges of eating disorders and achieve lasting recovery. My journey in psychology began at the University of Canterbury, where I completed both my clinical training and PhD. I have worked in both mental health and justice settings, which has given me a broad perspective on the various factors that contribute to psychological distress and allowed me to develop a comprehensive approach to treatment. During my time as an intern clinical psychologist at the South Island Eating Disorders Service, I gained invaluable experience working with adults struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. This experience was instrumental in deepening my understanding of the unique challenges faced by those with eating disorders, shaping my clinical approach and reinforcing my dedication to supporting people on their journey to recovery. It was in this setting that I recognized the importance of addressing not just the symptoms of eating disorders, but also the underlying psychological issues that often fuel them.

In my clinical practice, I work with adults with a range of eating disorders, emphasising a holistic and client-centred approach to therapy. My therapeutic approach is typically rooted in a specialist form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for eating disorders (CBT-E/CBT-ED). I understand that eating disorders are not simply about food or eating habits; they are deeply connected to issues such as body image and self-worth. My PhD research focused on body image, informing my therapeutic approach which aims to help clients build self-acceptance, foster a healthier relationship with food, and develop the tools needed to maintain long-term recovery.

I have a particular interest in the role of self-esteem in both the onset of and recovery from eating disorders. My therapeutic approach is designed to support clients not only in improving their relationship with food but also in nurturing a stronger, more compassionate relationship with themselves. I strive to create a warm, supportive environment where clients feel safe and empowered to challenge unhelpful beliefs and make meaningful long-term changes in their lives.

Clinic days are Wednesday & Friday
Christchurch rooms

To book an appointment, please complete our self-referral form here.

PGDipClinPsych, MSc, GradDipSci(Psych), BSc Hons(1st), BSc

I am a Clinical Psychologist with a strong interest and passion for working in the field of eating disorders. I hold a BSc in neuroscience from the University of Otago, and have just finished the final year of my postgraduate studies in clinical psychology at Victoria University of Wellington. I am originally from Auckland and was excited to be back directly serving my home community for the last year of my training, under the supervision of Dr Marion Roberts.

My interest in working in the eating disorder field has been my motivating factor for pursuing a career in clinical psychology. I am aware of the societal pressures that are present and how much of an impact this can have on one’s life. I believe full recovery is achievable and I am passionate about helping individuals reclaim their lives after an eating disorder. This interest directed my masters research, where I am investigating the relationship between stress, negative eating attitudes, and negative body image in the postpartum period. Previous research I have led focused on the prevalence of subclinical psychosis in New Zealand and was presented at the IEPA14 Early Intervention in Mental Health Conference in Lausanne, Switzerland, 2023.

I am a warm and empathetic individual, understanding that each client brings their own unique life experience to the therapy space. My approach to my clinical work is client centred, focusing on establishing a strong and authentic connection with the individuals I work with, in order to promote a successful recovery. My postgraduate training has been largely cognitive-behavioural focused with emphasis on developing a robust and accurate clinical formulation/understanding of what is going on for the client to guide treatment. This has equipped my me well for my clinical work at Nurture, where I work predominantly with adult clients (18+) with disordered eating, body image concerns, bulimia nervosa/binge eating concerns, and anorexia nervosa. I enjoy using CBT-enhanced for eating disorders as my key treatment framework, adapting and augmenting for the needs of each client. 

Clinic days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Auckland rooms & online

To book an appointment, please complete our self-referral form here.

Dr Katie Babbott
Intern Psychologist

PhD (UoA), MSocSci(1st), PGDipPsychResearch (Dist), BSocSci (PGDipHealthPsych - in progress)
(*scope to change to fully Registered (Health) Psychologist - February 2025)

Kia ora! Ko Ascutney te maunga e rū nei taku ngākau. Ko Mahurangi te awa e mahea nei aku māharahara. Nō Matakana ahau. E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o Tamaki Makaurau e noho nei au. I’m Katie, and I am passionate about enabling individuals and communities to flourish.

I’m excited to be joining the Nurture whānau as a health psychologist in 2025! My professional work to date has been broad; I have had the privilege of working with both adults and adolescents in a variety of public services, including in pain services, youth development, and youth justice. I have a special interest in body image and eating behaviour in adolescents; My PhD research explored the use of Intuitive Eating in adolescence, embedding the framework within school-based health promotion. However, I enjoy working with clients from a variety of backgrounds with a variety of challenges; not just those relating to food and eating.

My work is guided by the core values of empathy, collaboration, and authenticity, ensuring that every individual feels seen, heard, and understood. I am dedicated to creating a safe and empowering space where we can work together to help you feel good and function well. Providing client-focussed, queer-affirming, and neurodivergent-friendly care is a big part of my mahi; I want you to feel comfortable bringing all the important parts of yourself into the room, whatever that looks like for you. My work is largely drawn from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Enhanced for Eating Disorders (CBT-E), with elements drawn from other approaches where appropriate, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

Alongside my clinical work, I am a Research Fellow at the University of Auckland, where I contribute to digital health research, developing equitable interventions for tamariki and rangatahi living with diabetes. I’m passionate about working at the intersection of physical and psychological health, and am fortunate to support the supervision of PhD and MSc students conducting research in the field of health psychology, spanning gastroenterology, renal, diabetes, and pain. I am actively involved in both local and international research collaborations, and enjoy teaching on a variety of courses at the University of Auckland and University of Otago.

My academic/research profile can be found here.

Clinic days are Wednesday & Thursday
Auckland rooms

To book an appointment, please complete our self-referral form here.

Sarah Brandeis
Intern Psychologist

MSc, BSc Hons(1st), GradDipPsychSc, BBus (PGDipHealthPsych - in progress)

Kia ora, G’day! I am an Intern Health Psychologist with a genuine passion for helping people recover from eating disorders. I am originally from Australia, but have also lived in Singapore, Maldives, and now our family is proud to call New Zealand home. Currently in my final year of postgraduate studies with the University of Auckland, I am very excited to be doing my clinical training at Nurture Psychology under the supervision of Dr Marion Roberts.

Holding a Master’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Auckland, my thesis explored an early response to Adolescent and Parent Treatment (APT) in adolescents with anorexia nervosa under the supervision of Dr Roberts and Associate Professor Stephen Buetow. This research was presented at the Australia and New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders conference in Auckland, New Zealand in 2024, as well as the Eating Disorders Research Society in Sitges, Spain, 2024.

My interest in eating disorders is longstanding and stems from personal experience and the passion to help others through their journey to freedom. I have worked as a Recovery Coach for people with eating disorders for 2 years, holding a huge amount of hope for each individual. I particularly enjoy working with clients with anorexia nervosa, whether in the adolescent/family or adult space. I strongly believe that every body can fully recover and heal from an eating disorder and I embrace a holistic viewpoint of mental and physical health being interconnected.

Therapeutically, my approach is client-centred and collaborative, rooted in evidence-based treatments (CBT, SSCM). With adolescent clients and their parents I work primarily within the integrative Adolescent and Parent Treatment model (APT), and am currently completing formal certification in APT. Where appropriate, I love to use humour and creativity to lighten some of the work we do. I am a warm, friendly and empathetic person, aiming to build strong rapport and provide a supportive approach to clients and their families.

Clinic days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Auckland rooms
*A 20% discount applies to our fees when booking an appointment with an Intern Psychologist

To book an appointment, please complete our self-referral form here.

MHSc (Nutrition & Dietetics), BSc (Food Science & Nutrition).

New Zealand Registered Dietitian (NZRD)
Prescriber Endorsement (Dietitians Board New Zealand)

I was born and raised in Auckland, and completed my dietetic training through The University of Auckland. I began my professional journey working in community-based mental health and addiction services across Tamaki Makaurau, before transitioning into a specialist regional eating disorder service (Tupu Ora). My experience in eating disorders involves working with both youth and adults across a variety of settings including a residential unit, community outpatients, as well as inpatient care.

I am passionate about the life-changing impact that nutrition can have on our minds and bodies, with a special interest in supporting people experiencing eating disorders and mental health conditions. My approach is always recovery-focused and tailored to meet the individual’s personal circumstances. As a dietitian working in this space, I have a HAES (Health At Every Size)-informed approach, and enjoy supporting clients to incorporate intuitive eating principles as part of their recovery, when appropriate. Through my experience working with those across a range of conditions, I have gained a deep understanding of the complexity and impact that eating disorders can have – not only on the individual, but also those close to them. Therefore, I also support the involvement of friends and whanau, when appropriate, as part of a more holistic approach for my clients.

I have always enjoyed working collaboratively with psychologists and the wider multi-disciplinary team to ensure I provide the best care for my patients. My experience in eating disorders includes working alongside therapists providing evidence-based eating disorder treatments (e.g. FBT, CBT-E, SSCM). In my work at Nurture Psychology, I also enjoy supporting young people & their families in the context of Adolescent & Parent Treatment (APT). Aside from working with those experiencing anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, I am also interested in working with fussy eating/ARFID to provide personalised nutritional assessment & recommendations to support psychology work. I have completed training in FBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-informed Care, as well as the Monash FODMAP Diet and IBS course for Dietitians.

Despite its challenges, I find my work in the eating disorder space extremely meaningful and rewarding. I love being able to truly connect with my clients through their individual journeys - helping them heal their relationship with food, and renourish their bodies to live life to the fullest!

Clinic day is Tuesday
Auckland rooms & online

To book an appointment with Jing, please complete our self-referral form here.
*Please note that all dietetic clients require a psychology assessment or parent consultation in the first instance

Monza Roberts
Therapy pup

Cute, Cuddly, Joyful, Likes to say hello

Monza is our resident therapy-pup-in-training.

Born in the Waikato in January 2024, Monza is a cavoodle who in addition to her role at Nurture Psychology, is part of Dr Roberts’ family. Her first professional experience was attending a 2-day clinical training workshop at just 11 weeks old, where she familiarised herself with treatment options for those with eating disorders. Monza loves to say hello to all clients and family members that come into clinic, irrespective of age or type of challenge.

Monza particularly enjoys greeting people in the waiting room with a happily wagging tail/rear end (& sometimes an uncertain bark if you are a bit new!). She is working on being attentive to emotions in the therapy room, and offering a pat, lick, or snuggle if wanted.

If you would rather not have Monza as part of your treatment team, please let us know (no reason required) and we will happily arrange for her to spend your session with her second favourite person, Karen.

Clinic days Wednesday & Thursday (in Dr Roberts’ room)
Auckland rooms

**If you also have a fur baby, we are sure that we would love them too! Unfortunately, 2 dogs in clinic makes for a bit of doggy-chaos, which is disruptive to those in session. Thank you for making other arrangements for your beloved pet when you come to see us in clinic.

Work with us

Interested in joining our team? Please get in touch!

We are always keen to hear from NZPB registered Clinical Psychologists, Health Psychologists or Counselling Psychologists that have a passion for this work. ED experience is desirable but not essential, as internal training & supervision is provided as required. Please touch base with us via email here to register your interest.