The following are Rupi’s specialised areas of interest as a child and adolescent psychotherapist:

• Trauma (particularly childhood trauma and sexual abuse)

• Attachment

• Family therapy & parenting support

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Grief & loss

• Self-harm & suicidal ideation

• Social & behavioural difficulties

• Sleep & eating difficulties

• Mother/baby & parent/child work

• Adoption

Approaches to work / Models of practice used:

• Psychodynamic

• Family Systems

• Mother/infant

• Neuroscience

• Maori models of practice and attempts to follow the Takarangi Competency Framework

• Cognitive Behavioural Techniques

• Dialetical Behavioural Techniques

Rupi also believes in the use of creativity to assist in healing, both through language and other mediums (e.g. art), when words may be lacking, or when words may feel too threatening. Creative practices allow for the use of symbolism and metaphor, which again is a non-threatening way of exploring and understanding emotions and challenging behaviours. She uses creative methods such as play therapy and art, but is also open to using a range of other creative methods. Play is a therapeutic tool that allows children to express themselves non-verbally through a medium that they feel comfortable with and which allows the therapist to gain an understanding of a child’s inner world.

Professional Registrations & Memberships:

• Registration with PBANZ (Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa, New Zealand)

• Member of NZACAP (New Zealand Child & Adolescent Psychotherapists Association)

• Registration with and Provider for ACC (Accident Compensation Commission) - Sensitive Claims (Sexual Abuse)

Qualifications:

• Master of Health Science (endorsed in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy)

• Postgraduate Diploma in Health Science (Child &Adolescent Mental Health)

• Diploma in Education (Primary)

• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)