Samantha
MacGibbon

Founder / Registered Child and Family Psychologist

Sam is a registered child psychologist and parenting specialist. She is passionate about working to increase the well-being of young people and their families. She supports young people with social, emotional, psychological, behavioural, and attachment difficulties and has a particular interest in developmental and complex trauma. She enjoys working alongside parents and caregivers to develop ‘therapeutic parenting’ and recognises that each child and family is unique.

Sam’s approach incorporates evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and Synergetic Play Therapy as well as body-based approaches.

Sam provides assessments and treatment for ACC Sensitive Claims and is passionate about child advocacy. She regularly works with schools, to build greater understanding and empathy around the effects of trauma, which in turn assists the child on their pathway to healing.

Sam is the proud parent of two creative, kind, and energetic humans. When not at work, Sam tries to practise what she preaches by engaging in yoga and getting in touch with nature. This might be in the form of trying to keep up with her partner on a mountain bike or hacking around a golf course.

Sam has completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology and a Master of Science in Child and Family Psychology through the University of Canterbury. She is a member of the New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPsS) and the EMDR Association of New Zealand (EMDRNZ).