MONIQUE HISKENS

BHSc, GradDipHSc, MPsychotherapy

Children's mental health is an area of growing concern and interest throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. I am a child psychotherapist registered with PBANZ, based in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau. I am committed to providing effective, ethical, therapeutic support to a range of children and their whānau.

“It is in playing and only in playing that the individual child or adult is able to be creative and to use the whole personality, and it is only in being creative that the individual discovers the self.”

D. W. Winnicott

ABOUT CHILD PSYCHOTHERAPY

My approach involves relational child psychotherapy informed by psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theories. By utilizing a range of specific play materials, the child is encouraged to gradually express parts of their inner self and develop a therapeutic relationship both verbally and non-verbally. Within this relationship, connections can be made between the therapist and the child's whānau to better understand the nature of their conflicts and difficulties. 

Child psychotherapy can be effective for a range of presenting challenges, including anxiety, low mood, self-harm,  difficulty sleeping or toileting, anger, loneliness, grief, somatic complaints, ASD diagnoses, those questioning their gender or sexuality, adjustment difficulties, separations and trauma. This work is suitable for children aged 5 - 15 years however dyadic work with children younger than 5 may be possible with consistent participation from a parent or caregiver. 

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More information about this approach can be found in the blog section of this website. 

I have worked within the mental health field for both NGO and DHB services for the past seven years and recently became registered as a psychotherapist through PBANZ. My particular areas of interest involve working with mothers and infants in repairing relationship difficulties and post-partum struggles. I am also passionate about helping children who have difficulty in communicating or understanding what is creating a sense of inner struggle for them, and I feel that child psychotherapy can be very effective in understanding the confusing and confounding aspects of holistic health.

I am based in Auckland, practicing within a playroom space Albany.
I have a 8 year old daughter of my own. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with whānau outdoors and making food to share. I have taken part in my own personal psychotherapy for the past four years and engage in regular clinical supervision. I work confidentially and in line with HDC ethical guidelines. 

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I am able to practice at COVID alert levels 1 & 2, with space to integrate distance zoom sessions if needed. 

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I do not offer a crisis service however can supply information about further crisis organisations. 

MY ACADEMIC TRAINING

“Every child has a right to a thoughtful, regular presence accompanying her during a terrifying journey… regardless of whether or not she can speak, think, or experience being physically healthy”

Jeanne Magagna