Qualifications:
PGDipEdPsych., MEdPsych., B.Ed., Dip Tchg., MNZPsS
Current Children’s Worker Safety Check Certificate (Children’s Act, 2014)
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to psychology, but sharing the load is crucial. As the saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child" - so let’s find a solution together.
I’m Rose Brown, a registered Educational Psychologist based in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Having worked in education across New Zealand throughout my career - first as a teacher, then as a Special Education Advisor with the Ministry of Education, and since 2006 as an Educational Psychologist - I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of children, young people, and families from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, in both home and school settings.
Supporting children and young people with learning and behavioural challenges has been at the core of my professional career. It’s always rewarding to see them make positive progress, improving in their learning, social interactions, and life skills, and gaining a stronger sense of confidence and well-being.
I know I’m doing my job well when parents and caregivers feel confident in their ability to provide a supportive environment for their child, building on the child’s unique strengths. With the right skills and strategies, they can help their child thrive and make positive progress in all areas of their lives.
About Rose
Does that sound like what you want for your family?
Then I think we’ll work well together!
It’s often said, "When parents change their approach, everything changes."
Small adjustments in parenting strategies can create a supportive environment where a child’s potential thrives, leading to lasting positive changes in their life.
How I Work
As an educational psychologist based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, I am available for local, face-to-face appointments, or via phone or Teams to support your whānau, no matter where in New Zealand you live.
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I use an ecological approach, understanding that challenges often arise from the interactions between a child and their environment, rather than from within the child themselves.
I take a developmental and strengths-based perspective, considering a child's cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth while recognising their unique capabilities and building on them to address challenges and foster success.
I work collaboratively with parents and caregivers to understand their child in the context of their unique environment. I believe children and young people thrive when supported by their family and the broader community, and that the most effective therapeutic interventions are those integrated into a child’s daily life, within their family and trusted support network.
When appropriate, I may work one-on-one with your child to help them develop the skills and strategies needed to experience success.
I create individualised solutions that are tailored to meet the unique needs of each situation.
How We Begin
Initially, I like to engage with the key adults in a child’s life - parents, caregivers, and sometimes teachers - to listen to their story, understand the broader context, and explore your concerns and aspirations.
I believe it’s essential to connect with the people who hold the child’s story and share in their journey. When appropriate, I may also have conversations with your child or young person to hear their perspectives and how they see their own story unfolding.
Once I’ve heard your story and gathered a sense of the preferred directions you’d like to take, I’ll work with you to co-create a plan that reflects your values and goals.
How We Move Forward
I understand that you may feel like you've tried everything, but I’ll seek out new possibilities and ways forward. Every family’s journey is unique, and the key to progress is pausing to reflect and truly understand the bigger picture. By gathering information and listening to everyone’s perspective, we can uncover a path forward that works for your family.
Caring for a young person with complex needs can feel overwhelming, but together, we’ll find a way through the challenges, ensuring each family member’s voice and experience is heard along the way.
Who I Help
If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or stuck — unsure where to turn next — and it seems like you’ve already explored every available agency or specialist service without finding lasting change, I’d love to talk with you about how I can help.
FAQS
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No. Feel free to contact me directly so that we can get your family the help you need as soon as possible.
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Typically I do not offer individual counselling services for children, as counselling is only a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to tackling complex needs. However, I do sometimes work one-on-one with children or young people as part of the wider plan, usually with a focus on things such as skill development, coping plans, and strategies for positive behaviour change.
If we feel that your child would benefit from more in-depth counselling, I’ll help you find the right person, whether this means a referral to mental health professionals, ACC, or the school counselling team.
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I work with families from all kinds of backgrounds and situations. I support families who have children or young people aged 5-21 with complex issues, who feel tired or stuck, or who feel they’ve exhausted other options.
See my Services page for more details.
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I am not ACC registered, but I’d still like to hear about your situation and see if I can offer support to suit your budget.
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Yes. Please refer to my fees page.
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While I don’t offer formal diagnostic assessments, a diagnosis isn’t necessary for us to work together. Whether you have one, are seeking one, or are simply looking for support, I may still be able to help.
Give me a call so that we can discuss your individual situation.
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Yes! I’m well-equipped to work with children with autism spectrum disorder.
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Of course!
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Because Psychology Matters is about the big picture.
Rather than simply focusing on the immediate issues, or observable difficulties, such as meltdowns, eating or toileting difficulties, or struggles at school, I take a deeper look to understand the underlying issues contributing to these behaviours. By thoroughly assessing the whole situation, we can uncover the root causes that are influencing the visible challenges, and address them in a meaningful way.
This approach allows us to create a plan that not only supports your child now, but also equips them with the tools they need to thrive as they grow.
Additionally, I only work with 8-9 families at a time. I take a hands-on approach with a small caseload, which means I have more time to help you navigate your complex needs.
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Call me when you’re ready, we’ll have a brief chat to make sure we’re a good match, and if you’d like to go ahead, then I can book you in for our first appointment.
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Our first appointment will be a chance for me to get to know you and your needs.
It’s an opportunity to have a conversation, without your child present, to discuss your concerns, including what you’ve tried so far, what has been helpful, and what hasn’t worked. We’ll also explore how I can best support you moving forward and begin the process of putting a plan in place.
Contact
Free initial inquiry – complete the form or get in touch directly.
Contact Rose today for a 15-minute no-obligation chat about your child to see if working together is the right fit for you.