WELCOME
Harness your inner strength, live your life with purpose, and optimise your wellbeing.

Believe in yourself, your abilities and your own potential. Never let self-doubt hold you captive. You are worthy of all that you dream of and hope for. — Roy T Bennett

About Growthwithin

The philosophy at Growthwithin Psychology is the client is the expert.

As human beings, we frequently underestimate our capacity to devise effective solutions to enhance our quality of life. We can become stuck and keep trying the same strategies to ‘feel better’, only to find things often get worse

At Growthwithin the aim to is help you get ‘unstuck’ and move towards a life that feels meaningful, purposeful, and aligns with what you value. Wisdom comes from experience, be that positive or negative- it’s how we navigate the challenges life throws at us that determines the quality of the life we lead..

Meet Jenny

The Practice

The philosophy at Growthwithin psychology practice is the client is the expert. As human beings, we frequently underestimate our capacity to devise effective solutions to enhance our quality of life. We can become stuck and keep trying the same strategies to ‘feel better’, only to find things often get worse.

Meet Jenny

Jenny Cooper

Registered Psychologist

As a registered psychologist, I have spent over twenty years working with a diverse range of people and aim to create a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate space where clients can share their thoughts and feelings without fear of being criticised or misunderstood.

Over the years I have worked in various settings including NZ defence, the justice sector, management consulting, local government and most recently with an NGO in the addictions and mental health field. My work has involved training, coaching, psychological assessments, one-to-one counselling, and group psychotherapy.

While the settings and context have varied, the central focus has always been working with individuals to help them meet their objectives, develop their strengths, and enhance their well-being. I have worked with people from a range of backgrounds with varying issues including anxiety, depression, stress, grief, past trauma, career transition, addiction, and Interpersonal challenges.

Trained in various therapeutic models and techniques over the years, I endorse a holistic view and incorporate acceptance, mindfulness, personal values, and behaviour change into my practice. My focus is to help clients build resilience, develop coping strategies, increase self-awareness, and cultivate a greater sense of well-being and inner peace.

As well as private practice, I work part-time as a Health Improvement Practitioner, based in a General Practice setting. This role focuses on brief interventions and practical solutions, for people of all ages seeking to improve quality of life.

Please note in private practice I work with individual adults aged 18 and over.

Qualifications and Memberships

Master of Arts — Psychology (Honours)
Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health and Addictions
Registered with New Zealand Psychologists Board
Member of New Zealand Psychological Society

What to expect

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can therapy help me?

There are many benefits to engaging in therapy. Therapists can offer support and help you with personal growth and skill building. Therapists can provide an objective perspective on your problems and help guide you towards a solution.

Therapy can help you more effectively manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours, help build your self-esteem and confidence, improve assertiveness and communication, learn healthy ways to cope with life stressors, increase insight and improve mental clarity.

What does therapy involve?

The nature of the sessions depends on the type of therapist you are seeing, their therapeutic approach and the relationship dynamic between you. I take a collaborative and holistic approach to therapy, supporting clients to gain greater self-awareness and explore how they can develop a more enriching life while managing any challenges. What is most important is that you feel that the therapeutic relationship is a good ‘fit’ for you i.e. you feel listened to and understood, and that the sessions are guided by your desired outcomes.

The initial session involves asking clients more about themselves and their lives to better understand their presenting concerns and objectives. Sometimes sessions will involve exploring and making sense of key experiences in your life. At other times we will focus on learning new skills that you will be encouraged to practice in between sessions. The emphasis is on collaboration and the belief the client is the expert.

Is it confidential?

Every effort is made to keep client information private and confidential in accordance with New Zealand privacy laws. Information obtained is stored in a secure environment, which can be accessed upon written request.

As a registered psychologist, I am bound by the Code of Ethics for NZ Psychologists and will not share a client’s information with another party, unless they have provided written consent. The exception to disclosure is a situation that involves a safety risk to the client or the safety of others (including children). If such a situation arises, every effort will be made to discuss this with the client before action is taken, and disclosure of any information will be limited to the matter at hand.

How long does therapy last?

Length of therapy can vary depending on your specific needs and circumstances. Some people come to therapy with a specific issue or concern, and brief intervention therapy may be the right fit. Often, that can last six to eight sessions. Some people come to therapy to explore issues that seem to run a little deeper. They might engage in therapy for several months or more. This is something that will be discussed along the way to check your needs are being met and timeframes cater to your circumstances.

How long is a session and how often?

Sessions are 50 minutes long and are usually weekly or fortnightly to start; over time the frequency might reduce as needed.

Fees and payment

Fees are $150 per session (including GST).
● Payment by bank transfer.
● Invoices are issued after your session and due within 24 hours.
● If payment has not been received prior to your next appointment, it will be cancelled.

Cancellations
● If more than 24 hours notice is given you will not be charged for your appointment.
● A late cancellation fee of 50% of the session fee will apply for cancellations with less than 24 hours notice.