Dr Alexandra Bijl-Brown - Clinical Psychologist

Ally Bijl-Brown is a thoughtful, caring clinician who works with clients to inspire positive change through evidence based practice.

Ally is a graduate of the University of Auckland with a doctorate in clinical psychology. She has practised in primary and in secondary mental health services throughout the Auckland region with a focus on youth health, maternal mental health and substance abuse.

Ally’s main areas of expertise are in working with young people and those transitioning into adulthood. Her other key area of focus is working with hapu (pregnant) people and with those in the early days of parenting, who may be experiencing heightened anxiety or depressive symptoms.

Ally’s PhD thesis was in birth trauma and successful strategies for managing this critical life transition. Ally is also experienced in supporting people who have addictive behaviours and use substances to manage life’s ups and downs. She is experienced in supporting family members who have a loved one who is experiencing addiction. Ally also supports those with generalised anxiety, depression and low mood, eating disorders and people struggling with relationships and sexual health issues. Ally is 🌈 friendly and a trauma informed practitioner.

Ally integrates therapeutic models including CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, and incorporates DBT skills and theories into her practice in order to meet her clients wherever they are at.

When Ally is not supporting people through life’s challenges, you might spot her at the dog park with her (slightly) pampered dog, or at the pottery studio making wonky mugs. She is equally dedicated to finding new brunch spots and testing out tasty recipes! 🐕 ☕️

Expertise

• Anxiety disorders

• Depression and low mood

• Low self-esteem

• Navigating relationships

• Sexual health and wellbeing

• Pregnancy and parenting

• Life transitions

• Body image issues and disordered eating **

• Addiction and substance abuse

• Family support (people supporting loved ones with mental health or addiction struggles)

Therapy approaches

Ally's clinical practice is built on evidence-based interventions with your needs at the centre of the treatment planning.

She is trained in:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) *

• Schema therapy informed practice

• Mindfulness

• Compassion based therapy
  

Qualifications

• Doctorate of Clinical Psychology, University of Auckland

• BSc(Hons) in Psychology (First Class Honors)

• BSc conjoint in Psychology and Health Sciences
  

Memberships

• Registered Clinical Psychologist with the New Zealand Psychologist Board

• Member of New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists

* In my private practice, I do not offer full DBT, though it is a therapy that underpins much of my approach.

** I am happy to support young people with eating disorders but will require working collaboratively with the whanau and a GP if there is a need for medical monitoring.