Sarah Nicoll
Mental Health Therapist/Occupational Therapist
BOT, NZROT, MCADDRA, MOTNZWNA

My Professional Background:

I have 20+ years’ experience as registered health professional with an extensive background in both mental health therapy/counselling and occupational therapy . I completed my Bachelor of Occupational Therapy in 1999 and am registered with the New Zealand Occupational Therapy Board.

I have recently spent the past year completing a certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies through the Trauma Research Foundation and P.E.S.I. (U.S.A).

I am a member of the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA) and Occupational Therapy New Zealand, Whakaora Ngangahau Aotearoa (OTNZWNA)

Within my private practice I provide therapy and counselling to both individuals and those referred by organisations. I provide therapy for OCP EAP services and clinical supervision for health professionals. For the winter season of 2024 I am part of the counselling team at Coronet Peak (NZ Ski). I also provide community services under the ACC Sensitive Claims contract. Outside of my private practice I also work for a Charitable Trust that supports children who are neurodiverse.

Prior to my private practice, I worked in a variety of mental health and rehabilitation settings including GP brief intervention counselling services, community mental health services, forensic psychiatry, as well as community neurorehabilitation. My career has spanned across a variety of health organisations including government, non- government and privately funded services.

Over the recent years I have provided mental health therapy services post Christchurch earthquakes, through EAP services, and the WellSouth Brief Intervention Counselling Service in Queenstown during the Covid-19 pandemic. I commenced in private practice in 2023.

As a New Zealand Registered Occupational Therapist I am required to engage in regular professional development alongside completing a professional portfolio to provide evidence of my clinical competency. I am also required to have regular clinical supervision.

Therapeutic approaches I use in my practice:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness and Psychoeducation alongside Occupational and Psychosocial models of practice.

Trauma informed including using the Polyvagal Theory to guide a somatic evidence based approach.

The Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA) treatment pathway to assist with non-pharmacological clinical treatment of ADHD.

Providing referrals to other social services or community groups that can also support you on your way.

I am aware of my responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and work for equitable outcomes for Māori health and wellbeing.