Background and Professional Interest Areas

Katie is a senior health psychologist who works with patients suffering from a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions. These may be surgical, organic or functional in nature.

Psychology has a major role to play in gut health. This can include the generation, maintenance and exacerbation of symptoms. Living with a gastrointestinal illness can also impact our mental health and quality of life. Psychological support can help to reduce symptom experiences, reduce distress; and improve coping and quality of life.

Some of Katie’s areas of experience include but are not limited to: irritable bowel syndrome, bariatric psychology, abdominal pain, chronic nausea and vomiting, stress management, depression and anxiety, gastroparesis and pancreatitis.

Qualifications:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology (University of Auckland)
• Master of Health Psychology with first class honours (University of Auckland)
• Bachelor of Arts (University of Auckland)

Current Employment:

• Health New Zealand, Te Toka Tumai – Psychologist for General Surgery
• The MacMurray Centre – GI Psychologist

Memberships and Affiliations:

• New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPsS)
• Australian and New Zealand Metabolic and Obesity Surgery Society (ANZMOSS)
• The Rome Foundation Division of Psychogastroenterology
• The National Intestinal Failure and Rehabilitation Service
• Alimetry