Dr Madeline Dykes

Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc Hons) – University of Otago
Doctor of Philosophy – University of Otago
Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology – University of Otago

Since graduating, I have worked for the past three years in New Zealand, where my work had spanned the public health system, University Student Health Services, and private practice. The majority of my work has been with adolescents and with young adults in a university setting. I enjoy both therapeutic work with my clients, and assessment and support for neurodiverse people. 
In my therapeutic work, I have experience supporting people with a range of challenges, in particular anxiety and mood difficulties, trauma, adjusting to life stressors and changes, disordered eating and complicated family dynamics. The teenage years, and the time when young people move out of home for the first time provides a unique set of challenges, and I enjoy working with young people to navigate these years.
I also have a particular interest in autism, helping people of all ages and genders to navigate the diagnostic process, and working with people collaboratively to identify, understand, and support the strengths and the challenges that may come with a neurodiverse brain.

My training is based in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) as well as Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) approaches. I have also completed training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR Institute Basic Training), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills (DBT NZ), Maudsley Family Based Therapy (MFBT via the South Island Eating Disorder Service, New Zealand ) and CBT-T (an CBT approach to treating eating disorders). I am also trained in using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) as part of a gold standard assessment for autism spectrum conditions.
Above all though, I value a flexible approach to therapy to meet the needs and the learning style of the person I am working with. For me, this means getting to know what matters to the person and providing a safe and warm space for them to feel comfortable sharing and communicating in the way that works best for them. I understand that a text book approach does not necessarily suit everyone, and so I enjoy the challenge of tailoring support to make it the most effective and relevant for the person.