A psychologist is a professional trained in the science of how people think, feel, behave and learn. They are skilled in examining how biological, social, and psychological factors influence health and illness.

A psychologist can help you to:

• Manage pain and fatigue. 
• Cope with difficult emotions, depression, anxiety, stress and the impact this has on relationships, work, sleep, and self-confidence. 
• Adopt and keep healthy habits.
• Deal with other challenges more skillfully.
• Provide you with the tools specific to helping you to better cope with having a long-term health condition. 

Many psychologists use cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). CBT is a therapy that helps a person to change unhelpful or unhealthy habits of thinking, feeling and behaving.

Clinical psychologists

Clinical psychologists are primarily interested in mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety-related disorders, although they work with people with many different kinds of health conditions, including lifestyle and behaviour change.

For more information or to find a psychologist, visit the New Zealand Psychological Society website.