Focused therapy with purpose
Some people may need ongoing psychological therapy. But many need one or a few focused conversations (sometimes called brief therapy) to understand what’s happening, work through something difficult, and then take action on what to do next.
We start with what matters now and make changes from today.
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A focus on what matters
At the start, we agree on what would make the session worthwhile and keep the conversation focused on that.
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Explore stuck patterns
We gently review the daily patterns that are keeping you stuck.
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Leave with something useful
I aim for you to leave with a clearer understanding, practical things to try, and a written summary or plan afterwards.
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More, when more is useful
Some problems benefit from ongoing work. If I think that applies, I’ll explain why and we can decide together what makes sense.
What I can help with: anxiety, OCD and more
Stuck with everyday life
For when everyday life feels harder than it should — stuck, overwhelmed, or not quite coping the way you used to.
I work with you to really understand what’s going on for you, and make a practical and genuine action plan you can start implementing from today.
Anxiety and worry
For anxiety that has taken over daily life — panic, constant worry, avoidance that keeps narrowing things down.
Specialist support for anxiety and worry from a registered clinical psychologist. I’m trained in both CBT and ACT for anxiety, and have extensive experience helping people with anxiety.
Significant emotional or mental health difficulties
For when things feel like more than everyday stress — long-standing low mood, intense emotions that are hard to manage, or mental health difficulties that have been around for a while.
With more than 30 years working in mental health, I’ll help you make sense of what’s happening and build a clear, practical plan — whether that’s working with me, or finding the right ongoing support.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Whether you’re looking for clarity on whether your thoughts and feelings fit with OCD, or you want practical tips and clinical strategies, I can help. I have years of experience supporting people through varying levels of distress from unwanted obsessional thoughts and images.
I offer a full range of support — from helping you build your own self-help strategies, through to longer-term, structured treatment.
Consultation and training
Consultation and training for health professionals, teams and organisations, drawing on more than 30 years as a clinician, clinical leader and trainer in New Zealand and the UK.
Areas include brief, focused therapy, ACT and CBT, and practical approaches to anxiety and OCD. Get in touch to talk about what you need.
Psychosis: support for you and your whānau
For people struggling with odd or confusing thoughts, uncertainty about what’s going on, or hearing disturbing or unwanted messages from others.
For whānau and partners trying to make sense of psychosis, working out how best to help, and finding out what services are available.
Problematic porn use
Thoughtful, confidential support if porn use has started to feel out of your control.
A practical, non-judgemental space to understand what’s driving it, look at its effect on your relationships and self-respect, and build a plan for change you can start on from today.
About Aaron O'Connell
I’ve worked in mental health for more than 30 years in New Zealand and the UK, as a clinical psychologist, leader, trainer and consultant. I still genuinely enjoy the work, particularly helping people turn complicated psychological ideas into something practical they can use.
My approach is focused, structured and evidence-informed, drawing particularly on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Focused ACT (FACT). I keep my practice small so I can stay responsive, and I value being fully present rather than making therapy feel like a process you are being moved through.
Goodfellow Unit podcast Hear me talk with GPs about CBT, ACT and FACTWhat to expect from a session, online or in Mount Eden
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Book a time
You can book directly without a referral. Most appointments are online, with occasional in-person sessions in Mount Eden, Auckland.
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Tell me what matters
We start with what brought you in and what you would most like to understand or change, usually using recent real-life examples.
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Make sense of it
I’ll look for patterns that may be keeping you stuck, share my understanding, and check whether it fits your experience.
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Leave with a plan
We develop practical next steps together. I’ll usually send you a written summary or action plan afterwards.
Fees, Southern Cross and practicalities
I’m a registered clinical psychologist based in Mount Eden, Auckland, offering brief therapy, where each session is designed to stand on its own, mostly online to people across New Zealand. Sessions are 50 minutes and cost $240. No GP referral is needed, and I’m happy to chat first to see if I’m the right person for you.
- Fee
- $240 Standard 50-minute private consultation
- Appointments
- Mostly online Online across New Zealand · occasional appointments in Mount Eden Village, Auckland
- Southern Cross
- Registered provider Some policies may cover part or all of an appointment. Contact me with your policy details and I can check before you book.
- Referral
- Not required You can contact or book with me directly.
Not sure yet? I’m happy to have a free chat to see if I’m the right person for you.
Payment is usually by bank transfer within seven days of the appointment. If spreading payment over a longer period would help, you’re welcome to ask.
Ready when you are
If you know you’d like to book, choose a time that suits you. If you’d like to talk about whether I’m the right person for you, request a chat using the form and I’ll call you back.
In crisis? I provide crisis support — please book the next available appointment. For help outside usual work hours, see where to get urgent help.