ABOUT CHARL & BRIDGET
PSYCHOLOGISTS
BRIDGET STARK
PSYCHOLOGIST
Understanding human emotions and behaviour whilst advocating for meaning and change has always been at the centre of my practice. Witnessing people overcoming adversity provides me with a sense of
purpose and fulfilment in my chosen profession.
Mobile: 022 362 3706
My Story...
My journey as a psychologist has spanned nearly two decades with experience working in children’s homes, palliative care, Corrections Services and private practice. This has afforded me the opportunity to work with a range of people and issues. My interests lie in trauma work, anxiety, depression and everyday issues that children, adolescents and adults face in the modern world.
My training includes a number of therapeutic modalities such as Schema Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Psychodynamics. This allows me to adapt my therapeutic approach to meet the client’s needs. Everybody’s story is unique and the way in which they cope and grow emulates this.
On a personal note, we emigrated from South Africa to New Zealand nine years ago and have made Aotearoa our home. On the weekend you will find my husband, Charl, our two sons, and I riding our bikes, having a good old South African braai or close to a football field. You might also bump into me training for a mini triathlon, a running race of some kind or taking our beloved fur babies for a walk around our neighbourhood.
CHARL LOUW
Above all, I believe in the strength of the human spirit, and the ability for us to develop meaning out of even the most difficult experiences. My training as a Counselling Psychologist has provided me with an excellent foundation to support and assist my clients to define themselves in spite of their difficult life circumstances, and not because of.
Mobile: 022 587 9441
PSYCHOLOGIST
My Story...
I started my career as a psychologist in South Africa in 2004, where, after qualifying, I developed experience in different fields of psychology including private practice, post graduate lecturing and consulting for a range of non-governmental organisations. Most defining for my identity as a psychologist during this time was supporting children and individuals who have been traumatised to progress from surviving to thriving - which on occasion required me to testify as an expert witness.
After relocating to Aotearoa with Bridget and our family in 2012 I was employed by Ara Poutama (Department of Corrections) for nine years. This provided me with incredible opportunities to enhance my experience and further solidify my identity as a psychologist. During this time I worked as a front-line psychologist providing a range of assessment and treatment services to the people in our care, and eventually transitioned to various strategic, senior and principal advisory roles for national office.
I work from a client-centered and collaborative approach, respectfully acknowledging that my clients are the experts in their own lives. I’ve been trained and have experience in a range of treatment modalities; including Narrative Therapy, Schema Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamics.
Bridget and I enjoy spending our free time with our two boys who are keeping us busy driving to a range of sporting activities!