be
patient
with
yourself
Hi, I’m Francesca.
I want you
to get the care
you deserve
A bit
about me
I’m a psychologist specialising in women’s health, and I love watching people grow, heal and change. I have a particular passion for helping women to ride the (often nightmarish) rollercoaster of perimenopause and menopause, so they stop suffering and begin to thrive. For more about my expertise and work in this area, check out the women’s health psychology page.
Not female? No worries
I also support individuals (of all genders!) to navigate important life challenges and transitions such as infertility, adjustment to parenthood, career burnout, relationship breakdown, lack of purpose, and spiritual exploration. I’m skilled in working with mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma.
My approach
My therapeutic approach is holistic, blending talk therapy with neuroscience and somatic psychology. I draw from a number of evidence-based models including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour therapy (DBT). But to put it simply, I’m an expert in the art of getting unstuck.
When you choose to work with me, you can trust that treatment will be comprehensive, thoughtful, and personally relevant. I can help you understand your unique experience of stuckness, and learn science-based tools to help you grow into a sense of confidence, mastery and wholeness.
So if you’re ready to get unstuck, let’s get stuck in together.
Read about how I work and my interest in women’s health psychology, or if you’re ready to begin the work of change, send me a message.
Qualifications and professional background
I’m registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board (general scope) and hold a current practising certificate.
Over the years, I’ve worked in public health, private practice, and corporate settings—including roles at Fertility Associates and in the chronic pain service at Auckland District Health Board. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the complex interplay between mental and physical health.
I currently balance private practice with a role at Illumen in Freemans Bay, where I serve as Clinical Lead for Women’s Health. I also have an ongoing interest in research, and I’m involved in a current study exploring psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-resistant mental health conditions.
My work is grounded in evidence-based therapies including ACT, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness-Based Self-Compassion, and somatic and polyvagal-informed approaches. Whether I’m supporting someone through menopause, fertility challenges, trauma, or life transitions, I bring clinical rigour, compassion, and curiosity to every session.
I’m a New Zealand-trained psychologist with a PhD in Health Psychology, and a strong background in both clinical work and research. My training includes:
PhD in Health Psychology – University of Auckland
Master of Science in Health Psychology (Distinction)
Postgraduate Diploma in Health Psychology (Distinction)
Bachelor of Laws and Arts (Honours)