About Lisa

Hi, I’m Lisa. If you’re reading this page, you already know that I’m a Clinical Psychologist living and working in Auckland – but am I the right psychologist for you?

Is my expertise and experience right for the challenges you’re facing?

The ‘Who I Help’ pages of this website give you a good idea of the issues I help clients with in my practice. As for my experience,

I grew up in Wellington and studied psychology at Victoria University, then completed a Masters of Social Sciences in Psychology at the University of Waikato.
In my student days, I worked with some of the more troubled parts of our society. As an undergraduate I volunteered to work with ex-prisoners rejoining society, and visited patients in the maximum security ward at Porirua Psychiatric Hospital.
From early in my career, I recognised that these are not the only people I can help. I’ve also worked for decades with people who are outwardly ‘successful’ – professionals like accountants and lawyers, as well as many with corporate careers.
I worked in Sydney, Australia from 1984 and started my own private practice from 1990.
I returned to New Zealand in 1994 and started my current practice, Lisa Cohen Psychology, soon after.
I continue to work with clients from a wide variety of backgrounds.
I’m non-judgmental and hard to shock.
My practice is grounded in compassion and evidence-based techniques. At the same time, it’s personally tailored to you and what works for you.

Lisa was wonderful at helping me work through some past trauma and restore lost confidence.

From our time working together I've had more self-belief, far less of the emotional lows I used to have (depression episodes) and have more consistent energy and motivation. This has been incredibly beneficial to my work and personal relationships, and my outlook on life is much more positive now. Ultimately, I'm enjoying life more than previously. Thank you Lisa: )

- A. H.

Can you and I work together?

Your relationship with your psychologist is a major factor in whether and how quickly you get better.

Trust is important in any relationship. When you’re working with a psychologist on your deepest self, it’s vital. If you can’t be open with me, I can’t help you take the next steps towards greater wellbeing.
You won’t know for sure whether I’m the right psychologist for you until we speak, but this information may give you an idea of what I’m like..
You are on a journey, from where you are now to where you want to be. When I work with you as your psychologist, my task is to help you along that journey.

I will listen, so that you are properly heard.
I will ask, so that your full story is uncovered. That may include some parts of the story you have never considered.
I will explore, to be sure that I understand.
I will educate, to be sure that you understand - understand your past, your present, your options for the future, plus the tools and techniques you can use to mould that future.
And I will challenge you. Change doesn’t happen in your comfort zone. It happens when you step forward, try something new. It won’t always be easy. But when you step forward, I’ll be right there with you, to encourage and support you. To offer you tissues, or a pot of tea, or to crack a joke and make you smile. To help you live.
Because that’s why I do what I do. So that you, and people like you, can take the next step towards a better, happier, more fulfilled life.
If that sounds good to you, take the next step now. Get in touch and let’s see how we can get your life back on track.

Contact me Contact me

“Lisa, you have shown me how to believe in myself again. The skills you have given me have changed my life in the past year and I know I will continue to grow with them.”

- Karlene