Amanda Pinny - Director/Registered Psychologist BA (Hons), MSc (Psychology), MNZPsSAmanda is an experienced Registered Psychologist who is passionate about working with people who have experienced traumatic events or significant loss. Amanda loves to see people living well and thriving after traumatic or adverse life experiences. As a Psychologist, Amanda spent 5 years in a modified therapeutic community delivering group therapy to men with violence and sexual convictions in prison. Amanda then continued to work in the justice population supporting men and women’s change journeys in the community. Amanda has worked in private practice for the past 5 years, primarily with women experiencing depression, anxiety, and trauma-related difficulties. Prior to completing her training as a Psychologist, Amanda spent 12 years working in healthcare and rehabilitation roles, observing and supporting healthcare and rehabilitation journeys in children’s healthcare, rehabilitation for brain injury and in forensic/correctional settings.
OUR TEAM
Our team includes a range of mental health, and health professionals committed to client-centered care, a trusted therapeutic relationship and quality evidence-based intervention.
Cushla Griffin - Clinical Psychologist PGDipPsych(Clin)I am a Clinical Psychologist who works with clients to explore how their feelings, actions, beliefs, and experiences impact on their day-to-day life. I enjoy working collaboratively with clients and creating goals that we can work towards together. I provide skills and strategies that support you to meet those goals, and that allow you to live a more fulfilling life. I specialise in working with adults with a wide variety of difficulties including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, PTSD, sleep, physical health, grief, and adjustment to life changes. While my main modality is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, I often draw upon other modalities and I aim to be flexible so I can meet the client's needs. Therapy is an opportunity for personal growth and can allow you to gain a better understanding of yourself and can support you to make change for the future. Deciding to engage in therapy is a big step and I look forward to speaking with you about how I may be able to support you.
Ryan Murray - Counsellor (Provisional Member NZAC)Life can bring its share of challenges, whether they feel overwhelming or are simply moments when you need someone to talk with. Ryan is able to provide a safe, supportive space where you can work together to navigate what’s on your mind. Ryan is a qualified counselor with a Bachelor of Counselling and registration with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC). Ryan’s experience includes working with people from their teens, through to later life stages, supporting issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, relationship struggles, bullying, and identity work. Taking a collaborative approach, Ryan draws from person-centered therapy, narrative therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to meet you where you’re at. Ryan believes in seeing the best in everyone and helping clients discover their own strength to navigate life’s difficulties—whether they’re monumental or more everyday. As a young male counselor, Ryan brings a fresh perspective and unique experience offering relatability and understanding in a way that feels approachable and genuine. If you’re ready to take that first step, Ryan would love to walk alongside you on your journey.
Ellen Kendrick - Counsellor (Provisional Member NZAC)Kia ora, my name is Ellen. I'm one of the Counsellors on staff here at River Psychology. I started my work with River Psychology as an admin/receptionist in May 2023. However, in April 2024, I transitioned to working with clients in a professional role, which I am loving. One of my long-term goals is to work more with our rangitahi, as I believe that there is a great need to support our rangitahi in the difficulties that they face daily. I also enjoy working with those who require support in their journey with depression, anxiety, and/or overall wellbeing. When I am not at work, I am Mum to twin boys. I enjoy socialising with friends playing board games (and no I don't mean Monopoly, a source of many family feuds). One of the games I enjoy most is D&D. I won't start talking about that here though, I could go on for a while, but if you wish to discuss, I'm always happy to chat (just catch me outside of a session time).
Katherine Lee - Registered Psychologist BA (Hons), MA (Psychology), PGDipPP, MNZPsSHi, I’m Katherine. I have worked as a registered Psychologist since 2017 and a therapist since 2012, and I aim to make your journey into therapy as welcoming and empowering as possible. I understand that seeing a psychologist can feel daunting, so I strive to create a friendly and relaxed environment where we can address your needs and meet your goals . I am passionate about helping people to strengthen self-awareness and boost confidence in handling life’s challenges. I am guided by your goals for therapy which may include exploring practical coping strategies, developing self-awareness or more positive thinking and behavioural patterns to help you thrive. I have worked in a variety of settings over the past eight years including youth and adult primary mental health, ACC sensitive claims, and the Department of Corrections. I have been fortunate to have trained in a variety of different therapeutic modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy (ST), Dialectal Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and I am currently working towards certification in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). I prefer to be eclectic and holistic in my approach, meaning that I tailor the therapy approach to each client. I also work with a variety of difficulties that people face including but not limited to depression, anxiety, stress management, interpersonal issues, sleep, trauma, grief/loss, and adjustment to challenges. I have a particular interest in the areas of anxiety, intimate relationships, family dynamics, and fertility/prenatal mental health.
Feby Palathinkal-Thompson - Social WorkerFeby is a qualified professional social worker with over 25 years of experience in various sectors like substance abuse, mental health and child protection. In another work space, she manages programmes working among high risk youth with a trauma informed care approach. Feby is well experienced in persevering through tough situations while creating an impact, being of influence and a catalyst in facilitating transformation in the lives of people, utilising her skills and knowledge. She values people’s uniqueness and help them flourish, no matter what their circumstances are. Her interest involves observing and understanding human behaviour and culture. Feby is originally from India and has worked in multiple countries like India, Canada, Philippines and here in NZ. Her chill zone involves gardening (a big lover of cacti and flowers), decorating her space, reading, going on walks, traveling and Netflix.
Charlotte Pennington - Ph.D. NZPB Registered Clinical PsychologistHi, I’m Charlotte. I’m a Clinical Psychologist and specialise in working with young adults and women. Clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, and looking for support handling those emotions. In therapy, I will help you learn skills to manage your feelings, improve your relationships, and build confidence. My therapeutic approach is rooted in cognitive-behavioural principles, and I incorporate aspects of dialectical-behaviour therapy, mindfulness, interpersonal therapy, and motivational interviewing. In all of my work, I take a collaborative approach with my clients to ensure that evidence-based services are tailored to address your individual needs. I moved to New Zealand from the United States in 2023 and in my spare time I enjoy taking my dog for adventures, dancing, and yoga.
Britney Govender - Counsellor (DAAPANZ)My name is Britney Govender, I moved to New Zealand in 2017 from South Africa. My hobbies include MMA, yoga, and spending time in nature. I spealize in Human development and Mental health and Addictions. I believe in treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—creating personalized plans that empower individuals to heal from the inside out. Whether you're struggling with past trauma, addiction, or mental health challenges, I am here to guide you toward lasting recovery and personal growth. Through compassionate care, tailored coaching and counselling, and proven techniques, I help you rebuild your life, restore balance, and unlock your full potential. Your journey to healing and transformation starts here.
Angela Jones - Counsellor (NZAC)I grew up on a sheep farm (one of 7 children) and then dairy farming for 30 years. I have 2 grown children and 2 cute grandchildren. My hobbies are music, reading, walking, carpentry and gardening. My specialties are anxiety and depression and relationship work. I mainly work with adults.
Stephanie Hills - Counsellor (MNZAC)I have had forty years’ experience working with people in distress, both as a social worker and a counsellor. I use mainly narrative and sometimes art therapy to help people move on from depression, eating disorders and other long-term problems. I have also worked successfully with children and with couples experiencing relationship difficulties. At present my work is mainly centred on helping adults who have experienced sexual abuse to overcome its effects and move on with their lives. I believe that we all hold the answers within ourselves, but often our habitual ways of thinking blind us to what we already know. Counselling can help uncover our hidden wisdom and set us on the path to overcoming our difficulties. I work in Hamilton. I have two grown sons and have recently become a grandmother.
Elske Reyneke-Barnard - Clinical Arts Therapist (AThR) Elske is a Creative Arts Therapist who endeavours to inspire HOPE, and dignity in every child and woman she works alongside. She uses art and play to facilitate connection, exploration, expression and healing. Elske has worked in private practice (Soul Images Expressive Arts Therapy) for the past 5 years, primarily with women and children affected by trauma. Since completing her Masters at Whitecliffe College she has engaged in additional training in Trauma, Sandplay and Clayfield Therapy. Elske is registered with ACC and currently focusing on working with children between the ages of four and 12. Her approach is child-centered, incorporating play, which is the natural language of children. She recognises that each child's journey is different. Creative Arts Therapy employs art-making alongside a supportive relationship to support and enhance well-being. The great thing about arts therapy is that it does not rely on talking and rational thought but on playfulness, symbolism and curiosity. It is always about the process, not the product, and you do not need to consider yourself artistic to engage with Arts Therapy.
Juanita Cross - NZ Registered Dietitian (PgDIPDiet, BSc (Human Nutrition)Kia Ora, I am a Dietitian with experience working with a range of ages and stages and various health conditions across the Waikato. Dietitians are qualified and registered health professionals.We have undergone degree and postgraduate training in evidenced based nutrition science for managing a range of health conditions. We are accountable to the Dietitians Board to keep up-to-date with nutrition science and only recommended nutrition changes well supported by research - we don't necessarily follow the latest fad. I believe the food we eat can affect both our mental and physical wellbeing. My private practice is Enough Dietitian Services. At ENOUGH I'm passionate about good enough nutrition. Eating what nourishes our body while also acknowledging what nourishes our soul (be it connecting with friends and whānau, eating our favorite foods, honouring our hunger and fullness cues and enjoying cultural foods and celebrations. I have experience with a wide range of conditions including gut issues (diarrhoea, constipation, IBS, IBD), diabetes (Type 1, 2 and Gestational Diabetes), nutrient deficiencies, unintended weight loss, picky or restricted eating, neurodiversity, pregnancy nutrition, enteral feeding and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. I look forward to supporting you to achieve a healthy relationship with food while managing any nutritional issues you may be facing.
Mia Bessa - Office Administrator Kia Ora, I am the Office Administrator for River Psychology, and have been working here since June 2023. I did my Bachelors in Psychology, and I am currently doing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Mental Health to work towards becoming a Counsellor. I enjoy working in a versatile role that allows me to work and interact with providers, clients, and stakeholders.
Phone: 027 216 2096
Email: office@riverpsychology.co.nz
PO Box 14153, Five Cross Roads, Hamilton 3252
