About

Dr James Hegarty PgDipClinPsych FNZCCP

I have a strong background in experimental psychology, and in basic behavioural sciences. One of my main aims is to help create, and provide a psychology more adequate to the challenges of the human condition. I do this in my work with clients, and in providing training for other therapists. I have worked in a wide range of organisations, and have a broad experience in providing therapy as a Clinical Psychologist, often working with the most difficult challenging clients. 

I am perhaps unique in New Zealand (and maybe Australasia) in the depth and breadth of my training in the modern mindfulness-based therapies, and in bringing this experience, particularly training in ACT (with perhaps a subtle influence of Zen) to all of my training workshops for psychologists and work with individuals.  

My extensive experience as a Clinical Psychologist has developed from my work in a wide range of areas: the criminal justice system, medical rehabilitation settings, and speciality services providing therapy for adults, adolescents and university students.

I have had a wide variety of experience and opportunity for development in neuropsychology working for the Department of Corrections, with adolescents, in a specialist rehabilitation service, and in private practice. As a psychology advisor for ACC, I was required to review and comment on the work of other neuropsychologists.

I have presented at conferences to colleagues on a variety of topics. For example, the use of modern approaches to therapy and neuropsychology, and have made significant contributions to psychology in New Zealand in these areas. My practice is characterized by a deep interest in people, and the ongoing desire to learn and develop. This has led me to use my experience to provide training and supervision to other psychologists and senior Clinical Psychologists.

Training Experience

I have trained in traditional psychological therapies (e.g., Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, and Schema Therapy) and have had extensive professional training in the Mindfulness-Based therapies, and additional training in DBT.  

My experience as a student of Zen complements and informs my expertise in ACT, and Mindfulness, and advanced training - Mindfulness integrated Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MiCBT), teacher training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy.  

I am also qualified to teach the Cultivating Emotional Balance (CEB) course, a mindfulness- based course incorporating extensive training in working with emotions.  This course was originally developed through the encouragement of the Dali Lama as a method of bringing the benefits of science and meditation practice to a wider range of people.