TherapyPsychological support for adults, teens, and parents
Kia ora, so great to meet you!
I'm Lisa Gibson, a registered psychologist based in Palmerston North. I specialise in helping adults, teens, and couples cope with life’s challenges.
I'm acutely aware of the barriers that exist, making it hard for people to access the support they need. Drawing from years of research and experience, I have created mental health tools and resources to help bridge this gap.
Through the creation of innovative communication tools, I’m on a mission to help kids, teens, and couples thrive beyond the therapy room.
In the realm of relationships, my aim is proactive. Rather than waiting for storms to rage, I equip couples with the tools they need to thrive.
So, together, let's rewrite the narrative. Let's build a world where understanding, connection, and resilience are the norm. Together, we can change the world—one conversation at a time.
Connect with Palmerston North Psychologist Lisa Gibson
Talk about what matters
Life and relationships can introduce challenges that can disrupt our sense of well-being and hinder us from living the life we desire. Whether you're grappling with anxiety, navigating relationship difficulties, or seeking clarity, therapy offers a supportive space for growth and healing.
I work with adults, teens, and couples
I find that most individuals and couples require between 6 to 12 sessions
I offer sessions online and in person in Palmerston North
Mental Health
As a registered psychologist, I'm dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and live more in alignment with their values. Through therapy, we can work together to develop helpful coping strategies, foster self-compassion, and cultivate greater self-awareness.
What I offer:
A personalised approach: I tailor my approach to your unique needs and goals, creating a safe space for exploration.
Evidence-based techniques: I work within a scientist-practitioner model, recognising psychology as both an art and a science. I draw primarily from two evidence-based modalities: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). These approaches are designed to help you relate to your thoughts with openness and compassion, rather than criticism or avoidance, so you can move towards what matters most.
Specialised support: I primarily work with adults navigating anxiety, intrusive thoughts, stress, and relationship challenges.
Benefits of therapy:
Gain clarity on your thoughts and feelings
Develop effective coping strategies
Enhance communication and relationships
Build resilience and self-confidence
Manage stress and anxiety
Cultivate greater self-compassion
Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; rather it’s a collaborative journey. You don't have to face these challenges alone. By investing in your mental health, you're investing in a more fulfilling life, with greater clarity, resilience, and stronger relationships.
Ready to take the first step? Simply fill out the referral form and I will be in contact.
Therapy Services
Based in Palmerston North, I specialise in helping individuals and couples cope with life’s challenges. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, I aim to help people live more in alignment with their values.
Tailoring my approach to your unique needs, I draw from various therapeutic modalities:
Therapeutic Approaches
Sex and Relationship Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
The Gottman Method
A Strength Based Approach
Mental Health Expertise
Anxiety and overthinking
Intrusive thoughts
Self-criticism
People-pleasing and perfectionism
Emotional dysregulation
Stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue
Body image
Relationships
Communication
Sex and intimacy
Emotional distance
Attachment patterns
Setting healthy boundaries
Rebuilding trust
Parenting
Relationship uncertainty
Maintaining a healthy relationship
Healthy Relationships
Relationships are journeys filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. Working with a Counselling Psychologist can provide you with tailored support and evidence-based tools to cultivate a healthy relationship.
Drawing from extensive research and expertise, I provide tailored support to help couples cultivate healthy relationships.
Discover a path to:
Increased Awareness: Gain a deeper understanding of your relationship dynamics. Understand relationship patterns so you can pave a new path forward.
Enhanced Communication: Learn evidence-based techniques to enhance your communication from active listening to conflict resolution.
Cultivating Empathy: Foster an environment where both partners feel acknowledged, valued, and understood, leading to emotional intimacy.
Courageous Conversations: From sensitive topics like sex and intimacy to differing perspectives, I provide a safe space for open, vulnerable, and honest conversations.
Implementing New Strategies: Identify and replace old habits, defences, and coping strategies to strengthen your relationship.
Celebrating Wins: While therapy often focuses on challenges, I also recognise and celebrate the strengths and resilience within your relationship. From shared goals to mutual support, I highlight and build on what’s going well.
Deepen Intimacy: Rediscover your spark. Bring joy back into your relationship and feel more connected to your partner.
At Healthy Love, my goal is to provide you with the tools, support, and guidance needed to build a relationship that thrives. Whether you're facing challenges or simply want to strengthen your bond, I'm here to help you on your journey towards a healthier, more connected relationship.
“The best way to open people’s minds isn’t to argue with them. It’s to listen to them. When people feel understood, they become less defensive and more reflective—and develop less extreme, more nuanced views. Productive disagreements begin with curiosity, not persuasion.” — Adam Grant
Healthy Communication
I've created evidence-based tools designed to foster empathy, validation, and understanding—helping kids, teens, and couples talk about the things that matter.
Whether you're fostering emotional intelligence in kids, supporting your teen through mental health challenges, or strengthening your connection as a couple, these tools are here to spark meaningful conversations and deepen relationships.
Tools Available:
The Needs Cards: For Kids: Communication cards designed for highly sensitive or big-feeling kids who struggle to express their needs and emotions. Each card includes prompts to normalise emotions, hold space for big feelings, and support co-regulation.
The Needs Cards: For Teens: An interactive tool to help young people open up about what’s going on beneath the surface and normalise conversations around mental health. These cards are especially helpful for starting conversations about low mood, anxiety, or self-harm, and can support mental health check-ins and collaborative safety planning.
The Relationship Review: A guided tool that helps couples explore relationship patterns, reflect on their strengths and challenges, and strengthen communication. Designed to support regular relationship check-ins—for couples who want to deepen their connection and be intentional about maintaining a healthy relationship.
In essence, my aim is to support open, meaningful conversations—where emotions are heard, needs are met, and relationships thrive.
Join me in building a future where understanding, connection, and resilience are the norm. Together, we can change the world—one conversation at a time.
Articles You Might Find Helpful
Whittaker's Creamy Milk Cookies
Mindful sex is the best kind of sex!
Honouring your capacity
How to cope with uncertainty
Rituals of connection
