Creating conversations about mental wellbeing and resilience.
Humans are amazing. We learn, grow, struggle, fail and thrive in 7.8 billion ways. Each of us have a unique fingerprint - what we are born with, the challenges we face and the ways we adapt and change. Within all this difference there are some common themes. As part of being human we all experience feelings of sadness, worry, anger and joy and we all have thoughts some of which are more helpful than others.
My fascination with the human condition led to to a career - I get to learn, grow and be inspired by the people I work with, and I hope in turn to support, encourage and coach others to do the same.
I’ve studied a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology that includes evidence-based psychological approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness approaches. I have a keen interest in the mind-body connection from my first degree in Human Biology.
I’ve been fortunate to work in a variety of settings public (ADHB), academic (AUT, Auckland University), workplaces, organisations, schools and private clinics. I blend the academic and researched-based approaches with clinical experience and a good dose of common sense and humour. I work with compassion and non-judgement, as I know we are all doing our best with the resources that we have.
“I want to help create an environment where we can all elevate our and others’ mental wellbeing and resilience.”
A bit more about me…
I was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, but moved to the Isle of Wight in the very south of England when I was one years’ old. I washed up on the shores of Aotearoa/NZ as a backpacker, fell in love with the country and a kiwi and ended up staying a lot longer than I intended. I have two teenage children who bring me much joy and challenge, a dog who gets more likes on Instagram than I do, and a cat with a special attitude. I love the sound of the sea, the sand beneath my feet and the warm sun on my face.
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Testimonials
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During Mental Health Awareness Week, we had a wonderful session for our people with Dr Mary Miller from Mindtherapy about the stresses of 2020 with strategies on how to recognise and cope. I've been thinking about it lots ever since, as I can honestly say it's one of the best mental wellbeing sessions I've attended. She talked about the science behind our brain's response to stress - and specifically about the type of anxiety that COVID triggers. That knowledge was enlightening enough, but then she took us through some practical strategies to mitigate this stress and anxiety. Never would I have thought that such a session could be delivered over Zoom so impactfully. But it was. Dr Mary's sessions are always so well received at Sky New Zealand, so I needn't have been surprised. Mental health is so important, it's not just about raising awareness during MHAW, but how we continue to normalise talking about mental health and offer support to our people.
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— Stephanie Whyte, Learning and Development Manager, Sky New Zealand
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Really enjoyed considering the whole picture - time went fast. Thank you! Lovely manner.
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— Participant
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Thoughtful and provoking talk - valuable Really good explanation of definitions of depression and anxiety. Useful to know how to ‘listen’.
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— Participant
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I just wanted to pass on a belated thank you for coming in and speaking with the staff. The day after it was amazing how many reported sleeping better – either longer, deeper or with fewer waking moments.
I did a quick walk round to some today and this seems to be a continuing trend overall, the majority are still thinking about their personal goal.
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— Terry Storer, Principal, Michael Park School
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I found everything very useful. I really enjoyed your lecture this evening. You were very engaging and made it easy to understand.
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— Participant
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I have learnt some valuable tools. My daughter is suffering from PTSD, and she is waiting to go to Procare. I have learnt some valuable tools. Thank you so much
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— Participant
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When we talked to SKY staff they told us they wanted to know more about fatigue and getting a better sleep. In the past we have always focussed on our Workplace fatigue guidelines, which helped but what staff really wanted to know was how sleep improves their wellbeing and how they can get more of it.
SKY chose to do the “Energise - sleep and fatigue” workshop which included information everyone could relate with and practical techniques to get to sleep. Mary’s methods and soothing voice made it easy for the team to get involved. While trialling the sleep techniques some people actually nodded off and they are continuing to use the techniques at home today.
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— Brodie Cornelius, H&S Manager, Sky New Zealand
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Mary spoke to the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Dental Hygienists Association on the subject of 'mental health in the workplace'.
This subject is not easy for many to discuss. Mary certainly achieved an environment that welcomed openness and interaction.
The structure of the presentation used many mediums, giving the audience time to take the information in and give light and easy discussion.
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— Rebecca Woledge, New Zealand Dental Hygienists Association