Tēnā koe, ko Robyn toku ingoa.

(Hello, my name is Robyn). 

I’m originally from North America, and have lived in Aotearoa New Zealand for more than 7 years. I live in Whakatuu/Nelson with my husband, cats and pet rats (and hopefully two Kune Kune pigs soon).

I’ve worked as a licensed psychologist for over fourteen years, in a wide range of settings including hospitals, prisons, inpatient and outpatient wards, and private practice. I have a Doctorate of Psychology degree (Psy.D) from Alliant International University in California.

My specialty is health psychology, helping teenagers and adults with either acute or chronic medical conditions. I have a chronic illness myself, so I can approach these conditions with understanding of what it’s like to live with one. In addition, I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 43. Receiving this diagnosis was both liberating and devastating. Engaging in the right medication and treatment for me has absolutely changed my life for the better, however, I couldn’t help but look back and think, “If only I’d been taken seriously and diagnosed earlier, I would not have had to suffer so much.”

Outside of work, I love traveling, learning/speaking French and te reo Māori, ice swimming, hiking, scuba diving, archery, aerial hoop, camping, indulging my inner goth girl, and generally spending as much time in nature – and with animals – as possible. Yes, I still get stupidly excited by all the sheep here!  I feel super lucky to live here and use my skills and experience to help people in Aotearoa New Zealand.

— Dr Robyn Watts