For me psychotherapy isn’t just my job, it’s what keeps the spark alive for me within my work.
Everyone has a story and the most meaningful thing for me in my work is exploring those stories with people.
My focus is working with you to understand your emotions and behaviours, to navigate relationships more smoothly and to be more aware of your own vulnerabilities and potential.
The technical stuff:
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I initially trained in psychology, completing my Honours degree in 1997. I then undertook medical training which I finished in 2003 and then specialist psychiatric training.
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I have practiced and trained in psychotherapy since 2006 as part of my psychiatric work. I hold advanced certificates in child & adolescent psychiatry as well as adult psychotherapy. In 2015 I took on the role of director of advanced training in psychotherapy for New Zealand, for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
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In my public hospital work I am currently developing and researching a new mode of psychotherapy to help parents help their teenagers with mental health problems.
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I have interests in working with adults with a history of childhood neglect or abuse. I have particular experience in working with “hidden” neglect and abuse, the problems carried by adults as a result of lack of emotional support or verbal or emotional abuse in early life.
For more on my professional training and background please see my LinkedIn profile here:
https://nz.linkedin.com/in/chris-bampton-399356a
For an example of my teaching on Mentalisation-Based Treatment please see Werry Centre video here:
http://www.werrycentre.org.nz/professionals/publications-and-resources/mbt
For an example of my writing please see a paper I collaborated on about mother-infant relationships here:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308709194_The_infant_observation_task_as_a_tool_in_psychiatric_practice