Areas of specialty I specialise in working with adults experiencing excessive anxiety including: social anxiety, excessive worry, obsessions and compulsions, health anxiety, panic attacks and Panic Disorder, agoraphobia, and phobias. I also treat trauma-associated difficulties, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I see clients with low mood & Depression, and help people learn how to manage anger problems.

Academic Qualifications

BA (University of Canterbury)
BA Hons (1st Class) (University of Canterbury)
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology (University of Canterbury)
PhD (University of Canterbury)
Certificate in Coaching (Centre for Coaching, London, UK)
Oxford Diploma in Cognitive Therapy (University of Oxford, UK)

Professional Qualification

I am registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board in the Clinical Scope of Practice

Professional Affiliations

Member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists (NZCCP)
British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies
The British Psychological Society
Australasian Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
Special Group in Coaching Psychology, The British Psychological Society

Experience and current work environments

At present, I divide my time between private practice and work for the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB). I work three days per week at the Anxiety Disorders Unit (CDHB) and the rest of my time is dedicated to private practice at The Anxiety Clinic and Centre for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy located on Victoria Street. This clinic was set up in early 2009 by three clinical psychologists (Dr Michelle McCarthy, Rachel Lawson, and Colette Woolcock) and myself. Our vision is to develop a private practice that delivers evidence-based treatments for those aged 15 years and above who may be struggling with psychological distress, particularly in the area of anxiety and low mood. I also see clients, one afternoon per week, at Durham Health, a community health centre in Rangiora.

In the past, I have worked in a number of settings. Following qualification, I worked for the Department of Corrections. However, it became apparent to me that the area I wanted to specialise in was working primarily with those experiencing anxiety. Thus, I moved overseas for five years to develop my experience in this area. In the UK, I worked at The Priory, Europe’s leading independent provider for mental health services. This included working with adults and adolescents experiencing a wide range of difficulties. During this time, I also worked with those in the military, police force, and fire service. In addition, I worked at the Centre for Anxiety Disorders and Trauma – Maudsley Hospital, London. This centre is part of the public health system in the UK and is an eminent specialist treatment and research centre that focuses on anxiety disorders. While in the UK, I became an accredited member of the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). Before returning to NZ, I wanted to further my skills in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and, therefore, completed the Oxford Diploma in Cognitive Therapy at the University of Oxford. I continue to develop my clinical practice through attending regular training workshops and receiving clinical supervision.

Approach to the work

I work primarily from a

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

perspective. I place particular emphasis on developing with my clients a shared understanding and conceptualisation of their distress or the challenges they wish to work on. Treatment is guided by the client’s therapeutic goals. Generally, the work that we engage in within treatment follows CBT guidelines and principles. I am also trained in

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

, which is a therapeutic process used for the treatment of trauma-related distress and anxieties, including phobias. Depending on a client’s goals, needs, and preference, CBT or EMDR would be offered.

Fees and services

I charge NZ$140 (GST incl.) per 50-minute session.

Availability

I am available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, including early evening appointments.

Contact details

Dr Lee Kannis
The Anxiety Clinic & Centre for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
P.O. Box 21-264
Christchurch 8143
Telephone: (03) 377 9996
Fax: (03) 3779993
Mobile: 021 2882026
email: Lee@christchurchpsychology.co.nz
http://www.theanxietyclinic.co.nz