David Lyon

New Zealand Psychologist Master’s Degree in Education & Psychology, 2-year Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Psychology I am a very experienced psychologist, having worked for a total of 30 years in education, health and mental health sectors. This includes working for decades with people from over 50 different countries and cultures – from across Asia, Europe, Central and South America, and Africa. Before becoming a psychologist, I worked in many different jobs, including teaching in Thailand, working for the United Nations, being a houseparent for 5 children with intellectual disabilities and severe behaviour problems, and being a truck driver. I am fortunate to have a happy and harmonious marriage of nearly 40 years, and 2 happy adult sons. I am interested in key questions such as the meaning and purpose of life, and how to maximise human happiness, given all the trials and tribulations that inevitably confront us on our unique journeys through life? I very much believe that all humans are born of equal value and key considerations include our sincerity, purity of motive, and willingness to help others. I have studied all the world’s major religions in depth, and have absorbed key truths from all of them, without identifying with any one religion in particular. (I never impose my beliefs on anyone and never discuss “spiritual” issues unless the client wishes to.) Apart from English, I speak Thai language well, and a reasonable amount of Laotian and Cambodian language. In addition, I know quite a lot of Spanish, and some French, Persian, Arabic and Maori. With my approach to psychology, I partner with the client to experience the world from his or her perspective, helping the person to move forward in a constructive direction, to maximise potential and happiness. I am careful to move in the direction the client wants to go in, at a pace that is neither too slow nor too fast for the client. I am always looking to build on strengths a client already has, and to share knowledge and skills that will help the client to move towards more happiness and less suffering. I invariably do my best to make sessions happy, fun and rewarding, and deeply respect what a client does and doesn’t wish to discuss. I am trained in a wide range of therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Emotional Freedom Therapy, Reality Therapy, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. I am always very up-to-date with the latest research findings and trainings in psychology and counselling. I believe I have very good experience and skills in nearly all areas of human experience and challenge. However, I have particular expertise in the areas of: • Anxiety/stress • Phobias • Depression, or on-going low levels of happiness • Trauma – including PTSD, or lingering post-trauma symptoms • Grief • Parenting • Child and teenage challenges – including in the educational setting • Relationship difficulties • Multi-cultural challenges • Autism/ASD and ADHD • Chronic physical health Issues • Sleep Challenges and Disorders • Healthy Lifestyle Adjustments to improve physical and emotional wellbeing • Workplace difficulties – including bullying and potential job loss • Mindfulness and meditation – for anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic health conditions etc. • Biofeedback and neurofeedback – to enhance mind-body integrity and functioning, lower anxiety and stress, and improve happiness