I am a psychologist with over 17 years of experience, licensed to practice under the generalist scope in both Australia and New Zealand. My journey into psychology began during my early work in disability support, which sparked a deep passion for mental health and well-being. I hold a Double Major in Psychology and Industrial Relations/Human Resource Management from the University of Waikato, graduating with First-Class Honours, followed by postgraduate studies at Central Queensland University and an internship to gain registration.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked across community, education, and specialized settings, helping individuals of all ages manage a wide range of challenges. My experience includes supporting young people and adults with emotion regulation, gaming addiction, academic stress, neurodiversity, self-harm, and suicide risk. Over the years, I’ve developed a strong focus on understanding and treating anxiety disorders, which are central to my practice.
I specialize in working with clients experiencing generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, health anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. I also support individuals facing specific phobias (such as fear of heights, animals, sickness, fire, or the ocean), academic and performance-related anxieties, and life transitions. For young clients, I work closely with parents, offering psychoeducational programs to equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to support their children.
In addition to individual therapy, I’ve designed school-based well-being programs to address anxiety in educational settings, focusing on early intervention, resilience, and collaborative care. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based methods, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I continue to refine my practice through ongoing professional development and supervision with leading experts, including Dr. Dom DiMattia, Dr. Louise Hayes, Russ Harris, and Dr. Stan Steindl.
Beyond my clinical work, I’ve contributed to publications such as Kiwiparent Magazine, Principal Today, and Culturalhubb Books. I also bring a unique perspective to therapy at Full Potential Psychology, incorporating gamified therapy through custom Minecraft platforms. At Pearson, I provide training on the WIAT-3 and contribute to the standardization of psychological assessments.
My previous roles include child development services, securing educational funding for students, critical incident response, academic intervention, large-scale research initiatives, and stakeholder training and development.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, exploring New Zealand’s great outdoors, and spending time with my family. For a more detailed overview of my qualifications and experience, feel free to visit my LinkedIn profile: James Evans-McLeod | LinkedIn.
“If you’re looking for support for your young person or whānau, I’m here to help. Together, we can create strategies to help them navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.”
