Welcome to childpsychologist.co.nz, the homepage of Registered Child Psychologist, Michelle van Dyk.
Michelle is a highly experienced Child Psychologist with over 20 years in the field. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to helping children and their families, collaborating with schools, preschools, and teachers to provide comprehensive support.
Michelle’s journey began at the Champion Centre, where she honed her skills and knowledge as a Cognitive Therapist. She subsequently established herself as a trusted child psychologist in Christchurch. Her expertise encompasses a broad spectrum, as she has assisted children facing various mental health, neurodivergent, and developmental challenges. Michelle has provided support to trauma-affected children in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes. She also actively participated in research studies at the University of Canterbury, and currently supervises fifth year University of Canterbury Child and Family Psychology students.
Michelle is a specialist in providing personalized support for children aged 3 to 10 years. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of needs, including addressing neurodevelopmental challenges, offering behavioral guidance, helping children cope with anxiety, fostering social skills, and providing strategies for school readiness or refusal.
A pragmatic and professional approach defines Michelle’s counselling style, and her passion lies in empowering parents to confidently support their children. Through equipping parents with the necessary skills and strategies, she ensures that the support provided remains beneficial in the long run.
Michelle can provide support with:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Behavioural support
- Cognitive development
- Developmental delay
- Eating
- Prematurity
- Separation anxiety
- Sleeping
- Social skills
- School readiness or school refusal
Michelle is based in Christchurch and available for face-to-face consultations. For further details regarding her services and fees, click here.
Recent news
July 2023 – We are excited to announce that Michelle’s child psychology consultation service is moving into new co-shared premises. With the new Merivale location, Michelle will continue to provide a comfortable and nurturing environment where children and parents can receive the highest quality care and support they deserve.
2 April 2013 – Michelle published in Family Times
Michelle wrote a feature article for the Family Times on anxious children. Click here to read online.
20 November 2012 – Michelle published in Family Times
Michelle wrote a feature article for the Family Times on improving behaviour through play with your preschooler. Click here to read the article online.
7 April 2011 – Provided free services for children affected by the earthquakes
Michelle worked with colleagues at the Harakeke Centre in Christchurch. The Harakeke Centre staff, who include psychotherapists, counsellors and a play therapist, won a contract through Relationship Services to provide free trauma counselling to children and families affected by the Christchurch earthquakes. Contact Michelle for more information.
Little Treasures Magazine
Michelle was recently quoted in the February/March 2010 Little
Treasures Magazine, in the article “Give-it-a-go Kids” on raising
independent young children – click here to read on.
Please contact Michelle if you have any questions about what services she can provide for you and your child.
• Anxiety
• Attachment
• Autism
• Behavioural problems
• Cognitive assessments
• Developmental delay
• Eating problems
• Prematurity
• Separation anxiety
• Sleeping problems
• Social skills