Chamilka Punchihewa Email & Phone Number

Auckland, Nz

Counties Manukau

Health Psychologist for the Rheumatology Service at Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau

Counties Manukau Auckland

As a Health Psychologist who is a part of the Psychological Medicine team at Counties Manukau, I provide specialist mental health assessment, advice and treatment for patients in inpatient and outpatient settings. I also provide teaching on and advocacy for the emotional and psychological components of patient wellbeing to staff.The Critical Care Complex Unit consists of 18 Intensive Care beds, 13 resourced of which 4 are dedicated Paediatric bed spaces and 6 High dependency… Show more As a Health Psychologist who is a part of the Psychological Medicine team at Counties Manukau, I provide specialist mental health assessment, advice and treatment for patients in inpatient and outpatient settings. I also provide teaching on and advocacy for the emotional and psychological components of patient wellbeing to staff.The Critical Care Complex Unit consists of 18 Intensive Care beds, 13 resourced of which 4 are dedicated Paediatric bed spaces and 6 High dependency beds.My caseload consists of both adult and paediatric patients from the Counties Manukau District area. The service specialise in plastic surgical patients from the Auckland Region, Burn patients from around New Zealand and the Pacific, and spinal injured patients from the upper North Island. It is now widely recognised that the experience of critical illness, with admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), has a powerful psychological impact on people. A body of evidence about the prevalence of acute stress and frightening psychological experiences in the ICU and adverse psychological outcomes post-ICU has grown. Consequently, the necessity of psychological assessment and support of patients has gained acceptance. Since families of critically ill patients and ICU staff can also become stressed or traumatised, they may also require psychological input. With the gradual dissemination of these research findings among clinicians, critical care departments have started to employ psychologists as key colleagues in the multidisciplinary team. Show less

New Zealand

Bringing together my passion for health promotion, public health and coaching to provide Healthcare Consultancy and Health and Wellbeing Coaching. Open to working with individuals, groups and organisations to improve health and wellbeing outcomes. Services delivered face-to-face and online.

Auckland, New Zealand

As part of a multidisciplinary team, I provided individual and group psychological support for people experiencing chronic pain in an outpatient setting. I completed comprehensive assessments and treatment for a diverse and rapidly evolving South Auckland population. In addition, I was part of and contributed to ongoing research and education within the team and beyond. Therapy modalities used most frequently include ACT and CBT. I also supported patients in developing problem-solving… Show more As part of a multidisciplinary team, I provided individual and group psychological support for people experiencing chronic pain in an outpatient setting. I completed comprehensive assessments and treatment for a diverse and rapidly evolving South Auckland population. In addition, I was part of and contributed to ongoing research and education within the team and beyond. Therapy modalities used most frequently include ACT and CBT. I also supported patients in developing problem-solving and communication skills, understanding self-compassion, relaxation, and mindfulness practices, as well as goal setting and delivering psycho-education. I also facilitated groups designed to support patients in developing self-management strategies (relaxation, ACT, Young Adults, CARE groups). Services were delivered face-to-face as well as via Zoom and over the phone. Show less

Wellington Region, New Zealand

Worked in a multidisciplinary team which included Psychologists and Social Workers specialising in supporting people experiencing cancer, its treatment and the ongoing impact of the illness across the Wellington region.

Auckland, New Zealand

Chronic pain management outpatient, complex pain team inpatient, CARE group facilitation with psychological services, pain specialists and physiotherapists.

Auckland, New Zealand

Health Coach at Beachlands Medical Centre, East Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

Whakatane Eastern Bay Of Plenty

Supporting children and adolescents between the ages of 0 and 19 experiencing moderate to severe mental health issues across the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Multidisciplinary team work with social work, nursing, counseling, psychology, and psychiatric mental health specialists.

Whakatane, Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand

Palliative Care Service

Whakatane, Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand

Rural Health Inter-professional Programme5-week rural health placement in Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

Looking at the safe use of the plant Lobelia inflata as an herbal remedy.

Auckland, New Zealand

Researched barriers preventing the Asian population of Auckland accessing dementia support services. Carried out a comprehensive literature review and expert consultations. Produced a report for AACT.

Postgraduate Diploma In Health Psychology, Health/Medical Psychology

Developing skills to become a clinical health psychologist, working directly with patient populations and the public.

Master Of Health Psychology, Health/Medical Psychology

This two-year postgraduate programme provided a strong background in the theoretical, methodological and practical applications of health.

Certificate Of Proficiency - Pyschology, Psychology

Certificate Of Proficiency In Pacific Nutrition, Foods, Nutrition, And Wellness Studies, General

Bachelor Of Medicine And Bachelor Of Surgery (Mbchb)

Activities and Societies: NZMSA AUMSA NZMA Auckland University Population Health Students' Association (AUPHSA) Teddy Bear Hospital 2014.

Bachelor Of Health Sciences

Years 9 To 13

Year 7 And 8

Year 5 And 6

Education record