Raji Balachandran (Psychologist)
Overview
Raji is a registered psychologist who is compassionate and skilled in understanding clients' needs. She collaborates with clients and their whānau across all age and cultural groups to resolve internal points of conflict. Raji sees her role as a change agent, facilitating a mindset where clients can use a strength-based framework towards betterment of wellbeing. She is committed to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and nurturing trust and respectful relationships is integral to her work.
The whakataukī that guides her practice is "Ahakoa iti, he pounamu" – this affirms the resilience and unique strengths that each of us have within.
Supervision Approach
Raji views supervision as an ideal pathway to reflect on practice and use critical thinking skills around personal and professional journeys. She has supervised specialist teachers, interns, and Masters students. Raji enjoys working alongside supervisees to step back, gain perspective on their own needs and values, and look at the bigger picture aligned to their long-term goals. She supports supervisees to engage in self-care approaches that include dimensions of physical, social, and emotional wellness.
Skills and Experience
Raji began her professional journey as a classroom teacher, moved on to specialist teaching, then transitioned to the Ministry of Education as a Special Education Advisor before completing training as a registered educational psychologist in 2010. She has been supervising psychologists since 2014 and has specialised further in mental health and trauma treatment.
Raji uses evidence-based frameworks of practice. Her areas of therapeutic specialisation include working through life changes (relationships, career, grief/loss), mindfulness and acceptance techniques for emotion regulation, behavioural and emotional concerns, trauma-informed therapies including EMDR, and frameworks of support for autism. Raji is a wellness advocate and is skilled in using art, movement, and breath for holistic wellness.
