therapy+psychology 23 Kilmarnock Street, Riccarton, Christchurch, Canterbury 8011

"I have worked with Ali through some incredibly tough life events, and can say that the experience was filled with nothing but compassion, care, and professionalism. She is a credit to her profession and I would be in a sorry state had I not worked with her. Ali has helped me to grow into the person I want to be, and process my trauma effectively - she is truly a lifesaver."

"I have found Dr Ali McGuinness deeply helpful in my healing journey, she has been relational, empathic and attuned to my emotional and physical needs, given I have an invisible disability. I have encountered 3 psychologists, two psychiatrists, 3 counsellors in my 18 year healing pathway within the ACC system, and many compounded my feelings of anxiety. …I have found Ali to be most authentic, intuitive and relational in her approach, her acceptance of my world views, and deep understanding of my lived experience has helped me feel much less alone. We don’t fit with every psychological helper we encounter and my ACC treatment at this point in time, has come to an end. I hope to return to Ali if things go south again for me on the future."

"I was referred to Ali after my previous psychologist had exhausted her expertise in her treatment of me. Initially I was hesitant at first having to start over again with another psychologist. My thoughts were totally unfounded, Ali made me feel comfortable and relaxed. Ali has opened doors that others haven’t been able to over the 10 years of my treatment. Ali, I am forever grateful to you."

"I have been a patient of Ali since mid 2017 until the funding from ACC ceased. I received a serious head injury which curtailed my work, play and relationship. I was extremely lucky in the therapist that was assigned me. With the patience of a saint Ali helped me through all the difficulties I faced the result being I emerged from the darkness surrounding me as a completely different person. All thanks to Ali and to ACC for their support as well."

"I was shocked and disappointed to read the one star review of Ali and her work in this field. After a horrific accident in 2021, I was referred to Ali from ACC to get some help to work through issues I was having, dealing with the trauma on my body and mind. I visited Ali every week for some time, and found her to be warm, open, safe, encouraging and inviting. I loved the peace of mind and calmness I felt within when working with Ali - I would have such a sense of achievement after our meetings! Ali let me go at my own pace, encouraging me to look deep and get answers from myself, sometimes challenging for me, but this created a great source of inner strength and a new perspective on how to deal with life and its many challenges. I always felt so safe to talk about anything with Ali, so over this time, I learned a great deal about myself. This was hugely beneficial to deal with issues, both current and past. I would highly recommend Ali to anyone, ACC client or private. Ali communicated with and always provided ACC with the information they requested, there was never EVER any question of her loyalty to me as a client, and because of her, my dealings with ACC were made easier. I can't thank Ali enough for helping me understand myself enough to be able to move forward with my life. And to top it off, I know that Ali will always be there for me if and when I may need her again. That makes me feel safe, knowing she knows and understand me and that she will always have my back. Totally professional, with a great deal of knowledge to pass on, yet warm and natural in the way she works. Ali is an absolute master in her field."