Petra Hoggarth Clinical Psychologist

Petra Hoggarth Clinical Psychologist I am a clinical psychologist based in Christchurch, New Zealand with a special interest in ADHD

My new blog post looks into how avoidance and escape reinforce and perpetuate anxiety.
12/03/2026

My new blog post looks into how avoidance and escape reinforce and perpetuate anxiety.

Avoidance: The Engine That Keeps Anxiety Going

Urges don’t have to control you. Learn how “urge surfing” helps you notice cravings, ride them out, and choose your resp...
13/02/2026

Urges don’t have to control you. Learn how “urge surfing” helps you notice cravings, ride them out, and choose your response — not react impulsively:

Urges are powerful precipitants of behaviour. But, they can also be observed and not acted on. Urge surfing provides a process for noticing, allowing, and not acting on urges.

Feeling stuck in a loop of seeking reassurance? You're not alone. In my new post I explain why reassurance seeking can a...
14/01/2026

Feeling stuck in a loop of seeking reassurance? You're not alone. In my new post I explain why reassurance seeking can actually increase anxiety over time, and practical steps using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to break the cycle. Read more: https://wix.to/WHX8zeH

Highlights: • Why reassurance feels helpful but backfires • How ERP helps you tolerate uncertainty • Simple first steps to try today

Many of my clients have anxious thoughts that lead them to repeatedly seek reassurance. This pattern can expand over time, but can also be effectively treated with Exposure and Response Prevention

This blog post takes a closer look at how hyperactivity can present in adults.
30/09/2025

This blog post takes a closer look at how hyperactivity can present in adults.

How Hyperactivity Can Show Up in Adults with ADHD

Obsessional attraction can be overwhelming at the start of a relationship for some. Staying balanced can be difficult.
26/08/2025

Obsessional attraction can be overwhelming at the start of a relationship for some. Staying balanced can be difficult.

Love, Limerence, and ADHD: Why Early Relationships Can Feel So Intense

Starting in February 2026, specially trained GPs will be able to assess, diagnose, and prescribe treatment. This blog po...
25/07/2025

Starting in February 2026, specially trained GPs will be able to assess, diagnose, and prescribe treatment. This blog post outlines the proposed process and what it means for an adult seeking an ADHD assessment.

From February 2026 specialist trained GP will be able to assess and diagnose ADHD and prescribe stimulant medication. This blog post contains the most up-to-date information of how this will work

My new blog posts looks at a particular aspect of memory that is often impaired in ADHD: prospective memory, or remember...
04/07/2025

My new blog posts looks at a particular aspect of memory that is often impaired in ADHD: prospective memory, or remembering to remember

Prospective Memory and ADHD: When "I'll Remember to Do That" Goes Wrong

The perimenopausal transition can be a time of increased mental health problems in women, both those with pre-existing d...
22/06/2025

The perimenopausal transition can be a time of increased mental health problems in women, both those with pre-existing difficulties and those with new presentations. This post reviews the prevalence of a number of mental health problems during perimenopause

Shifting Foundations: Perimenopause and the Increased Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions

This blog explains how fidgeting can increase focus in people with ADHD
01/06/2025

This blog explains how fidgeting can increase focus in people with ADHD

Fidgeting is not just superfluous movement, it can also increase focus in children and adults with ADHD.

Most of my assessment and therapy clients have increased sensitivity to perceived or real rejection from others. This po...
15/05/2025

Most of my assessment and therapy clients have increased sensitivity to perceived or real rejection from others. This post discusses Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, and what can be done to help

Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria and ADHD: Why Rejection Hurts So Much

This post talks about physiological changes that come into play when using medication
30/04/2025

This post talks about physiological changes that come into play when using medication

Understanding a bit about homeostasis and the opponent process can help to make sense of treatment effects, side effects, and tolerance for ADHD stimulant medications

Understanding the impact of processing speed and working memory in neurodivergent individuals is crucial. Delve into our...
13/04/2025

Understanding the impact of processing speed and working memory in neurodivergent individuals is crucial. Delve into our latest blog post as we explore how these cognitive processes can create challenges and how we can accommodate and support those affected.

The cognitive processes of processing speed and working memory are often affected in neurodivergent people. They can produce some predictable difficulties that may be managed with accommodations and understanding.

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20 Gamblins Road, St Martins
Christchurch
8022

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