Kyle MacDonald - Psychotherapist

Kyle MacDonald - Psychotherapist Psychotherapist, Director of the Robert Street Clinic and Mental Health Advocate Nick Smith. He has recently become an insufferable e-bike convert.

Kyle is an AUT trained psychotherapist, with over 20 years clinical experience across the public and private sectors. He is passionate about improving access to mental health and addictions treatment and educating the public about psychotherapy. Since 2016 he’s written a weekly mental health column for the NZ Herald, and co-hosted the award-winning mental health radio show “The Nutters Club” on Ne

wstalkZB. For the last 10 years he has publicly fought for improved access to mental health and addiction services. In 2009 Kyle was one of the media spokespeople for a small group who protested the National Government’s changes to the ACC’s Sensitive Claims scheme – funded counselling for people in New Zealand suffering psychological trauma as a result of s*xual violence. As part of these protests he organised one of the first online petitions to be presented in the New Zealand Parliament – by Labour MP Lynne Pillay in October 2009 – in opposition to these changes. The public pressure led the ACC to halt the changes and forced a ministerial inquiry initiated by National Minister the Hon. By 2014 he had worked collaboratively with the ACC to redesign the system to better meet people’s counselling needs. In 2016 he led the “People’s Mental Health Review” with Mike King and Action Station – which led directly to “He Ara Oranga: The Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addictions” initiated by the 2017 Labour led Government. In 2019 he ran for the Auckland District Health Board in the local elections as a Green endorsed “City Vision” candidate, and in the 2020 General election he ran as the Green Party candidate for the electorate of Epsom and was placed at 14 on the Green Party list. He regularly appears on radio and TV offering expert commentary on mental health and emotional wellbeing. He is currently on the Psychotherapy Board of Aotearoa New Zealand (PBANZ), served four years on the NZAP Council and was awarded a Distinguished Service Award by the NZAP for his time promoting psychotherapy. He established – and is co-director of – the Robert Street Clinic in Ellerslie, and lives in Mount Eden Auckland, with his partner and two daughters – where he is a parent representative on the Balmoral School board of trustees.

Sandra Dickson: Domestic violence in Rainbow Communities
26/07/2025

Sandra Dickson: Domestic violence in Rainbow Communities

20 July 2025: People in rainbow communities experience disproportionately higher rates of family and partner violence and abuse. Sandra Dickson is a resear

There is one universal s*x tip. It is simple, teachable and obvious
25/07/2025

There is one universal s*x tip. It is simple, teachable and obvious

How do we get better at discussing s*xual satisfaction when our ge****ls are synonymous with the word ‘unmentionables’? It takes no luck, no money and can be learned

‘90s kid summer’ trend ditches tech in favor of retro fun — here’s why it won’t work for all parents
24/07/2025

‘90s kid summer’ trend ditches tech in favor of retro fun — here’s why it won’t work for all parents

“Give me a 90s economy and 90s real estate prices and I’ll see what I can do,” said one mom.

Quitting the quit-aid: people trying to stop va**ng ni****ne need more support – here are some strategies to help
23/07/2025

Quitting the quit-aid: people trying to stop va**ng ni****ne need more support – here are some strategies to help

Using vapes for more than two years and with ni****ne concentrations above 3% is linked to higher dependence, making it more difficult to stop.

We’re beginning to understand how kids see ‘aha!’ moments | BPS
23/07/2025

We’re beginning to understand how kids see ‘aha!’ moments | BPS

Knowing that sudden flashes of insight can be joyous occasions might develop early, but understanding why may take longer, according to new research.

Rugby headgear can’t prevent concussion – but new materials could soften the blows over a career
22/07/2025

Rugby headgear can’t prevent concussion – but new materials could soften the blows over a career

Research suggests new headgear could reduce the overall collision ‘burden’ on players over a season or career, with potential benefits for long-term brain health.

The fascinating science of pain – and why everyone feels it differently
22/07/2025

The fascinating science of pain – and why everyone feels it differently

Do you scream when you stub your toe? Could you play a grand final with a shattered jaw, or work all day as your belly fills with blood? When it comes to suffering, perspective is everything

How to take the plunge – from cold showers to icy swims | Psyche Guides
21/07/2025

How to take the plunge – from cold showers to icy swims | Psyche Guides

There’s growing evidence for the psychological and health benefits of cold-water immersion. Here’s how to get started

Money issues? The financial psychotherapist will see you now
21/07/2025

Money issues? The financial psychotherapist will see you now

Vicky Reynal’s clients come in looking to discuss finances. But the therapist says our money habits can reveal much about our desires and relationships

Adult ADHD is becoming more inclusive, but not overdiagnosed | Aeon Essays
20/07/2025

Adult ADHD is becoming more inclusive, but not overdiagnosed | Aeon Essays

The diagnostic category of adult ADHD is becoming more inclusive. That’s not the same as it being overdiagnosed

‘Chaotic, sometimes dangerous places’ – why successful rehab for prisoners on remand will be hard to achieve
20/07/2025

‘Chaotic, sometimes dangerous places’ – why successful rehab for prisoners on remand will be hard to achieve

Nearly half of New Zealand’s prison population is on remand. But these units are not suitable for successful rehabilitation, and most people are not eligible anyway.

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