MAGGIE BROWN PhD
PBANZ, MNZPsS
Registered Psychotherapist
Certified Transactional Analyst
Affect Regulation Therapist (Emotional Regulation)*
Experienced Counselor & Coach
Researcher & Lecturer
Member PATHA: Transgender Health Aotearoa

I facilitate positive growth around the world – through psychotherapy, counseling, coaching, workshops and more. My home base is in Auckland, New Zealand. I also work online to allow us to work together wherever you are.


THERAPY
Where we can focus together:
My work covers a wide range of issues, intentions and situations, including:
- Trauma: PTSD & C-PTSD
- Affect Regulation* including anger
- Anxiety & depression
- ADHD, ASD & other neurological differences
- Executive Functions
- Grief, loss & adjustment
- Relationships
- Self-development
- Stress management
- Partnerships & Intimacy
- Gender & sexual identity
- Life transitions
- Life planning
- And more . . .
AFFECT REGULATION THERAPY
Affect regulation therapy (ART) aims to enhance general emotion regulation skills & executive functions by improving effective responses to, for example, stress/tension, fear, depressed mood, guilt & anger. With YOUR nervous and endocrine systems in mind, together we work toward permanent change in how your entire mind/body system responds – giving you CHOICE.
What sets this work apart is my comprehensive understanding of the neurobiological bases of emotions (including the stress response), links between cognitive and body processes, and neuroplasticity.
In doing this work, I integrate elements of Transactional Analysis (TA), psychodynamic psychotherapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), & mindfulness-based therapy. The therapy is tailored to your individual preferences & needs. And to your specific nervous system.
Note: ‘Affect regulation” and “emotion regulation” are sometimes used interchangeably in the literature.
MY COMMITMENT
A life dedicated to learning.
Over the 30+ years, I’ve been working and studying, I’ve realized that new ideas and discoveries happen every day. My work changes at times, in line with new information, and I also have a strong foundation in the basics – how our brains work, how early and later trauma impacts our minds and bodies, the importance of culture, beliefs and relationships, human diversity, and the many different developmental ages and stages of life.
Something I learned along the way is that positive growth is possible for everyone, anytime. Here are some of the ways I work:
1:1 sessions (in person and online)
Group work
Workshops
Professional supervision
International speaker
University lecturer
Private clinical training and mentoring


ABOUT ME
It's possible...
My own journey has included ups, downs and everything in between. There are many valuable things I’ve learned along the way. Perhaps the most important thing I’ve learned is that positive change is possible.
TESTIMONIALS
The first thing I really remember hearing from Maggie was “You are not a problem to be fixed”. I couldn’t believe a therapist was saying that. I’d had every diagnosis you can think of… I’m slowly beginning to understand what she meant.
27 — NEW ZEALAND
My teachers and parents said I was depressed. Maybe I was. But mainly I was bored. My parents wanted me to play sports but I really don’t like sports. Maggie saw some of the things I do on the computer and called me an artist. I hadn’t thought of that!
27 — NEW ZEALAND
Maggie has a way about her that makes me feel safe, secure, and cocooned in reassurance. In just a year I came to understand the intensity of my emotions, and learn ways to soothe my nervous system that tries to run on high octane 24/7.
27 — NEW ZEALAND

FAQS
You may have questions.
There is a lot to think about when deciding who is best to share you thoughts, feelings and curiosities with. Here are some of the questions I’ve answered over the years:
- What do you specialise in?
- Where are you located?
- Do you work online? (yes btw)
- Do you have experience with trauma? (again, yes)
- How do you get to know to about my nervous system?
- What is giftedness & why do you use that word?
- And more...
Some thoughts…
Love, knowledge & the courage to say no to what is unbearable
Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life...
Creatively Human
For those who don’t have a creative bone in their bodies: I’ve been guilty of believing that about myself. I know I’m not alone in this...