About me

Kia ora, my name is Brodie McKinlay, I use she/her pronouns and I’m a clinical psychologist based in Wellington.

I was born and raised here in Te Whanganui-a-Tara and, after a decade living down south and across the ditch, I found my way home in 2020. I studied at the University of Otago and began practicing as a psychologist in 2015.

Over the years, I’ve worked in a wide range of settings — including child and youth mental health services, a school, a cancer hospital, and private practice. I’ve had the privilege to support people from diverse backgrounds and communities, including Māori, Indigenous Australian, migrant, and LGBTQIA+ people. These experiences have shaped the way I work and enriched my understanding of how our early life, relationships, culture, identity and experiences of trauma can shape who we are — and how healing is possible.

My own journey into parenthood has also influenced my approach and ignited in me a passion for supporting others as they navigate the wild ride of becoming a parent. Before my long-awaited baby arrived in the world, I assumed I would transition to motherhood relatively smoothly. I’m a psychologist after all — I’m well-practiced at caring for others, I know plenty about child development, and I know how to look after my own mental wellbeing. The reality was not what I expected at all!

After a traumatic birth, a maternal obstetric injury, a NICU stay, and challenges with feeding, I found myself filled with anxiety and disturbing thoughts that kept me up at night. I questioned if I was feeling what I “should” be feeling and worried about how this might affect my baby.

Fortunately, the love and support of my whānau kept me afloat and I was able to access help from a psychologist. As time passed, things got easier, motherhood felt more enjoyable and I found a deep connection with my baby.

It is an honour to pass on the care I received during my adjustment to parenthood to those who might need it during this time of immense change.