Karen Nimmo said she was still writing despite no longer providing columns for Stuff.
Karen Nimmo said she was still writing despite no longer providing columns for Stuff.
A high-profile psychologist revealed to be under a supervision order after a complaint by a former client says her resilience has been “stretched to its outer limits”.
Karen Nimmo is no longer practising as a clinical psychologist and has now confirmed on her social media she is also not writingher regular column for Stuff any more.
The Wellington-based psychology writer penned a weekly column for the publication from the perspective of a “wellness specialist”, with readers able to submit questions to Nimmo to be answered in future articles.
It is understood the order was prompted by a complaint from a former client.
Her website states she is “no longer able to offer individual client sessions” as she is no longer practising as a clinical psychologist, but instead has turned her attention to her newsletter and “sharing all the tools, tips and resources [she’s] gathered”.
Clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo is also an author and columnist. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Nimmo declined to comment on the complaint at the time of publication, but has now posted online referencing the coverage.
“Thanks so much to everyone who has reached out with love and support in the wake of recent publicity,” the post said.
“I truly appreciate your kindness at a time when my resilience is being stretched to its outer limits.”
She said in summary she was no longer practising and “no longer writing a weekly column for Stuff”.
“I am still writing, though, and the prospect of writing without restraints is quite delicious. Could be fun. Could be juicy.”
She told followers to subscribe to her blog if interested.
Comments on the post offered encouragement, telling her to “stay strong”.
The Psychologist Board earlier confirmed Nimmo’s supervision order was imposed in September last year, but chief executive Vanessa Simpson said the board was “not in a position to provide further comment or detail regarding the reasons”.
“The Board is limited in the information it can provide regarding individual practitioners, including matters relating to competence, health, or regulatory processes, except where there has been a published disciplinary finding or decision.”
“Generally, conditions requiring a practitioner to practise under supervision may be imposed where the Board considers it necessary to support public safety and ensure ongoing competence, health, or professional practice requirements,” she said.
It is understood the Board’s Professional Conduct Committee is considering whether to refer the complaint to the Tribunal.
In response to questions by the Herald last week, Stuff said in a statement the organisation “was unaware of a former patient’s complaint against columnist Karen Nimmo”.
“We have now paused her columns while we ascertain more information,” the statement said.
Her columns focus on topics such as mental health, lifestyle, and relationships.
