Aiming for Holistic Care
Beyond Diagnostic Labels
From Surgeon to General Practitioner with special interest in Mental Health
My journey—from working as a surgeon in Japan, to becoming a General Practitioner in New Zealand, and eventually focusing on mental health—has been shaped by a mix of chance and inevitability.
Through this path, I have come to deeply appreciate the importance of “understanding and supporting the whole person, not just the symptoms.” Today, I work as a practitioner specializing in mental health.
When I was a surgeon, I often felt something was missing in my approach. That gap began to close when I transitioned into general practice and, later, mental health work.
Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and prolonged depression reveal how closely physical and mental health are intertwined. Medication alone often does not lead to lasting improvement; mindset shifts and self-understanding are essential parts of the process.
I integrate various therapeutic and coaching approaches—Internal Family Systems (IFS), Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS), and Havening Techniques®—while also paying attention to neurodiversity (differences in development and cognition) to provide truly comprehensive care.
I place special focus on supporting parenting through CPS and on adult ADHD management.
Through this website, my blog “Thinking as a Doctor in New Zealand” (nzdoctor.net), and public speaking, I am committed to supporting the physical and mental well-being of Japanese people living in or visiting New Zealand.
Dr. Noriko Noda
Biography
- Graduated from Nagoya University School of Medicine, Japan (MD, PhD)
- Completed postgraduate surgical training at the National Cancer Center and other institutions in Japan
- 2002 – Moved to New Zealand, then obtained a medical license
- Completed initial training at Whangarei Base Hospital and entered General Practice vocational training
- 2014 – Obtained General Practice Fellowship (specialist qualification)
Current roles:
- Providing Japanese-language telemedicine services through Noriko Noda Medical & Coaching (for visitors and short-term residents in New Zealand)
- General Practice at Bush Road Medical Centre, Whangarei
- GP with special interest in Mental Health (focused on adult ADHD) at Chuckle Factory
Clinical and Care Approaches
In addition to my experience as a GP, I integrate the following methods:
- Counseling (CBT, ACT, DBT)
- Professional Coaching (certified professional coach)
- Psychotherapy: Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Level 1 training in 2025
- Havening Techniques® (psychosensory therapy) – Certified Practitioner (2023)
- Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) – Certified Practitioner (first Japanese to qualify, 2024)
I combine these to provide flexible, individualized support that goes beyond standard consultation frameworks.
Areas of Expertise
- General Practice medicine
- Adult ADHD management
- Non-pharmacological psychotherapy (IFS – informed, Level1, Havening® – Certified practitioner)
- Thriving Parenting©️
- Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) – Certified practitioner
Vision
To help break the cycle of dysfunctional parenting across cultures and nations, enabling the current and future generations to grow up healthy.
And to contribute to ending the global mental health crisis.
Related Links
- Blog: Thinking as a Doctor in New Zealand (information about NZ health system in Japanese)
- Blog: note.com (Mainly in Japanese)
- Clinics: Bush Road Medical Centre, Chuckle Factory
Interests
I am a passionate amateur crafter and wearable artist. Creating brings me immense joy, offering a way to relax and free myself from the various “roles” I play in life.
(The photos showcase my garments from past World of WearableArt shows.)
