About Dr Sarah Cluley

Dr Sarah Cluley is a Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist in private practice in Auckland. She holds a Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych) from Massey University, where she graduated first out of her cohort, and a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Psychology. She also holds a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Psychology and Statistics from the University of Auckland.

She is registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board as a Clinical Psychologist.

Qualifications

Experience

Dr Cluley has over ten years of specialised experience in forensic and clinical psychology. She worked for Ara Poutama Aotearoa / Department of Corrections for 11 years, including in senior roles, where she carried out complex psychological assessments for the New Zealand Parole Board, District Court, High Court, prison services, and community corrections. She has been appearing as an expert witness in court settings since 2018. She is also a Certified Independent Trainer in the STABLE-2007 and ACUTE-2007 risk assessment tools.

Her work has involved detailed assessment and formulation of individuals presenting with complex and overlapping difficulties, including trauma, personality pathology, neurodisability, intellectual impairment, mental health conditions, and substance use issues. She has particular experience working with individuals involved in violent and sexual offending.

Dr Cluley is an experienced report writer and expert witness, with a focus on producing clear, balanced, and defensible psychological opinions. Dr Cluley’s approach is grounded in careful, respectful, and thorough assessment. She aims to provide clear, well-reasoned opinions that assist courts, agencies, and clients to understand complex psychological issues in a balanced and evidence-based way.

Dr Cluley is a member of the New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPsS), the Institute of Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology (ICJFP), the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law (ANZAPPL), the Society for the Advancement of Actuarial Risk Need Assessment (SAARNA), and the New Zealand Special Interest Group for Neuropsychology (NZSiGN).

Professional Memberships