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welcome
I am an Educational Psychologist registered with the HPCSA (PS0151513) I have a special interest in Neurodevelopmental and Autism Spectrum Disorders. I am fascinated by trauma and anxiety-related disorders. I do school readiness and psycho-educational assessments and help learners apply for DBE, IEB, and SACAI concessions.
Therapeutically, I work from a trauma-informed perspective. I am a firm believer that every individual deserves a space in which they feel safe to explore their difficulties. Because of every client’s unique challenges, I utilise an integrative approach and don’t subscribe to one single psychotherapeutic school of thought but rather integrate different approaches to ensure goodness of fit within the therapeutic space.
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Services
Play Therapy
Play therapy is a dynamic and effective therapeutic approach specifically designed for children to express and process their thoughts and emotions through play. Grounded in developmental psychology, play therapy recognizes that children may not have the verbal capacity to articulate their feelings as adults do. In a safe and supportive play environment facilitated by a trained therapist, children use toys, games, and creative activities to communicate and explore their inner world. This therapeutic modality helps children work through issues such as trauma, anxiety, and behavioral challenges in a natural and developmentally appropriate way. Play therapy not only fosters emotional expression and problem-solving but also strengthens the therapeutic relationship between the child and the therapist. By tapping into the language of play, this approach enables children to navigate and overcome challenges, promoting positive mental health and overall well-being.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a collaborative and transformative journey toward emotional well-being and personal growth. Rooted in the principles of psychology, psychotherapy provides a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with a trained professional. This therapeutic process helps individuals gain insight into their challenges, develop coping strategies, and foster positive changes in their lives. Whether addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship difficulties, psychotherapy employs a variety of evidence-based techniques to empower individuals in their quest for mental health. Through a supportive and empathetic therapeutic relationship, clients can navigate life's complexities, build resilience, and work towards a more fulfilling and balanced existence. By promoting self-discovery and fostering emotional resilience, psychotherapy serves as a powerful tool for those seeking positive transformation and lasting well-being.
BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (Level 1)
BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT) is a cutting-edge psychotherapeutic approach developed by Terence Watts that offers a unique and effective method for addressing various psychological and emotional challenges. Unlike traditional therapies, BWRT operates on the premise that many issues and responses are automatic and can be effectively reprogrammed at the neural level. By working with the brain's natural processes, BWRT seeks to create rapid and lasting changes in behavior and emotional responses. It is a solution-focused therapy that aims to eliminate or reframe automatic reactions to triggers, helping individuals overcome issues such as anxiety, phobias, trauma, and stress. The therapy is conducted in a collaborative and respectful manner, providing clients with a powerful tool to navigate and transform their mental and emotional landscapes. BWRT has gained recognition for its efficiency and versatility in addressing a wide range of psychological issues, making it an innovative and valuable option for those seeking transformative therapeutic interventions.
brainspotting (phase 1)
Brainspotting is an advanced therapeutic technique designed to access and process deep-seated traumas, emotions, and physical issues. Developed by Dr. David Grand, this innovative approach recognizes that where we look can profoundly impact how we feel. Brainspotting involves identifying specific eye positions, known as "brainspots," which correlate with the emotional or physiological issues a person is experiencing. Through focused attention and bilateral stimulation, the therapist and client work collaboratively to unlock and process unresolved trauma or distress. Brainspotting has been found effective for a wide range of concerns, including PTSD, anxiety, chronic pain, and performance issues. Its non-verbal nature often facilitates quicker and more direct access to the root of the problem, promoting efficient and lasting healing. As a powerful and adaptable therapeutic tool, Brainspotting is gaining recognition for its ability to bring about transformative change in individuals seeking resolution and growth.
School Readiness Assessments
School Readiness Assessments involves a comprehensive evaluations designed to gauge a child's cognitive, emotional, and social preparedness for formal education. These assessments utilise a variety of validated psychological tools and observations to assess a child's developmental milestones, academic skills, and socio-emotional competencies. Careful examination aspects such as language development, problem-solving abilities, attention span, and emotional regulation. These assessments provide valuable insights into a child's strengths and areas that may need additional support, helping parents, educators, and mental health professionals collaboratively tailor interventions to enhance the child's overall readiness for the school environment. The psychological perspective ensures a holistic understanding of the child's individual needs, fostering an environment that supports optimal learning, social interaction, and emotional well-being as they embark on their educational journey.
PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENTS
Psycho-educational assessments are valuable tools designed to comprehensively evaluate an individual's cognitive abilities, academic skills, and socio-emotional functioning. Conducted by trained professionals, these assessments provide a detailed understanding of a person's learning strengths and challenges. From identifying specific learning disabilities to assessing intellectual functioning, psycho-educational assessments offer insights that guide personalized interventions and support strategies. By examining factors such as memory, attention, and executive functions, these assessments help tailor educational approaches to meet unique needs, fostering an environment conducive to optimal learning. Beyond academics, psycho-educational assessments also shed light on socio-emotional factors that may impact learning, ensuring a holistic understanding of an individual's overall well-being. Whether for children or adults, these assessments play a crucial role in facilitating educational success and personal development.