MA Couns Psych (Rhodes), MA Psych (Stell), B Acc Hons (Stell)

HPCSA Reg: PS 0132241 Practice No: 0635219

I am a Counselling Psychologist offering the following psychotherapy services in either English or Afrikaans:

In-person individual therapy for adults
Online individual therapy for adults
Online couples therapy

My areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

Personal growth
Problems adjusting to life changes (e.g. divorce, new career, retirement)
Relationship problems
Self-esteem difficulties
Stress and Anxiety
Depression
Processing trauma and loss
Bereavement

My Therapeutic Approach

I view every individual I encounter as unique. I therefore alter my therapeutic approach to fit best with the person in front of me. I do however work mostly from a person-centred approach, including elements of cognitive-behavioural, solution-focused, and narrative psychotherapy.

Person-centred means that I treat you with unconditional positive regard, listen empathically, and attempt to fully understand what has brought you to therapy. Cognitive-behavioural means that along the way I softly challenge any unhelpful cognitive or behavioural patterns which may be keeping you trapped. Solution-focused means that I brainstorm with you possible practical solutions to a problem. You will however remain autonomous in making your own decisions. Narrative in my approach means a future focus on who you want to become, incorporating your dreams, goals, and values.

If I think it would be most beneficial to you, I may follow a pure psychodynamic approach during which I act mainly as a reflecting mirror. Often this approach requires a longer-term commitment to therapy to reap the full benefits. A psychodynamic approach may however also be used successfully short-term.

My Background

I have been in private practice as a Counselling Psychologist for over 6 years.

I studied for an Honours degree in Psychology at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, which I achieved with distinction. Next, I completed a Master’s degree in Psychology (full thesis) at Stellenbosch University. When not conducting research, I attended experiential short courses in mindfulness meditation and Jungian psychology. I finally returned to Rhodes University for my Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology, during which time I worked mostly with children and adolescents from the wider Grahamstown community. I gained extensive experience in play therapy as well as psycho-educational assessments.

I completed my internship at the Rhodes University Student Counselling Centre, where I provided psychotherapy to students regarding personal, academic, and socially-related problems. I also conducted career and other assessments applicable to an academic environment. Before entering private practice, I worked at a residential addiction treatment centre for adults, where I gained extensive experience in individual therapy, group therapy, family/couples therapy, and psychological assessment and diagnosis.

Prior to studying psychology, I qualified and worked as a Chartered Accountant in external audit and finance for 10 years. During this time, I gained a good understanding of problems faced daily by individuals working in a corporate environment.