About
I am a clinical phycologist with over 14 years’ experience in working with children, teenagers, and adults in a psychiatric institution and private practice.
My primary motivation for becoming a psychologist was the role one can play in helping people through their darkest and most painful moments, for a person not to be alone in their suffering. I believe in the science of psychology as I have experienced first-hand what positive impact it can have.
Every time I sit with a person, I realise what a privilege it is to witness someone sharing with me a part of their internal world and guiding them to process, understand and navigate this internal space.
I am passionate about giving parents a place where they can be supported and feel empowered as they support their children, especially parents with children who have special needs.
When it comes to children, I believe that play therapy gives them the opportunity to express what is troubling them and to resolve it in a way that is safe and beneficial for them to grow through trauma and realise their potential.
I completed my PhD on the topic of how caregivers understand or make sense of their children’s behavioural difficulties, or behaviour disorders that their children have been diagnosed with. These disorders include Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder and/or Conduct Disorder. From this research, one of the things that was clearly highlighted was how important it is to work alongside parents – they are the true experts on their children.
I have found that therapy can touch the corners of our souls, to be on a journey with someone. I believe in the process and not necessarily in the designation (goals or aims) of living. I believe in self-compassion, and that we must have compassion for ourselves in order to grow and to continue on our journey.
Qualifications:
PhD Mental Health (University of Pretoria) – 2019 | MSc. Clinical Psychology (North-West University) – 2011
BSc. Honours in Psychology (North-West University) – 2008 | BSc. Psychology and Physiology (North-West University) – 2007