About
I am a clinical psychologist based in Ballito, Kwa-Zulu Natal, working with adolescents and adults. As an HPCSA registered psychologist I am licensed to provide a range of psychology services, including assessment and psychotherapy. My experience in regional and tertiary government hospitals across three provinces in South Africa has equipped me to work with individuals presenting with mild to severe mental illness. My professional interest and experience includes neurodevelopmental disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and personality disorders. I am especially interested in gender and sexual identity development, including gender dysphoria. My previous experience in educational leadership and inclusive education enriches my professional work.
Adults
My therapeutic style is non-judgemental, non-directive, and empathic. Adult life is complex and there are many reasons why people seek support from a psychologist. Psychotherapy provides the opportunity for self-reflection, facilitating the exploration of one’s emotional, behavioural, and relationship functioning.
Adolescents
Adolescence is a time of great change, challenge, and opportunity. This developmental stage can feel overwhelming, impacting a young person’s ability to thrive academically and socially. Psychotherapy can offer a therapeutic lifeline during this tumultuous time.
Training
I provide consulting and training to schools and organisations on matters relating to inclusion and mental health. I am an experienced public speaker and workshop facilitator. Contact me to arrange bespoke training for your school, workplace, or organisation.
Assessment
I use a range of assessments to support diagnosis and treatment, including the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (DISCO) assessment used in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Approach to Therapy
Working from a relational psychodynamic perspective, I hold to the understanding that humans are social beings. We are conceived in relationship, raised in relationship, harmed in relationship, and healed through relationship. The impact of past relationships reverberates throughout our lives, affecting our wellbeing in all areas of social and occupational functioning. My approach to therapy, which is informed by research in interpersonal neurobiology, aims to bring healing to people’s relationships with themselves, and with others. While I am guided by psychodynamic theory, there are circumstances in which other frameworks and techniques may be appropriate, including Narrative Therapy techniques, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), and Dialectic Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
Supporting Schools
I have experience working in both mainstream and remedial school environments in the UK and South Africa as an educator, inclusion specialist, and school leader. I am an advocate for inclusive education and seek to support schools to embrace learners of diverse backgrounds and those presenting with neurodiversity, special educational needs, emotional and behavioural challenges, as well as children who are gender nonconforming. My background allows me to support colleagues in a manner that is pragmatic and empathic. I am an experienced public speaker and workshop facilitator.
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