Background and Experience

  • M. A. Clinical Psychology
  • HPCSA No. PS0137073
  • Practice no. 9990860010907502

Background

My journey is a blend of mind and imagination. I pursued Psychology as my primary field, complemented by English literature to keep the arts of language, storytelling, and meaning close at hand. After earning my degree, I found my true passion in Psychology and pursued an Honours, followed by a Masters in Clinical Psychology, where I deepened my focus on psychopathology. My early experiences included an enriching exchange program in the Netherlands at Bartimeus, a center for the blind and for children with ADHD and autism, with enriching supervision from a Clinical Psychologist at Vrije Universiteit. During my Masters, I gained practical experience as a Student Psychologist at the Institute of Psychology and Wellbeing, addressing everyday stressors, adjustment challenges, and mood concerns. My journey broadened at Witrand Psychiatric Hospital, where I worked with experiences of psychosis, mood and substance use disorders, and a spectrum of related challenges.

Today, I am a registered Clinical Psychologist with a broad and compassionate practice. I work with a diverse range of clients, children and adults, across issues including childhood disorders, personality dynamics, mood disorders, trauma, anxiety, substance use, and neuro-cognitive concerns. My approach honors the individuality of each person, guided by empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based care.

My approach centers on warmth and collaboration. I believe therapy thrives when people feel seen, heard, and partnered in their growth. I emphasize context and meaning, recognizing that every emotion, behavior, and thought is shaped by personal history and environment. We explore these layers to illuminate paths forward. Curiosity with care guides my work; I approach each session with an open mind while maintaining a compassionate and safe space for healing. I practice in an evidence-informed manner, drawing on established psychological frameworks while tailoring interventions to fit each client’s unique needs and goals.

If you’re seeking a clinician who values your story, invites nuanced understanding, and walks with you toward resilience and relief, I would be honored to accompany you on this journey.

“I suppose it is tempting if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.” 
— Abraham Maslow, 1966

Experience

Bartimeus Institution and Vrije Universiteit, Netherlands

I received introductory training in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders and autism spectrum disorders at the Bartimeus Institution and the Vrije Universiteit. During a month-long placement, I worked with children presenting multiple diagnoses, including learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorders, all while navigating visual impairment. This experience offered valuable exposure to multidisciplinary approaches within pediatric populations, framed by attentive supervision and a commitment to holistic care.

Witrand Hospital, South Africa

At Witrand Hospital, I worked across diverse wards, including the adult mood and substance ward, the psychotic disorders ward, the intellectual disability unit, the neurological ward, and the child and adolescent ward. My responsibilities encompassed the diagnosis and treatment of mood-related disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and the cognitive and behavioral implications of neurological conditions, such as cerebrovascular injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and various forms of dementia. I conducted comprehensive risk assessments for in-patients, performed assessments and case formulations for both in- and out-patients, and carried out extensive neuropsychological and personality/mood assessments. I provided feedback to fellow professionals within the multidisciplinary team and delivered individual psychotherapeutic interventions for both inpatient and outpatient care, as well as family psychotherapeutic interventions.

My role included weekly mental status examinations, daily observations, and ongoing diagnostic work for inpatients, along with psychotherapeutic and psycho-educational family interventions. I facilitated cognitive-behavioral groups for in-patients dealing with substance use and mood disturbances. I prepared formal neuropsychological reports detailing how brain injuries and illnesses affect cognitive functioning, mood, behavior, and personality, and produced reports on cognitive functioning, coping, mood, and mental status. I also compiled reports for weekly presentations to the multidisciplinary team meetings, ensuring clear communication and collaborative care planning.

Private Practice

In private practice, I focused on individuals, couples, children, and families. I conducted thorough assessments and case formulations for private patients, performed personality and mood psychometric assessments, and provided a range of psychotherapeutic services, including individual psychotherapy, family therapy, and couple psychotherapy. I also prepared detailed reports for clinical and administrative purposes.

Additional Experience

I have extensive experience working with substance abuse clients and trauma clients, underpinning rehabilitation-focused care. My practice has also encompassed working with international clients, bringing a global perspective to culturally diverse treatment settings.