Approach
My approach to therapy
Psychology is a diverse profession and as a psychologist I am focused on facilitating my clients’ personal and interpersonal functioning. I help them to identify and better understand afflicting emotional, social, vocational, educational, health-related and developmental concerns. I apply years of experience, knowledge and intellect to help people from all walks of life improve their well-being.
Integrative approach - I work with in a wide range of theoretical frameworks such as BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT), Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Hypnotherapy, Egostate Therapy and Existential Therapy to select a therapeutic approach best suited to the needs of my client. By working eclectically, as seen above, you do not have to be religious. Religious does not mean spiritual, while spirituality refers more to how you make sense of your own life. The client’s needs are my focus point.
During each session, I allow the individual to take their own time to feel comfortable, and at ease to discuss their circumstances and the difficulties they are experiencing. A trusting and collaborative relationship between a psychologist and his client is of utmost importance and key to problem solving.
A typical first session
It is understandable that you may be nervous for the first session. Usually you will spend the first session working through an intake interview (where you describe your problem and symptoms) and I will have an in depth discussion with the individual, parent and/or group to ascertain as much background information as possible. We will then discuss the process to be followed and you will sign a contract, describing confidentiality, the rules of engagement, how many sessions and payment details. I am flexible according to clients’ needs and limitations.
To ascertain school readiness and child or adolescent developmental and ability levels, I use a combination of reliable psychometric tests. A child’s cognitive functioning is identified by applying a selective cognitive assessment. This will determine the child’s level of intelligence, normally referred to as IQ, as well as provide a complete analysis of the child’s abilities. I combine this with other assessments that might be necessary, and more general, yet critical, information acquired through in-depth discussions held with parents/guardians and teachers.
I encourage my clients by using various methods (e.g. CBT, BWRT), to identify blockages, to face fears, to overcome and release old patterns, to get motivated and to change irrational beliefs in order to function optimally.
The duration of individual therapy sessions is dependent upon the client’s personality and age, and the nature of the problem.
Please Note
My area of services are in the Southern Suburbs and the greater Cape Town Metropole, including Somerset West and Helderberg area, South Africa.
My fees are based on medical aid rates but fees are negotiable and tailor made for every client in advance of rendering the required service.
Clients are permitted to terminate therapy at any stage. The same applies should a client wish to decline participation in, or withdraw from, any recommended intervention, assessment or event he or she is not entirely comfortable with.