People come to therapy for a wide variety of reasons, some to gain a better understanding of themselves, some to deal with difficult or complex life situations or relationships, and some to deal with diagnosable psychiatric/psychological conditions. Some of the areas I assist with, include: processing trauma and abuse, navigating relationship difficulties, parent-child relationship distress, marriage and couples counselling, loss and bereavement, managing mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, stress related difficulties such as burnout, sleep disorders, addiction and self-development.
Whatever brings you to therapy, making the decision to come to therapy, choosing a psychologist, and starting the therapeutic journey can sometimes be an overwhelming experience. I offer a safe, non-judgemental and empathic space in which your individuality will be respected.
When making an appointment for a young child or adolescent, I usually ask the parents/caregivers to attend an initial consultation with me for the purpose of obtaining important background information before beginning intervention with the young child or adolescent. Intervention with the child or adolescent may involve consultation with the young person alone, with parents or caregivers (in the form of parental guidance), or a combination of both based on the referral reason or the specific family dynamic.
Virtual consultations are possible. Usually I would ask you to come for an initial in-person intake for the purpose of building the therapeutic bond before moving to a confidential virtual platform.
Play therapy is a therapeutic technique whereby the child’s natural means of expression, namely play, is used as a therapeutic method to assist him/her to cope with emotional distress or trauma. It is typically effective for children aged 3 and above who have an understanding level of a normal three to eight year old. These children may be struggling with concerns such as separation anxiety, bullying, low self-confidence, enuresis, encopresis, parental divorce, abuse or trauma.
Play therapy allows the child to indirectly explore and overcome fears in their world on a smaller scale, which can then be extended to the child’s everyday environment over time. In play therapy, children play with specially selected materials, such as therapeutic board games, toys, and mediums such as clay, sand, drawings and paint. Instead of verbally explaining what is troubling him/her, the child plays out his/her hidden feelings, thoughts, fears, wishes and needs, with the guidance of an actively supportive and affirming therapist. This assists the child to bring his/her hidden feelings, thoughts, fears, wishes and needs to the surface where he/she can face them and learn to cope with them, without feeling interrogated.