Registered Clinical Psychologist

My Story

Health has always been my area of interest since childhood; intrigued by how the mind operates and how the body functions. This led to my pursuit of studying for my undergraduate degree in human physiology and psychology at the University of Johannesburg. Immediately thereafter, I furthered my studies focusing primarily on Psychology and this is where I learnt about psychopathology and health psychology in-depth. As a result, my fascination with mental illnesses and personality disorders deepened. I also learnt that intervention comes in various forms and one should accept or be open to a diversity of treatments. I understand that health is a state of equilibrium established within an individual and between their environments. Thus I resonate with the World Health Organisation’s definition of health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

Subsequent to attaining my honours degree, I completed my postgraduate certificate in business analysis and worked in the corporate field for a few months, where I got an opportunity to refine my analytical skills, people skills as well as communication skills. I later pursued my master’s degree in clinical psychology at Nelson Mandela University; where I trained in psychometric assessments, psychotherapy using integrated modalities, case conceptualization and report writing. I had a comprehensive internship year that exposed me to various patients at the University Clinic, Elizabeth Donkin Psychiatric Hospital and Livingstone Tertiary Hospital. These settings gave me experience in treating individuals with life challenges, adjustment disorders, intellectual disabilities, mood disorders, personality disorders, to name but a few. Successively, I completed my community service year at the Department of Correctional Services, where I rendered psychotherapeutic services (individual and group sessions) to sentenced inmates and remand detainees; risk assessment and profiling of probable parolees. During this time I was further trained by a renowned clinical psychologist, who has a special interest in investigative and forensic psychology, risk assessment and profiling of violent and sexual crimes. My recent clinical experience was briefly at Rynfield Mental Wellness and Rehabilitation Centre, where I was exposed to various substance disorders, treated as a dual diagnosis with mental disorders.

Acknowledging that individuals are diverse, especially in our South African context, I appreciate my integrative training and clinical experience as it allows me to uniquely tailor the therapeutic intervention according to the individual’s specific needs; focusing on an individual through a BioPsychoSocial lens. I would be honoured to take the journey with you, for your self-discovery and emancipation into optimum functioning. After all, as Dr Brook Chisholm said: without mental health there can be no true physical health.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. Human Physiology & Psychology (UJ)
• B.Sc. Hons in Psychology (UJ)
• PGCert. in Business Analysis (Rhodes)
• M.A. Clinical Psychology (NMU)

My Clinical Experience

Rynfield Mental Wellness and Rehabilitation Centre

(Locum Psychologist: 09 March 2021 – 01 April 2021)

• Individual psychotherapeutic services to in-patients and out-patients
• Group psycho-education and psychotherapeutic services to in-patients
• Couple and family psychotherapeutic services
• Psychometric assessments
• Interdisciplinary teamwork

Department of Correctional Services

(Community Service Psychologist: February 2020 – January 2021)

• Psychotherapeutic services (individual and group sessions) to inmates
• Risk assessment and profiling of probable parolees
• Report writing
• Multidisciplinary teamwork
• Administrative tasks

Nelson Mandela University

(Assistant Lecturer: February 2019 – May 2019)                       

• Teach undergraduate level modules
• Preparation and grading of assessments
• Examinations and invigilation
• Consultation with students

Transnet Phelophepha Health Train

(Volunteer Intern Psychologist: January 2019 & September 2019)   

• Psychoeducation and campaigning of services offered
• Psychotherapeutic services to patients
• Referrals of patients to internal and/or external stakeholders for further treatment
• Preparation and facilitation of workshops
• Case presentation and debriefing
• Administrative tasks

Elizabeth Donkin Psychiatric Hospital

(Intern Psychologist: January 2018 – September 2018)

• Individual psychotherapeutic services to inpatients
• Group psychotherapeutic services to inpatients
• Family psychotherapeutic services
• Psychometric assessments for psychodiagnostic purposes
• Psychoeducation
• Case presentations
• Multidisciplinary teamwork
• Peer supervision and administrative tasks
• Organizing and participating in CPD workshops

Livingstone Tertiary Hospital

(Intern Psychologist: October 2018 – December 2018)

• Individual psychotherapeutic services to inpatients
• Family psychotherapeutic services to inpatients and outpatients
• Suicidal risk assessments
• Psychoeducation
• Case presentations
• Multidisciplinary teamwork
• Peer supervision and administrative tasks
• Organizing and participating in CPD workshops

Nelson Mandela University Psychology Clinic

(Student & Intern Psychologist: January 2017 – December 2018)   

• Individual psychotherapeutic services to adults, adolescents and children
• Family and group psychotherapeutic services
• Psychometric assessments for psychodiagnostic purposes;
• Administrative tasks
• Case presentations
• Peer supervision
• Report writing
• Research

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