Deborah Olusola

I’ve always been fascinated by the workings of the human mind. I observed those close to me help and support others in different communities which further fuelled my desire to become a psychologist.

When we finally had to make our career choices when applying to the different universities, there was not a single doubt in my mind that I wanted to apply for Psychology. Once I accepted the provisional offer to study psychology, developing myself and developing into a clinician was and still is an enlightening and enriching journey.

My undergraduate and honours degree were obtained from the University of Pretoria. I obtained my Msc in Clinical Psychology from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (formally known as Medunsa) where I was trained mainly from a General Systems Approach as well as Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Postmodern therapy and African Epistemology

My internship was completed at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital. The clinical experience gained from this institution involved: Group therapy in the breast oncology ward, individual therapy for inpatients and outpatients, Suicide Risk assessments, Family therapy, Couples therapy, Trauma debriefing, Group therapy in the psychiatric ward, Multidisciplinary team ward rounds, Therapeutic play therapy,  and Psychometric Assessments for school placements, psychiatric purposes and SASSA grants. I also completed a six-month internship in Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex in the North West Province. The tasks achieved during this internship consisted of: Individual therapy for inpatients and outpatients, Suicide risk assessments, Family therapy, Couples therapy,Trauma debriefing, Group therapy, Multidisciplinary team ward rounds, Mental Health talks on Star FM radio station, Therapeutic Play Therapy and Psychometric assessments for school placements, psychiatric purposes and SASSA grants

My community service took place at Bertha Gxowa Hospital in Germiston. The duties I had to fill required me to conduct: Individual therapy for inpatients (Paediatrics, Gynaecology, ICU, Psychiatric and Medical Wards) and outpatients,Family therapy, Couples therapy, Trauma debriefing, Group and Individual therapy for psychiatric inpatients, Multidisciplinary team ward rounds, Mental Health talks, Therapeutic Play therapy and Psychological Evaluation before surgery.

I am currently registered as an Independent Practitioner and I have a  passion in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families regarding anxiety, depression, anger management, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationship challenges and those who take care of family members living with special needs/chronic illnesses/acute illnesses. My aim is to guide my clients through personal challenges, help ease emotional burdens, and empower people to achieve a healthier mind.