Children and Teens

I work with children from around age 10, as well as adolescents and young adults, supporting them as they make sense of their experiences and navigate the challenges of growing up.

While there is no formal registration as a child psychologist in South Africa, working with young people is a meaningful focus in my practice. My approach is shaped by experience in both local and international settings, as well as training in play therapy and an interest in the role of creativity, language, and imagination in development.

I draw on approaches that are responsive to each young person, often including elements of play, conversation, and creative expression. Where helpful, I work closely with parents, caregivers, schools, and other professionals to support a more integrated understanding of the young person’s needs.

I often support young people around experiences such as:

• Anxiety, low mood, and emotional overwhelm
• Behavioural challenges
• ADHD and different ways of learning and experiencing the world
• Self-esteem and identity
• Peer relationships and bullying

Therapy offers a space where young people can begin to make sense of what they are experiencing in ways that feel safe and manageable. It can also support families in understanding one another and finding ways of relating that feel more supportive.

The transition from childhood into adolescence can bring its own set of challenges. When these experiences are not held in a supportive and understanding space, young people can begin to feel in conflict with themselves.

This work creates space to gently untangle some of that complexity, while supporting both the young person and their family in building understanding and connection.