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Educational psychology is a field within professional psychology which focuses on assessment, diagnosis, formulation and intervention; in order to optimise human functioning by assessing the cognitive, personality, emotional, and neuropsychological functions of people within all contexts of learning and development, across the lifespan.
Educational psychologists have insightful foundational knowledge of learning theory, developmental psychology, and developmental psychopathology, specifically regarding children, adolescents and young adults. Educational psychologists also have a strong understanding of family systems and the theoretical approaches that inform the mental health and wellbeing of individuals, families, groups and communities.
Educational psychology explores the cognitive, behavioural, emotional, and social influences on the learning process. Accordingly, educational psychologists use this understanding of how people learn and develop, to formulate psychological interventions and assist individuals and families in such a way as to alleviate any emotional, learning, academic, intellectual, behavioural, social and developmental difficulties.
Furthermore, educational psychologists provide support to all role-players that are involved in the client’s functioning with regards to learning and development, including but not limited to the client’s parents, caregivers, teachers, schools, peer groups, siblings, families and their communities. These services include individuals affected by: learning difficulties and learning disabilities (birth to adulthood); specific/multiple disabilities, mental and emotional difficulties (which affects learning, behaviour, emotional, social, academic and family functioning or school-to-work transitions).
In addition, services provided by educational psychologists include career guidance and vocational development; developing individual support plans; and working with communities/schools to design and implement preventative psycho-educational programmes, aiming to promote mental health, wellbeing, resilience and optimal emotional and social development.
Finally, educational psychologists practice from various theoretical frameworks or paradigms, combining psychological and educational paradigms that include core competencies in how individuals learn and behave and how they develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally. Educational psychologists conduct individual, group and family therapy and have extensive knowledge of psychological and therapeutic interventions targeted to alleviate complex problems over the lifespan that relates to learning and development.
I am a bilingual Educational Psychologist practicing in Pretoria (Centurion), specialising in assessments and psychotherapy with children, adolescents, adults and families.
My desire to become an Educational Psychologist began while I completed my undergraduate degree (BEd. Early Childhood Development and Foundation Phase) at the University of Pretoria. While teaching primary school learners, I continued my journey to obtain my Honours degree and a Master’s degree (Cum Laude) in Educational Psychology at the University of Pretoria.
I am eager to work with children, adolescents, adults and families, by sharing compassion, acceptance and understanding. It is my hope and purpose to assist clients in such a way that growth and empowerment can occur. Ultimately, my goal as Educational Psychologist is to promote resilience and support clients to develop their full potential and optimal wellbeing.
My framework of psychology is based on a holistic perspective and integrative approach. I incorporate several different disciplines to psychology, according to the individual needs of the client; including behavioural, developmental, experiential, psychodynamic and cognitive perspectives. I combine theories and psychological approaches such as; Positive Psychology, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused-Brief Therapy (SFBT), Asset-based and Mindfulness-based interventions, in order to support clients in the direction of flourishment. Aiming to build a life of purpose, meaning and fulfilment.
I conduct assessments and therapy in both Afrikaans and English. I am registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and The Educational Psychology Association of South Africa (EPASSA).
