Psychology
Our registered psychologists are experienced in helping young people (12-24 years) and their families to understand and overcome mental health issues.
We provide short- and long-term treatments that aim to empower you and lead to sustainable, healthy minds.
Because everyone is different, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment
That is why we first need to get to know you by listening and asking you some questions along the way.
Once we have figured out together how we can best help you, we will decide together on how to move forward. We believe in transparency, and the more you are involved, the better the outcome usually is. This is also the point where we may refer you to someone else if we believe that another treatment would be more appropriate.
Our practitioners are skilled in a large variety of therapeutic techniques, and we are constantly expanding our knowledge. The approach we choose together is based on your specific circumstances, and we will continuously adjust it based on your progress and your feedback. Unlike medical treatments, where a procedure is (passively) performed on your body, psychological treatments critically depend on your active cooperation and a willingness to open your mind.
Here are some of the broad treatment modalities that we use:
- Psychological interventions, such as
- CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy)
- DBT (dialectical behaviour therapy)
- Schema therapy
- Family therapy
- Psychological assessments
- Psycho-education
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Art, narrative and outdoor therapy
It doesn’t mean being happy all the time but it does mean being able to cope with things.
Common issues a psychologist can help you with
Anxiety
Anxiety, together with panic attacks, can have a tremendous impact on a person’s life. They can prevent you from doing the things you would like to do in life, but they can also render you unable to do normal day-to-day activities. The longer we leave them untreated, the more harmful they can get. CBT and meditation (amongst others) are proven techniques to help you regain control over your life.
Depression
Depression is commonly viewed as the big sister of anxiety, and while we mostly associated it with sadness, it is the absence of any emotions that is most problematic. Without emotions, with no motivation, life becomes meaningless to the point where it may not be worth living at all. Determining the root cause of the lack of emotions and replacing unhealthy thinking patterns are proven methods of finding your way out of depression.
Bullying
Although bullying is a criminal offense punishable in a court of law, bullying and other types of coercion are often an unwelcome feature of our lives, and often lead to trauma in one form or another. To stop the bullying or resisting to become a victim is important, yet it is equally important to address the potential harm already done.
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has a wide range of symptoms, such as impulsiveness and inattentiveness, and these behavioural issues can have a significant impact on a young person’s life. Symptoms and presentations are different for each individual and may change over time, however, ADHD is a lifelong condition. Knowing how your mind behaves and how you can interact meaningfully with your environment are key goals.
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), together with learning difficulties and low cognitive functioning, are developmental disorders with a vast range of symptoms. While these are all lifelong conditions, the right support early on can make a substantial difference in development.
Family Issues
Families are the basic building blocks of our society and are usually the first line of emotional support that we have. Most family issues can be handled “in-house”, yet some can benefit from outside help, where the professional acts as mediator and helps to facilitate a way forward that takes the interests of all parties into account.
Anger
We all get angry sometimes. It is a perfectly natural reaction. However, too much anger can get in the way of relationships, work, and your own goals in life. Anger can be sudden and explosive, or it can build up slowly with no visible signs. It is vital to address the underlying issues and develop a more sustainable outlook to prevent anger from consuming your life.
Mental Disorders
There are many forms of mental disorders, such as psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Some require ongoing medication and consultation with a psychiatrist. However, diagnosis and medical treatment alone do not enable a person to live a meaningful life. Psychological counseling can lead you through the jungle of what living with a mental disorder means for you and how you can engage meaningfully in relationships, work, etc.
Substance Abuse
Although there are undoubtedly physical effects to substance abuse that form part of an addiction, it is usually the mental aspects that play a critical role in overcoming substance abuse and staying free. Addressing questions such as why you chose these substances in the first place need to be addressed to not fall back into old habits and create a sustainable, substance-free future.
Domestic Violence
The effects of domestic violence are usually expressed in many forms and are in most cases long-lasting. This applies to survivors, bystanders, and perpetrators as well. Domestic violence is hardly ever ‘simple’, and often survivors feel guilty about their actions. The recovery process from the associated trauma can be very difficult. CBT and other therapies have proven to be very effective in unmasking the underlying psychological effects of domestic violence to heal and create a meaningful future without coercion. This applies especially to young people who have experienced domestic violence.
Abuse and Trauma
Abuse has many forms and usually involves trauma in one way or another. Speaking out, identifying the abuse for what it was (or is) and refusing to be a victim are all crucial elements in reclaiming your freedom. Everybody has a different way of dealing with abuse to move forward, and we are here to help you find yours.