Psychologists in the Southern Suburbs, Cape Town, offering therapy and assessments to children, adolescents, adults and couples.
The Oakdale Practice comprises a number of mental health practitioners, including clinical, educational and counselling psychologists. However, all the members of the practice work independently.
The Practice was established in 1997 and is situated in a quaint house in Newlands.
Our Aim
We aim to maintain the ongoing mental health and psychological well-being of our clients and to equip them with life skills towards self empowerment.
Where appropriate we use a multidisciplinary team to achieve our goals.
The kind of problems which are treated at the practice include:
- Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder
- Anxiety disorders, such as panic, trauma related stress, hi-jacking, rape, mugging, car accidents, generalized anxiety, social phobia and agoraphobia
- Eating disorders
- Addiction disorders
- Personality problems
- Relationship problems
- Childhood difficulties
- Adjustment problems
- Psychological problems related to physical illness and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia
- Academic and learning difficulties of children, adolescents and young adults
- Difficulties related to head injuries and neurological conditions
- Assessment and intervention for learners, of all ages, with ADHD
- Assessment for application for special exam conditions (for example: extra time; spelling concessions)
- Study skills and school readiness
The Psychologists
Jo-ann Mandy - Clinical Psychologist
M.A. (Clinical Psychologist) (Stell)
jmandy@mweb.co.za
Cell: 082 853 9557
Jo-ann works predominantly as an adult individual psychologist, with the focus of the therapy outcome being about personal growth and development. The aim is to get beyond the clinical diagnosis to a place of maintained well being. Her areas of interest lie in the field of depression, anxiety, stress, life issues and relationship problems.
She also runs groups focussing on learning life skills through interacting with peers. The groups are ongoing to keep working with potential and to provide support over time. She also does some medical psychology working with doctors with patients who have medical conditions which result in or are exacerbated by psychological problems.
Kate Rogers - Clinical Psychologist
M.A. (Clinical Psychology) (Pmbg/UCT)
kate.rogers.sa@gmail.com
Cell: 083 681 6265
Kate has extensive experience dealing with a broad range of life problems affecting adults, adolescents and children. Any problem that may affect the happiness or functioning of the individual is considered significant. She is interactive and collaborative in her working style, seeing her client and herself working together as a team and adapting her therapeutic approach to suit the need of the person.
Kate works with all age groups, dealing with issues such as problems related to anxiety, depression, general life stress, relationship problems and self-esteem. She enjoys working with students and young adults, who often face huge changes at this stage in their lives.
Kate has an interest in the area of eating disorders. Her past experiences working as part of an Eating Disordered Unit, as well as in private practice, have given her the skills necessary to deal with this complex disorder.
She also offers play therapy to children as well as parent counselling, aiming to help children and adolescents develop coping strategies, as well as build their confidence and inner resources.
Dr Nicola Dugmore – Educational Psychologist
PhD (Psychology) (Wits), M Ed Psych (Wits), H Dip Ed (Wits), B Soc Sci Hons (Psych) (UCT)
dugmorenicola@gmail.com
Cell: 082 458 9487
Nicola works as a psychotherapist – the kinds of issues that psychotherapy can address include anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, occupational stress and trauma.
Nicola sees adults and adolescents for individual work, and works with children in a playtherapy setting. She also offers couple counselling and parental guidance, and she consults to families. Nicola is very interested in supporting parents with young children and has specialised in parent-child psychotherapy for infants/children between 0 and 5 years of age.
Nicola is very happy to respond to any request for more information, or to arrange for an initial consultation.
Dr Philippa Skowno - Counselling Psychologist - PHD(EXSCI)UCT MA(COUNS PSYCH) RU
pskowno@gmail.com
Cell: 083 302 2174
Philippa works predominantly with adults to address issues that limit our growth, as well as by enhancing our well-being through developing our strengths and overall resilience. She is trained in a variety of methods including CBT, interpersonal and narrative therapy.
Her research interests include health and performance psychology, particularly in facilitating significant lifestyle changes such as weight loss and physical rehabilitation.
Furthermore, Philippa encourages running and walking therapy, a mindfulness based psychotherapy approach that incorporates movement and exercise in an outdoor environment. This intervention facilitates therapeutic conversations,self awareness, goal setting, and works well for both individuals and groups.
Rozelle van Wyk – Clinical Psychologist
M.A. (Clinical Psychology) (NMMU)
rozelle@psychologist-clinical.co.za
Cell: 071 362 0158
Rozelle is a clinical psychologist working with adults, adolescents and children. She is fluent in English and Afrikaans and offers individual, group, family and couple’s therapy – predominantly focussing on depression, anxiety, bipolar mood disorder, suicide risk management, trauma, personality disorders, substance abuse.
Rozelle hopes to create a safe space based on unconditional positive regard, congruence and empathic understanding whereby individuals feel comfortable to explore the “self”, significant relationships and the bigger context. Developing awareness and understanding supports shifts in thinking and perception that may lead to new decision-making and personal growth – the purpose being an improved overall well-being.
Rozelle applies a psychotherapeutic intervention based on the needs of the individual and as such works from an eclectic perspective. She believes in a holistic and integrative approach that is grounded in a diverse training background and extensive experience in different modalities – acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, existentialism, mindfulness, narrative therapy, psychoanalysis, solution-focused therapy, systemic therapy, transactional analysis.
Rozelle has worked in a variety of settings – psychotherapeutic centre, community clinics, private and public psychiatric hospitals, private practices, schools, correctional services and rehabilitation centres.
Lara Kruger – Clinical Psychologist
M.A (Clinical Psychology) (UFS)
Lara is a clinical psychologist who provides psychotherapy to adolescents, emerging adults and adults. She has a particular interest in working with, pre- and postpartum mothers, chronic and terminal illness and identity difficulties. Her work focuses on generating insight by exploring and identifying patterns that inhibit individuals from living fulfilling lives. She believes that an individual can learn to accept and love their authentic self by embarking on a therapeutic journey.
Lara believes that the therapeutic process is unique to each individual. Therefore, she works collaboratively with her clients to bring about sustainable change. She works with a broad range of difficulties, including diagnosable mental disorders, difficulties in life adjustments, trauma, complex trauma, identity and relationship difficulties.
The relationship between practitioner and client is the most important element in psychotherapy. Lara, therefore, encourages clients to ask questions and engage in the therapeutic process as much as possible.
Please contact Lara for more information, to ask questions or to book a session.
FAQs
Q. How can talking to a Psychologist help me?
A. Therapy offers a safe space in which you can look closely at the challenges you are experiencing. Your therapist will work with you to help you better understand the patterns in your behaviour and emotional responses. Having evaluated these patterns you may start making changes in your life that move you from the difficulties and challenges you are facing. In addition, psychologists can work with you to process traumatic or stressful situations brought about through divorce, job loss, bereavement and criminal activities for example.
Q. What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
A. A psychologist is trained and qualified to offer therapy and assessment services in the field of mental health. Psychologists are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has specialised in treating issues related to mental health. Psychiatrists may treat mental health issues by prescribing medication, but they are also able to offer therapy services. They are registered as medical specialists with the HPCSA.
Q. Is there a difference between Educational, Clinical and Counselling Psychologists?
A. All psychologists hold, at minimum, a Masters Degree and are registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). There is, however some overlap in the scope of practice of different psychologists. The psychologist you first consult will either work with you himself or herself, or advise you on the most suitable category of psychologist to approach, should he or she believe that referral to someone with different expertise would be in your best interests.
In general terms, Educational Psychologists work predominantly with children and adolescents focussing on educational adjustment and development. Both Counselling Psychologists and Clinical Psychologists work with people experiencing normal life challenges such as relationship difficulties, adjustment to life changes and stress. Where needed, Clinical Psychologists are also trained to work with people experiencing serious clinical problems,such as schizophrenia or bipolar mood disorder.All psychologists are trained and qualified to work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. Psychologists may, however, choose to work with specific age ranges or group sizes depending on personal preference and interest.
Q. What is Psycho-educational Assessment?
A. Psycho-educational Assessment involves the use of standardised and informal measures/tools to identify strengths and weaknesses in the areas of cognitive ability, emotional and intellectual functioning, development, aptitude, motivation, values and interests, and scholastic performance. Before conducting a formal assessment a psychologist will usually meet with clients to establish the reasons for referral and unpack the client’s specific concerns. The psychologist will then decide on the tests and procedures that would most suitably answer the referral questions.
Clients may be referred for an assessment to address such issues as scholastic or academic performance, attention and concentration, subject or career choices, or to motivate for special examination conditions such as extra time.
Q. I have been advised to consider therapy for my child. What now?
A. Children are referred to psychologists for various reasons, including, but not limited to, emotional, behavioural, academic and developmental concerns. There is no one therapy technique that can be applied to all children. It would be best to contact a psychologist who works with children and have an initial consultation to discuss your concerns. The psychologist will then be able to recommend a treatment plan, which may include Play Therapy, Family Therapy or an appropriate referral for an assessment.
Q. How many therapy sessions will I need to attend?
A. The number of therapy sessions you attend can be discussed with your psychologist. Some psychologists work over a shorter-term (six to eight sessions) whilst others prefer to work over a longer-term. The number of sessions is also dependent on the kind of problems you bring to therapy. You are free to discuss this with your psychologist who will advise you based on their assessment of what they believe is in your best interest.
Q. How do I go about choosing a Psychologist?
A. Psychologists will generally have specific areas of interest and tend to specialise in a particular type of problem. If you have been referred by a doctor or teacher it may be that they have made the referral based on their belief that the psychologist they have recommended is most suitably qualified to address your specific concern.
You may be looking for a psychologist without necessarily having been referred to someone in particular. Most people have some idea of the kind of person they would be most comfortable talking to. After reading through a psychologist’s profile or meeting them in person you will have a better idea of whether they offer the kind of services you are looking for. If, after your initial session, you or the psychologist feel that another psychologist would be better-suited to help you, he or she will assist in making an appropriate referral.
Q. What if I don’t like my Psychologist?
A. Unless you are a minor, or therapy sessions fulfil a court-ordered requirement, therapy attendance is your own free choice and you are permitted to terminate a therapy process. If you feel that the fit between you and your psychologist is no longer right, it is advisable to discuss this openly with your psychologist. Psychologists are trained to negotiate difficulties in relationships and will be open to discussing your concerns. The psychologist will always be guided by what he or she believes to be in your best interests, and will assist in making an appropriate referral if it is needed.
Q. Can my Psychologist discuss my sessions with anyone?
A. Psychologists are regulated by the Ethical Code set out by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). In terms of this code, your sessions are strictly confidential and the psychologist is not permitted to discuss you with anyone else without your written permission.
In certain circumstances your psychologist may be obliged to breach confidentiality. These circumstances include situations when your psychologist is concerned about your causing harm to yourself or someone else, or if the psychologist is subpoenaed to appear in court.
Q. Will I need to explore my childhood?
A psychologist generally works from a particular paradigm, or theoretical background, which informs the type of questions he or she may ask you. Psychologists are also guided by the stories and problems that you bring to sessions. Some psychologists may work with you to look back at childhood experiences in an attempt to better understand how you respond to similar situations now. Through this exploration you may find yourself better equipped to understand your emotional and behavioural patterns, and to adjust them accordingly. Other psychologists may have some interest in childhood experiences but may focus sessions more on present situations and developing resources to address current challenges.
Q. Will the Psychologist make a diagnosis?
A. A psychologist can make a diagnosis. This may be done to guide the therapeutic process, to allow claims to be made to your medical aid or to facilitate communication with other health professionals.
If you wish to submit your invoice to your medical aid your psychologist is required to put an ICD-10 diagnostic code on your invoice.
Q. What is the cost per session?
A. Session rates are based on Medical Aid guidelines, which are updated annually. Discounted rates may apply for accounts settled on the day of consultation or before the end of the treatment month.
For more information regarding session rates please contact the Oakdale Practice directly.
Q. How can I pay for my sessions?
A. At the Oakdale Practice payments can be made by cash or bank transfer. There are also credit/debit card facilities available.
Individual practitioners may make a claim to your Medical Aid on your behalf, by prior arrangement.
Q. Will my Medical Aid cover my sessions?
A. Most Medical Aids will cover a number of therapy sessions, depending on your specific plan. It is advisable to contact your Medical Aid to establish what coverage they will provide for psychological services.
What to expect
People see psychologists for a number of different reasons. Some people are referred by friends, other professionals or schools. Others decide independently that there are concerns they need to discuss and then seek out a psychologist to talk to. You may be thinking about consulting with a psychologist to discuss concerns or difficulties, or you may be looking more specifically for a psycho-educational assessment. Many people feel anxious or apprehensive about their first meeting with a psychologist. It is normal to feel this way, and psychologists are trained to be empathic and respectful of your feelings around coming to therapy.
The first meeting with a psychologist is usually an opportunity for you to talk about what has brought you to see her or him. The psychologist may ask you some questions to get a better picture of what is happening in your life, and to establish what your hopes are for the therapy or assessment process. This meeting is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the process so that you have sufficient information to make a decision moving forward. Toward the end of the initial meeting the psychologist will usually discuss with you their evaluation of your specific situation, and their recommendations. These recommendations may include further individual therapy, therapy for families or couples, further assessment, or appropriate referrals to other professionals who may be able to help.
Gallery
Contact
16 Oakdale Road, Newlands, Cape Town
Tel: 021 683 3853/4/5 • Fax: 021 683 3964
oakdale@mweb.co.za • www.oakdalepractice.co.za
Office Hours: Mondays - Fridays: 9am - 5pm
