"Children are not things to be moulded, but people to be unfolded."
–Jess Lair
ABOUT
Nicole completed her Undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Social Sciences, majoring in Psychology and Organisational Psychology) at the University of Cape Town. She went on to complete her Honours degree in Psychology and Masters degree in Educational Psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Before starting her Masters degree, Nicole also completed a short course in Practical Psychometry (University of Johannesburg), registering as a Psychometrist thereafter. Nicole is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, which awards membership to academic achievers who graduate in the top 15% of their year.
Nicole has gained experience working with children, adolescents, and university students, as well as volunteering at Ububele – a centre of learning with a focus on improving the emotional development and wellbeing of children under 7, their parents, and other caregivers around Alexandra Township in Johannesburg. Finally, Nicole has hosted a number of workshops. These have been held at different primary and nursery schools which focus on assisting parents and teachers with using positive discipline within the home and school environments and setting boundaries. She has also hosted workshops aimed at supporting intern and student psychologists in the form of an ethics workshop in preparation for the Psychology Board exam.
Nicole is currently working at the Kids First Centre in Pinelands, seeing children who require therapy (play therapy or psychotherapy) or assessments. Nicole has a special interest in working with children and adolescents. She is passionate about and has a drive to assist children and adolescents struggling with emotional, developmental, or learning difficulties. Further, Nicole aims to develop a child's coping strategies and personal agency in order to overcome any difficulties in the school or home environment. Nicole strives to work collaboratively with parents, caregivers, and teachers to best assist these children and adolescents.
ASSESSMENTS
"What a child can do today with assistance, she will be able to do by herself tomorrow"
–Lev Vygotsky
A psychological assessment provides a holistic representation of one's child. These assessments aim to provide understanding about their behaviour and emotional difficulties, intellectual level, academic skills and scholastic performance, and therefore, overall functioning.
Types of assessments include:
1
Psychoeducational
assessments
This provides valuable insight into why a child may be struggling at home or at school. Therefore, whether it is related to poor academic performance or emotional difficulties, an assessment will help with deciding the appropriate intervention needed.
2
Concession/accommodation
assessments
Such concessions or accommodations can be applied for with the Department of Education. These assist those learners who struggle academically, and aim to provide additional assistance to reach their potential during tests and examinations.
THERAPY
(Play therapy and Psychotherapy)
"Play is the most natural method of self-healing that childhood affords"
–Erik Erikson
Therapy focuses on enhancing the emotional well-being of the individual by providing weekly sessions in a safe space to explore and overcome any stressors that may be hindering them personally.
1
Play therapy
Available for children between the ages of 5 and 13 years and assist children struggling emotionally through the medium of play. Due to children struggling to accurately communicate their difficulties through words, toys and play become their tool to communicate. Thus, play therapy provides a space to play out these difficulties and learn to cope with them appropriately. Some reasons for play therapy may include bedwetting, anxiety, behavioural difficulties, parental divorce, sleeping or eating issues, difficulties between siblings, and so on.
2
Psychotherapy
This may be more appropriate for teens and adolescents, and also provides a space for them to deal with any issues, whether those originate at home or at school with peers and friends. Adolescents can be faced with many overwhelming changes, and therapy can support them in establishing who they are. Difficulties may include bullying, peer pressure, poor academic performance, and anxiety.
3
Parental guidance
"Let the kids see you take on life's stress calmly and with confidence. This is important in building trust, self-esteem, and a sense of security."
–Author unknown
Although Nicole's main focus in therapy will be to act in the best interest of the child, it is vital to work with parents, families, and schools to best support the child. Thus, parental guidance forms a crucial part of the therapeutic process as Nicole will offer support for the identified concerns.
FEES
All fees are within medical aid rates and are structured so as to be conducive to sustain more long-term therapy.Unless otherwise agreed upon, all fees need to be paid upfront and then claimed back by the client from their medical aid.
CONTACT
CELL: 073 176 8477EMAIL: nicolesedpsych@gmail.com
ADDRESS: BLOCK A MILLSIDE PARK,
37 MORNINGSIDE STREET
PINELANDS
CAPE TOWN, 7405
HPCSA NO: 0138193
PRACTICE NO: 0732869