What to Expect
Your first therapy session
If you are choosing to try therapy, congratulations on taking the leap. Even though this can be an anxiety-provoking experience it means you are taking control of your problems and are on the journey towards a more balanced life. The first session is different from future visits as it gives us time to get to know each other and formulate a well-rounded idea of the issues you are facing.
Usually, we will spend the first session working through an intake interview (describing the problems you are facing and some background information), developing a mutually agreed upon treatment plan, and signing documents regarding confidentiality, fees etc.
If you want to make this process a bit easier and more efficient, please complete the relevant intake document. This way we can use our first session to really get to know each other.
2. Intake forms 12 - 18 years old
3. Intake forms 5 - 12 years old
The Assessment process
As with therapy, coming for an assessment can be a daunting experience especially if it is to help assess a difficulty you are having or to help you make a major life decision. Assessments generally take place over 3 unique sessions.
During the first session, we will work through an intake interview (describing the problems you are experiencing, what you want to achieve from the assessment, and obtaining some background information) and sign the documents related to your assessment. This is a great time to get to know each other, so please use this opportunity to ask any questions. Here are some commonly asked questions before an assessment.
The second session (usually 3 - 4 hours) is where we will complete the actual assessment. Depending on the reason for the assessment we will complete a number of tasks which help determine cognitive ability, cognitive deficits, aptitude, personality, values and interests, etc.
If you are having a neuropsychological assessment, this specialised assessment is designed to determine the cognitive consequence of a brain injury, brain disease or mental illness. In this assessment, we will complete a number of tasks to assess the extent of impairment to a particular skill/area of the brain and its impact on cognition and behaviour.
The feedback session (third session) usually takes place 7 - 14 days after the completion of the assessment. This session is to discuss the assessment results and answer any questions you might have. Shortly after this session, you will be provided with a comprehensive report outlining the results of the assessment.
To make the intake process easier, please complete the appropriate intake document
Adults
1. Assessment Intake form (General)
2. Assessment Intake form (Career Assessment)
3. Assessment Intake form (University Concession Assessment)
4. Assessment Intake form (Neuropsychological Assessment)
12 - 18 year olds
1. Assessment Intake form (Psycho-educational)
2. Assessment Intake form (Subject Choice)
3. Assessment Intake form (Career Assessment)
4. Assessment Intake form (Concession IEB & GDE)
5. Assessment Intake form (Neuropsychological Assessment)
5 - 12 years old
1. Assessment Intake form (Psycho-educational)
2. Assessment Intake form (School Readiness)
3. Assessment Intake form (Concession IEB & GDE)
4. Assessment Intake form (Neuropsychological Assessment)
Fees
I am a registered psychologist with both the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the Board of Health Care Funders. This means that (depending on your plan) you are able to claim back your session and assessment fees from your medical aid. Please note that it is your responsibility to contact your medical aid and determine their provision for psychological session/assessment services. It is also, your responsibility to pay for the services and claim back from your medical aid. Should your medical aid not provide for psychological services a discounted rate can be negotiated.
If you are unable to afford psychological services, there are community and governmental organisations that provide subsidised and free counselling and assessments. Please click on the links below to access some of these resources
South African Depression and Anxiety Group
Family and Marriage Society of South Africa
Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre