In general, psychotherapy may be described a systematic process, of collaboration, between an individual and a psychologist for the purpose of finding solutions aimed at resolving a specific difficulty experienced by an individual. During this process new knowledge and skills are acquired for life. There are several psychotherapeutic approaches. One approach is based on the following;

“I relate, therefore I am. Thus, how I impact on you and how you impact on me determine the nature and quality of our being”
– Prof Charl Vorster

The Integrative Interactional Psychotherapy refers to a specific approach that incorporates Applied Systems Theory and allows for the systematic description of a client’s interactions in the here and now. From this perspective human interaction is a circular process of acting and reacting, eventually resulting in specific observable patterns of interaction between individuals. Sometimes these patterns need fine tuning to enhance the quality of our relationships so that we may experience psychological well-being.

This therapeutic approach incorporates special therapeutic principles such as empathy (understanding), unconditional acceptance and genuineness – deemed to be optimal for human growth.

I am much more than the sum of my past experiences. I believe that I have a choice to integrate past experiences allowing for a meaningful life in the here and now. When I am successful in the practice of this philosophy, I experience a sense of well-being through the connectedness with others as well as with my environment. When I am less successful, I become frustrated, annoyed, sad and choose to distance myself from others. Until I once again learn…

“I relate, therefore I am. Thus, how I impact on you and how you impact on me determine the nature and quality of our being”
– Prof Charl Vorster

I enrolled at UNISA in 2002 for a Bachelor of Arts (Health Sciences and Social Services). In 2006, I resigned from the government service (after 17 years) and took up a position as a Project Manager where I found myself working in a totally unfamiliar field related to Information Technology.

I received my Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through UNISA in 2007, completed additional training through the South African Institute for Traumatic Stress (SAITS) and completed a six month internship at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. This exposure and training led to a registration at the Health Professions Council of South – Africa (HPCSA) as a Registered Counsellor. I practiced independently for two years where after I then set out to complete the next milestone towards becoming a Clinical Psychologist and completed my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (MSc Clinical Psychology) at the University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus).

I completed both my internship and community service years through the South African Military Health Services (SAMHS). This offered me the opportunity to provide a diverse range of psychological services to a culturally diverse population, both with in an operational context and hospital setting.

Within the hospital environment I provided assessment, diagnostic and psychological intervention services to a diverse population experiencing challenges. These challenges included psychiatric conditions and health related difficulties. With regards to health related challenges I assist individuals, couples and families with the impact, adjustment and acceptance regarding certain chronic illnesses (Cardio Vascular conditions and Spinal Cord Injury’s). I also have a special interest with regards to the treatment of psychological trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).