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  unfamiliar field related to Information Technology. I had to learn and grow quickly! This enabled me financially to pay for my studies becoming a psychologist.

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 range of psychological services to a culturally diverse population, both within an operational context and hospital setting.

Within the hospital environment I provided assessment, diagnostic and psychological intervention services to a diverse population including psychiatric conditions and members experiencing health related difficulties. With regards to health related challenges I assisted 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 Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I added additional competencies in Hypnotherapy (2017) and a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy known as Rational Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (RECBT) through the New York based, Albert Ellis Institute (primary 2017 & advanced 2020).    

My private practice started at my residence in Bodel street, Deerness, Pretoria in 2014. This practice grew rapidly due to referrals from local General Practitioners, colleagues and former clients.  It was with mixed feelings that i closed these rooms in October 2021, towards the next chapter of life! 

In 2021 my wife and I bought property and moved to the Waterberg District to Bela-Bela. This is the realization of a dream of the past 25 years. We feel blessed and grateful in reaching this goal. From October 2021 we became residence of the “Bosveld”. I will be commuting between practice rooms in Garsfontein, Pretoria and Bela-Bela. We are grateful and excited   with our choice!