Clinical Psychologist | MA Clinical & Community Psychology 2008 (University of Stellenbosch, South Africa), BSc Honours Social Science 2006 (University of Cape Town, South Africa), MA Music 1997 (Goldsmiths College, University of London, UK)
Tokai, Cape Town and Online, South Africa · Africa/Johannesburg
I am a Clinical Psychologist and I work exclusively with adults. I have worked in South Africa and in London in both the private and public health sectors with people ranging from the very ill to those with common life problems. I do traditional psychological ‘talk’ therapy to help people address whatever is troubling them. I am also trained in evidence-based Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy, and in Conscious Breathwork (see my blog on breathwork: https://leishadaviespsychology.com/blog/conscious-breathwork). I start off with an assessment, which is about clarifying what the problems are. From there onwards, I follow your goals for therapy, and we then get on with doing the inner work. I am informed by several different models of psychology including but not limited to attachment theory, schema therapy somatic approaches (that is, listening to the body) self-psychology, humanistic and existential approaches. I also draw from contemplative wisdom traditions. In addition, I teach people about the nervous system (polyvagal theory) and how to skilfully regulate states of stress and/or dissociation. There are many ways of knowing and of being. I appreciate complexity. See my blog for more information on traditional talk therapy: https://leishadaviespsychology.com/blog/talk-therapy-first-steps-and-what-to-expect I also have a blog on the emerging mental health treatment in psychedelic medicine: https://leishadaviespsychology.com/blog/psychedelic-psychotherapy More recent qualifications include: Prior to my career in psychology, I worked as a classical singer. I value creative expression and believe that everyone has that capability. In my personal life, I find great fulfilment in music, art, books, nature, friendship, and family. I do daily contemplative practice (meditation, nature walking) to maintain my own equanimity as life can be enormously challenging for us all. My style is one of high engagement. I like to work in an expansive, rich way and invite you to join me in that deep-dive into your psychology. I have a private practice in Tokai, Cape Town. I also offer some online spaces for those not able to attend in person, or who are resident in the UK. Practice Number: 0378569 HPCSA Number: PS0103559 HCPC-UK Number: PYL35471