Tanja Smuts

About

I am a clinical psychologist working therapeutically with children, adolescents and adults in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. My aim is to facilitate a safe, non-judgmental and creative space that stimulates a process of self-reflection, expression and growth. I work with individuals, parents and families who bring a variety of concerns including child developmental difficulties, child behavioural problems, depression, anxiety, family difficulties, bereavement, trauma and adjustment difficulties. I am also happy offering a therapeutic space for people feeling disconnected in general, or in need of self-exploration. My orientation to therapy is psychodynamic. This means that therapy is an exploratory process where we work together to gradually come to understand and process feelings, as well as understand patterns of relating to oneself and others. Of specific note would be patterns that are underlying and sustaining current frustrations and struggles, bearing in mind the importance of early experiences as well as unconscious factors. Prior to qualifying as a psychologist in 2004, I worked as an artist and art teacher. I have a particular interest in incorporating art and images in therapy and attended various training courses in this regard. Creative expression is welcomed as part of therapeutic processes since art expression can be helpful in understanding ourselves and facilitating healing. I have a fully equipped play section in my room and use play therapy with young children. Parent and family work form a large part of my practice. When working with children the family system is kept in mind and parents are included in the process. Under five-year-old children are normally seen together with parents. In addition to private practice work, I am jointly appointed as clinical psychologist/lecturer at the Tygerberg Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit and Stellenbosch University. Pr No. 086 000 0193224PS: 0088404

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