Hello, Im Jessica
Welcome to my therapy space
About me:
As I have journeyed in both my professional and personal life, I have come to learn about the human system – its deep and beautiful intricacies, and the interwoven tapestry that makes up each and every one of us. After 15 years working in the field Education, as both an Educator and an Educational Psychologist, I began to explore the world of Trauma — leading me to train and learn with trauma pioneers and researchers all over the world; and allowing me to focus on creating a therapeutic practice that provides cutting-edge approaches to trauma psychotherapy. In the therapy space, all parts are welcome. We all have a story, and we all have a purpose; what a privilege it is for me to guide the way as inner worlds are explored, unburdened and healed.
My therapeutic approach:
In the therapy space, an integrative approach will be used, with a focus on the Internal Family Systems [IFS] model. This model was developed and founded 40 years ago by Dr. Richard Schwartz and has been clinically trialled and tested as an immensely effective and transformative approach to healing. I have had the privilege of being
selected amongst thousands of candidates globally to be internationally trained and certified in this therapeutic modality. See more at https://ifs-institute.com/
In his bestselling book “The Body Keeps The Score”, Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk states that IFS is ‘the treatment method that all clinicians should know to treat clients
effectively.’ The results include not only relief from symptoms but also a deeper sense of Self-knowing. For me, IFS is the bridge between a wide range of more classical therapies and the deepest ancient spiritual wisdom – the knowledge of who we are.
How it works?
In IFS, presenting symptoms, such as withdrawal, anxiety, self- harm, and substance use, are viewed as system protectors that need attentive healing, rather than as pathologies that need fixing.
We work with these protectors, and guide each person as they explore their own internal system – all the parts inside that help
them to manage, survive, to cope — without labels, diagnoses, judgment or agenda. This Self-exploration enables a deeper understanding of thoughts, feelings and behaviours, bringing about huge internal shifts and long-lasting change.
Collaboration and compassion are key components of the healing process.
Some presenting symptoms/protectors that may come forward are:
Withdrawal, Impulsivity , Disconnection, Disordered Eating, Substance Use, Self-Harm, Suicide Ideation, Depression, Anxiety, Excessive Gaming, Dissociation ‘Zoning out’, Overwhelm, Procrastination, Low Motivation, Aggression, Meltdowns, Emotional Outbursts / ‘Clingy’, Night Terrors, School Avoidance, Learning Difficulties, Changes in Academic Performance / Gaps in Learning.
Based on the needs of the individual client
Certain interventions will be explored during the therapeutic journey, such as:
- Exploration and Healing of Wounds (IFS)
- Mind-body / self-regulation techniques (TSY)
- Brain-based learning strategies and support
- Educator support and guidance
- Family mediation/support
Various Therapeutic Modalities
will be integrated in the treatment approach, including:
- IFS (Internal Family Systems)
- TF-CBT (Trauma-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
- Trauma Sensitive Yoga and Mind-Body Connection
- Sandtray Therapy
Additional Credentials and Certification
- IFS L2 Trained Psychotherapist (IFS L2) [Institute of Internal Family Systems]
- Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist (CCTSI) [Trauma Institute
International] - Trauma Informed Certificate: Course 1 [Community Resilience Initiative]
- Clinical Application of the Internal Family Systems Theory [Certified
Course; PESI] - Educational Psychologist [MEd Psych; Stell]
- Sand Tray and Applied Sand Tray Therapy [Red Shoe Play Therapy
Training Centre] - 200 hour Integral Yoga Teacher Training [Chaitanya School of Yoga]
- 20 hour Yoga 4 Kids Teacher Training [Yoga4Kids South Africa]
- Level 1 Brain Working Recursive Therapy – BWRT [Institute of Brain
Working Recursive Therapy] - Advanced Course in Play Therapy – Centre for Play Therapy and Training
Articles
The new 3 Rs of teaching and learning in the post-Covid classroom
With all the recent focus being on ways to ensure targeted curriculum delivery and adequate completion of the school year, we seem to have forgotten
Impact of lock down on the mental well being of teachers and learners
Impact of lock down on the mental well being of teachers and learners (Podcast)
Pragmatic approach to a return to school
To go back to school or not to go back to school — that is the question. Lots of debates on when centres of learning
OPINION: What going back to school post Covid-19 could look like
According to the presentation, Grades 12 and 7 are to return to school on the 6th May, followed by Grades 11 and 6 on 20th
A post Covid-19 trauma-sensitive schools safety plan may be necessary
Given the trauma some school children will go through during this lockdown period, perhaps what we need is a ‘post Covid-19 trauma-sensitive schools safety plan’, writes
