Tanja Smuts

Clinical Psychologist

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-judgemental and creative space that stimulates a process of self-reflection, self-expression and growth. Short and long term therapy is offered. I also conduct clinical assessments of children.

Clients that I work with present with a variety of issues including developmental concerns, child behavioural problems, depression (including post-natal depression), anxiety, family difficulties, bereavement, trauma and adjustment difficulties. Some clients present with feeling disconnected or generally in need of self-exploration.

My orientation to therapy is mainly psychodynamic. This means that therapy is an exploratory process where we work together to identify and understand patterns of relating to oneself and others. We would specifically be interested in patterns that are underlying and sustaining current frustrations and struggles. Where appropriate, this is linked with practical ways to deal with difficulties.

Prior to qualifying as a psychologist in 2004, I worked as an artist and art teacher. I have a particular interest in using art in therapy and attended various training courses in this regard. Creative expression is therefore welcomed as part of therapeutic processes since I believe art making can be very helpful in understanding current difficulties and bringing about healing. With children play is also utilised as therapeutic modality.

Therapeutic work with parents who struggle in their relationships with their children forms part of my practice. Parents of young children or babies are assisted through parent-child or parent-infant psychotherapy to help facilitate bonding and promote healthy relationships.

In addition to private practice work I consult at the Tygerberg Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry unit.

Pr No. 086 000 0193224
PS: 0088404