Louise Wessels

Clinical Psychologist

I am a clinical psychologist currently in private practice. I have a strong interest, and experience in the area of drug and alcohol addiction and rehabilitation, having worked at Claro Clinic CDU (chemical dependency unit) for 4 years. During this period, I was involved with setting up the adolescent drug addiction unit, getting the opportunity to focus on this unique group of individuals, and their families.

The scope of practice of a clinical psychologist is to assess, diagnose, and intervene with people dealing with serious life-challenges, psychological distress, and/or psychopathology. It is through the process of psychotherapy that these problematic issues are addressed.
In psychotherapy it is the relationship between the client, and the therapist, rather than any specific technique that is most healing. I can best describe myself as an eclectic therapist, in that I draw from various orientations to guide the therapeutic process. These include Narrative therapy, a Systems approach, Solutions Focussed Therapy, Object Relations (Psychodynamic, and self psychology), and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprogramming), to name a few.

Psychotherapy is a very personal journey of self-discovery – a journey that constantly unfolds, re-creating a healing and transforming thread in our lives. The therapeutic space becomes a safe place of discovery, and exploration for continuous change, and personal empowerment.

I see adults and adolescents from the age of 13 years, and also offer support to partners and families affected by serious life problems.

Areas of special interest include:

• Alcohol and drug addiction, and abuse;
• Families affected by addiction, and/or psychiatric conditions;
• Gay & lesbian issues – individual, and couples;
• Co-dependent relationships;
• Depression & Mood Disorders;
• Anxiety disorders;
• PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder;
• Life crisis;
• Personal development.

Practice No: 086 000 017 89 69