Simone Friess

Clinical Psychologist

Individual Psychotherapy – Adults and Adolescents
Couple and Family Counselling
Parenting issues and Child Assessment

I’m located in Camps Bay, Cape Town

I have worked as a clinical psychologist for over 20 years in different settings and have experience in a broad range of mental health issues. I see people facing various problems in their life, such as in the areas of depression or anxiety (e.g. panic attacks), stress related issues, relationship problems, adjustment to life change, trauma, loss and bereavement, eating disorders and addiction. Some people also seek out psychotherapy not because of an acute problem, but to work on gaining greater self-awareness and achieving general personal growth. I also offer counselling to couples who go through relationship difficulties or who would request therapy in order to enrich and strengthen their relationship.

I advise on parenting issues and do child assessments (e.g. a school or a doctor might request a developmental assessment regarding questions about school readiness, or behavioural or learning difficulties.)

Languages:  English, German and Afrikaans.

Approach

Psychotherapy should provide a safe and professional space from where one can start a journey with the aim to find greater enjoyment and meaning in life again, a sense of balance or being more in control of one’s life. The process starts with an assessment which allows the client to get to know me and my style of therapy before we work out the best treatment plan.

Depending on the problem and the personality of a person my approach would vary. For some more clearly defined problems a short-term practical approach is suitable. I support the client to deal with his or her difficult situation and to find solutions which will work best in that particular context. For more complex problems which have persisted a long time it is necessary to explore the underlying issues in order to achieve long-term improvement. Psychotherapy fosters not only a better understanding of oneself and of other people, but also the ability to translate insight into meaningful change. As one will be better equipped to deal with challenges in the future, one’s general competence and self confidence can only grow and personal relationships will benefit.

About the therapist

I am registered as a clinical psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, have worked in hospitals in Germany and South Africa and have been in private practice in Cape Town for over 15 years.

My theoretical orientation is influenced both by the systemic and the psychodynamic psychotherapy schools. The systemic approach looks at the person in the context of their social relationships. It utilizes existing resources of the individual and uses a variety of practical techniques to work on solutions in the here and now. The psychodynamic approach explores the underlying, not fully known dynamics of a problem and how these influence our emotions and behaviour. It also looks at how our personal history has shaped our personalities.

I have completed postgraduate training in couple and family counselling and courses such as EMDR trauma counselling, Post-Natal-Depression counselling and child assessment. I am a member of several professional associations and am involved in continuing professional development and training.
Fees: I charge medical aid tariffs. If a client is not on a medical aid we negotiate a fee.

 

Practice Number: 8627673
HPCSA Number: PS 0039292