Andrew Carlyle

Clinical Psychologist

I have been registered with the Health Professions Council as a clinical psychologist since 1992 and have worked in various settings, both clinical and academic. These include NGOs and a number of hospitals, as well as various university departments.   I have been in part-time private practice since 1993 and full-time private practice since 2001.  I work with adults and adapt my approach to the needs of each individual, whether this is in short-term or long-term psychotherapy.

As a therapist I follow a client-centred approach.  I believe my expertise is in helping people to find the essence of their own experience and to find their direction from within.  It is usually difficult for someone to describe precisely what is wrong, in spite of being aware of struggling and feeling stuck.  We tend to find ourselves in repetitive patterns that make us unhappy, yet we do not know how to change them.  Psychotherapy can play an important part in a person’s journey toward greater fulfillment in life.  I have found it most effective to approach problems with respect and caution, appreciating the unique dynamics of each person’s circumstances.

I am comfortable working with a variety of problems such as anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, life-decisions, business difficulties, addictions, eating disorders, problems pursuing goals and parenting issues.  I particularly enjoy working with couples in addressing relationship issues and have special interests, but not exclusively, in fertility treatment and in adult ADHD.

I draw on a number of approaches to psychotherapy including psychodynamic theories, focusing-oriented psychotherapy, systems theory and mindfulness.  However I believe therapy is not an intellectual exercise.  Psychological theories should be “held lightly” in directing the process.

It is usually a big step to consult a therapist and therapy can involve a significant amount of time and money.  It is therefore important to choose a therapist with whom you feel comfortable.  It is essential to be able to build a trustworthy and safe relationship with a therapist.  I begin with an assessment which usually takes one or two sessions, before committing to a treatment plan.  This also enables you to form some idea of whether you are comfortable to work with me.  It is important that you feel free to ask any questions about what to expect and what are the professional terms for conducting therapy.

Qualifications and Experience

I received my MA (Clinical Psychology) (cum laude) from the University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg in 1992.  Since qualifying I have gained clinical experience in the following settings :

• A mental health NGO assisting disadvantaged and oppressed people during the apartheid era.
• Various state hospitals (10 years) including : outpatient psychotherapy ; HIV/AIDS training, counseling and consulting ; forensic assessments ; post-psychotic rehabilitation.
• Fertility treatment unit at Groote Schuur Hospital (5 years).
• Private practice since 1993, full-time since 2001.

I have held part-time teaching positions at the University of KwaZulu Natal, University of the Western Cape and University of Cape Town, as well as been integrally involved in the training and supervision of clinical psychology students.

I have gained additional qualification as a licensed Focusing Oriented Psychotherapist registered with the Focusing Institute in New York.  Over the years I have actively engaged in ongoing professional development through studying, supervision and debate in various professional circles.

Life experience is something that is hard to quantify and adds value to one’s ability as a therapist.  In this respect I have found that the older I get, the more I gain wisdom from many quarters – not least of which is the challenge of conducting my own relationships and being a parent.

Professional Memberships

• Health Professions Council of South Africa
• The Focusing Institute (New York)
• Cape Town Psychoanalytic Self Psychology Group
• South African Psychoanalytic Confederation

HPCSA Registration Number: PS 0034169
Practice Number: 8628513