Helen Van Der Merwe

Experience

My work experience as a clinical psychologist has been in the public and private sector, working in mental health and addictions, doing both individual assessment and therapy, and delivering group programmes. I have experience working with children and adolescents, adults and older adults, from diverse cultural backgrounds.

My approach

I believe that the key to successful therapy is building a trusting and collaborative relationship with clients, combined with using evidence-based therapeutic interventions. I have a warm, non-judgemental approach, focused on supporting people to make sense of the challenges they are experiencing, and taking steps to make desired changes and lead more fulfilling lives.

In my work I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Compassion Focussed Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, as well as mindfulness and distress tolerance skills (DBT informed).

Areas of interest

At West Wellness I am interested in working with adults (18 years+) to provide assessment and therapy for the following difficulties:

• depression
• anxiety
• trauma
• addictions
• managing intense emotions
• stress management
• interpersonal difficulties
• adjustment to new life stages and difficult life circumstances.