Tanya Oosthuyzen – Online Psychologist (London): Adult ADHD Assessment, Expat Psychotherapy, General Psychotherapy
I believe psychotherapy to be a unique and collaborative process based upon the relationship between therapist and client.
It allows you the opportunity to openly explore and experience a range of thoughts and emotions in a safe and containing space, with someone trained to help understand and make sense of them. I believe in our inherent capacity to grow and develop and thus work from a collaborative person-centred approach, where your needs are addressed with non-judgement, understanding, empathy and confidentiality. Through this, one can begin to change problematic behaviours, thoughts and emotions, gain further potential and productivity, shift unhelpful relational patterns as well as develop improved insight and meaning; thereby enhancing your overall quality of life and relationships.
Although I work with all forms of psychological distress and clinical disorders including trauma and complex PTSD, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, sexual health, life-transitions and bereavement, I hold a special interest in supporting expatriates as they adapt to their new environment and country. I also see clients who wish to gain increased self-knowledge and growth during life transitions through the psychotherapeutic relationship, as well as provide supervision for other professionals.
I offer both long and short term psychotherapy to adult individuals, couples and families. As my understanding of the psychology of human behaviour is predominantly rooted in a psychodynamic perspective, I mostly tend to follow an integrative psychodynamic approach. I am however also trained in other therapeutic modalities such as such as Cognitive Behavioural and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (CBT & DBT), Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy, Brain Working Recursive Therapy (BWRT Level II) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I will therefore often draw on the techniques and principals of various approaches, so as to best meet the unique needs and preferences of my individual clients.
Though our collaborative work, my aim is to empower individuals to unlock their potential, cultivate resilience and lead fulfilling lives and relationships.
Clinical Training & Professional Experience
Tanya holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Cape Town, earned in 2014.
Her journey into psychology began with undergraduate training in Health Sciences and Social Services at the University of South Africa in 2002. During this time, she also trained and volunteered as a Trauma Counsellor for the South African Police Services, providing vital support to victims of trauma.
Following her undergraduate studies, Tanya transitioned into the property development sector, gaining valuable experience in administration and human resources. Concurrently, she pursued her Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Psychology. Afterward, she completed an internship at an addictions rehabilitation facility, which led to a full-time position. She eventually advanced to the role of Manager and Senior Addictions Counsellor, where she assisted residents in their recovery journey and reintegration into everyday life.
To further enhance her expertise, Tanya then completed her Master’s in Clinical Psychology at the University of Cape Town. During this time, she received training in all aspects of psychotherapeutic treatment, including assessment, diagnostics, clinical disorders as well as various psychotherapeutic modalities and interventions. She also completed, and presented as part of a community project, her thesis titled “A look at how South African street-based prostitutes represent the challenges faced within their communities, using Photovoice.”
Tanya then completed her clinical internship at the Tygerberg Medical and Stikland Psychiatric Hospital complex, gaining experience in Adult Psychotherapeutics and High Care, Medical Psychology, Child and Adolescent Services, Community Psychology, Psychometric and Neuropsychological Assessment, the Eating Disorders Unit, and Addiction Services. Following this, she completed her Public Service year at Pollsmoor Correctional Facility in Cape Town, providing a full range of psychological services to detainees in both the longer-term male as well mothers-and-babies sections.
Since then, Tanya has continued to build a diverse professional portfolio. She has provided inpatient services at rehabilitation facilities, lectured at university level, developed workshops and programs, formed part of multidisciplinary teams, and worked in both private and associate practices across South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Registrations & Memberships
- The Health and Care Professions Council UK (HCPC) – PYL042181
- Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) – PS0130524
- Brain Working Recursive Therapy practitioner – level II (BWRT Level II)
- Certified Member of the Online Therapy Directory