Deidre Heafield
Educational Psychologist
Assessments
Developmental and school-readiness assessments
Children all develop at different rates, and parents are sometimes unsure if their child is ready for the demands of formal schooling. Teachers might raise concerns about a child's development in certain areas. A school readiness or developmental assessment can help to guide you to make informed decisions about what is best for your child..
Psycho-educational assessments
Is your child struggling to cope at school? Is your child's self-esteem beginning to suffer as a result of not keeping up? Is your child struggling to focus and concentrate. A psycho-educational assessment can help to get to the root cause of the issue so that sutiable interventions or accommodations can be put in place to enable your child to thrive.
Career and subject choice assessments
Often adolescents have very little idea about what they would like to do with their future. A subject choice assessment can help Grade 8 and 9 learners who are confused about which subjects to take in Grade 10.
A career assessment can assist anyone who is confused about which career path to follow or about choices for tertiary education. The assessment will not only provide you with a clear idea about your aptitude and interests, but it will also match different career options to your distinct personality type.
Therapeutic Services
Adolescent Counselling
Adolescence can feel overwhelming—for teens and parents. At my practice I offer a safe, supportive space for teens to talk openly, build confidence, and learn practical tools to manage anxiety, mood changes, friendships, family conflict, and school pressure. Sessions are age-appropriate, strengths-based, and focused on helping teens cope, communicate, and thrive.
Student Counselling and Coaching
Moving from the safety and security of home and school into the wider world can feel exciting—and overwhelming. I provide a calm, supportive space where students can work through anxiety, stress, self-doubt, friendship challenges, and academic pressure. Student counselling and coaching focuses on both emotional wellbeing and practical life skills. For students who aren’t sure what to do after matric, I offer guidance to explore options, identify strengths and interests, and plan next steps with greater clarity and peace of mind.
Skills Groups
At my practice I offer DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) skills groups for teens and adults. DBT is an evidence-based approach that teaches practical, step-by-step tools to help people manage intense emotions, cope more effectively in moments of distress, and build healthier relationships. In group, you’ll learn skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance, mindfulness strategies to stay grounded and present, and interpersonal effectiveness skills to communicate clearly, set boundaries, and handle conflict with more confidence. Contact me to find out when the next group will begin.
Trauma Support and Counselling (BWRT)
Whether its a big trauma with a capital T or a series of smaller events that compound, Addressing trauma is essential for restoring a sense of safety, balance, and inner freedom. In my practice, I offer BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT)—a gentle, effective, and evidence-based approach that helps the brain process and neutralise traumatic memories.
Healing through creativity
The process of creation holds huge healing power. Using art as a therapeutic tool opens up gentle, meaningful opportunities for clients to explore their inner world—especially when feelings are hard to put into words. Art therapy can help children, teens, and adults express emotions safely, make sense of experiences, build self-awareness, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Meaning Purpose and Self actualisation
There are times in life when we start to feel lost and believe that life holds no real purpose anymore. At my practice, I can help you to explore what really matters to you and help you to navigate a purpose driven existence.
Parent Support and Counselling
Let's face it, none of us are perfect parents and the job of parenting certainly didn't come with instructions. As a parent of two teenagers, I am well aware of the challenges and the triumphs. I offer parents a safe, non-judgmental space to explore their frustrations while offering practical solutions.
Stress management, depression, anxiety
Sometimes the stresses of life can feel incredibly overwhelming resulting in high levels of anxiety or debilitating depression. At my practice we can identify your stress triggers together and find tools and coping mechanisms to support you through times of upheaval.
Online Therapy
Online therapy has become increasingly popular for its convenience and accesibility. At my practice I offer this through a secure line to clients who would prefer this mode or who are unable to attend in person.
