Registered Psychologist with about 20 years private practice experience.
MICHELLE BENNETT COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGIST
B.Soc.Sci. (Psych.) Natal , B.Soc.Sci. Hons. (Psych.) Natal, M.Soc.Sci. (Couns.Psych.) Natal
I am a Registered Psychologist with over 20 years experience in private practice in Durban. I offer both Individual and Couple/Marriage counselling. I work with both Adults and Adolescents. I adapt the therapeutic framework to the unique individual and presenting concerns in order to achieve the best results. Privacy, confidentiality and varying belief systems are treated with the utmost respect.
Contact details:
Preferably contact the rooms via email or SMS or WHATS APP your email address so that the general first email containing different rates and so on can be emailed to you.
Consulting rooms: 083 461 58 91
Email address: [email protected]
Please remember to check junk mail, spam, quarantine etc folders just in case the email lands up in one of those other folders.
Special interests
I have experience in working with a wide range of clients, concerns, belief systems, spiritual orientations, lifestyles and different cultural groups. I believe it is important for each individual to be seen and understood holistically and that personal belief systems are respected in the therapeutic space.
My areas of special interest include, but are not limited to:
Individual Therapy:
Depression; Bereavement/Grief; Stress; Relationship Concerns and Destructive Relationship patterns; Interpersonal Difficulties; Divorce Adjustment; Infidelity; Trust issues; Step-family issues; Blended families: Sexual orientation and identity; Adults with a History of Sexual Abuse or Rape, Emotional Abuse; Self-esteem; Anger Management; Anxiety Disorders , such as Panic Attacks, Post –Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Trauma (including hi-jacking, burglary etc) ; Infertility; Assertiveness Training; Crisis; Adjustment including to Life Stages; Loneliness; Work Difficulties; Single life; Personal Growth and more.
Couple Counselling and Marriage Counselling:
Couple counselling encompasses marriage counselling, pre-marital counselling, and for those in relationships with no intention of “formalising” them. Both straight and gay couples are seen.
Therapeutic orientation
I am trained and have experience in various therapeutic frameworks and therefore tailor the particular type of therapy to the individual and presenting problem in order to achieve the best results. Every person is respected as unique with a different set of expectations of therapy and presenting concerns.
I use a wide range of therapeutic techniques. These include, but are not limited to: Cognitive Therapy, CBT (Cognitive- Behavioural Therapy), Integrative/ Eclectic Therapy, Transpersonal therapy, Solution focussed therapy, Psychodynamic,Client centred therapy and metaphysical approaches. I do both short and long term therapy, depending on the requirements of the case. I generally, although, not always, use CBT for the treatment of anxiety disorders. These are techniques based on research evidence.
I use a realistic and balanced “bio-psycho-social” understanding of the causes of various so- called “disorders” which is well grounded in general research. Recognising that every human being and their particular concerns is so unique, that there will always be exceptions to the rule. Therefore where appropriate, from a cognitive perspective, it has long been recognised that our thoughts, feelings and subsequent actions are interlinked. The mind body connection has also been widely documented. Scientists are recognising the extremely powerful effects of our minds and imagination in our lives. The influence of our thoughts (in words and images) on our emotions and subsequent effect in our lives can no longer be ignored. Using a cognitive understanding, we cannot continue to plant the same seeds/thoughts and wonder why we get the same flowers/results in our lives.
Each person will have a completely different experience of therapy, depending on their needs, desires and motivations. On the one hand, I can offer specific programs which have been researched to maximise results. On the other hand I offer very flexible therapy and depending on individual beliefs, recognising and tapping into the power of the mind and the human being as mind-body-spirit and refusing to pathologise normal difficulties of life. People can be faced with challenges in their lives that may seem overwhelming and insurmountable. There is nothing “abnormal” about this.
Experience
I have over 20 years experience in private practice.
I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate training at the University of Natal, Durban. My internship was at the Clinic/ Centre for Applied Psychology, at the University of Natal, Durban. This is akin to a private practice setting. It was here that I was initially trained and supervised in the assessment, diagnosis (applies to “disorders”) and treatment of my special interests listed above and much more.
I also have experience in IOD (Injured on duty) / Workman’s Compensation cases. This mainly involved trauma work. I have therefore developed a particularly special interest in dealing with trauma cases. I have also done a significant amount of private practice work for various Corporates and also smaller companies over the years. I also do work for some EAP groups (Employee Assistance Programs), comment for various magazines and supervise internships.
My commitment to you
I regard it of the utmost importance to put the client’s “best interests” first, while practising within the ethical boundaries of my profession. I look forward to the honour of working together with you and sharing my knowledge and experience in order to assist you to become the “best you can be”. You may just be pleasantly surprised of what actually is possible.
Professional Memberships
HPCSA, BHF, South African National Association of Practicing Psychologists, Durban Practicing Psychologists Group, South African Depression and Anxiety Group, MPS (Medical Protection Society - International Attorneys), Counselling Psychology SA and more.
