Educational Psychology · Johannesburg
Compassionate, evidence-based psychological support for children and adolescents from Grade R through Matric, and their families — from assessment through therapy, in-person and online.
About Jessica
I am a registered Educational Psychology · Johannesburg currently practising at St Stithians College in Bryanston, Johannesburg. I am deeply passionate about working holistically with children, adolescents, and families to support emotional, academic, and social development.
After graduating with distinction in both my Honours and Master's degrees in Educational Psychology from the University of Pretoria, I completed my internship at St Stithians College — working within a dynamic, multidisciplinary team serving the broader school community.
I am especially drawn to resilience-building, narrative and expressive therapies, and supporting neurodivergent learners. My strengths lie in forming authentic, trusting connections and bringing creativity, empathy, and strong ethical practice to everything I do.
I am committed to lifelong learning and continue to grow professionally through CPD, research, and collaboration.
What I Offer
Comprehensive psychological support tailored to each individual's unique needs, strengths, and circumstances.
Comprehensive evaluations to understand a child's cognitive profile, learning style, and areas of need — providing clarity, diagnosis support, and a roadmap for intervention. Results are shared with parents and, where appropriate, school teams.
One-on-one therapeutic sessions for children and adolescents navigating emotional, behavioural, and social challenges. Drawing on narrative, expressive, and evidence-based approaches, sessions are playful, safe, and tailored to the individual.
Structured group programmes focusing on social skills, resilience, anxiety management, and peer relationships — delivered in school or community settings.
Targeted strategies for children experiencing academic difficulties, including reading, writing, attention, and executive function challenges. Intervention plans are developed collaboratively with parents and educators.
Collaborative sessions with parents and educators to share insights, align strategies, and build consistent support across home and school environments.
Specialist support for children with ADHD, autism spectrum profiles, dyslexia, and other learning differences — focusing on strengths-based approaches that help neurodivergent learners thrive.
Common Questions
An Educational Psychology · Johannesburg is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and specialises in the intersection of psychological wellbeing and learning. While general therapists focus primarily on mental health, educational psychologists are uniquely trained to assess and support the cognitive, emotional, social, and academic aspects of development — particularly within educational contexts.
An assessment may be beneficial if your child is struggling academically despite effort, experiencing emotional or behavioural difficulties, showing signs of anxiety or low self-esteem, having challenges with reading, writing, or attention, or if you simply want a deeper understanding of how your child learns and thinks. I am happy to have an initial consultation to help you decide whether an assessment is the right step.
Our first session is an intake meeting — usually with parents — to discuss your concerns, your child's history, and what you hope to achieve. This allows me to listen carefully, answer your questions, and recommend the most appropriate way forward. Everything discussed is treated with strict confidentiality.
Yes. Online sessions are available for consultations, therapeutic work with adolescents, and parent guidance sessions. Certain psycho-educational assessments require in-person testing, but wherever possible I accommodate families who prefer the flexibility of virtual appointments.
As a registered HPCSA practitioner, my sessions are generally claimable from most South African medical aid schemes under their mental health or psychology benefits. Coverage varies by plan, so I recommend checking with your medical aid directly. I can provide all necessary documentation to support your claim.
A psycho-educational assessment typically involves two to three sessions of testing, followed by a feedback session and written report — usually completed within three to four weeks. Therapeutic work is more open-ended; many families find that six to twelve sessions make a meaningful difference. We review progress regularly and always work at a pace that feels right for your child.
Get in Touch
Take the first step. Reach out and we will find a time that works for you and your family.
Whether you have a specific concern, a question about services, or simply want to learn more — I'd love to hear from you. All enquiries are responded to within 1–2 business days.
Transparency
I believe in being upfront about costs so that finances don't become a barrier to getting the right support.
Fees are charged at private rates and are not based on the medical aid scale of benefits. Specific rates are provided upon enquiry and are reviewed annually.
As a registered HPCSA practitioner, sessions are generally claimable from most South African medical aid schemes. I provide all documentation — invoices, ICD-10 codes, and practice number — to support your claim.
A 50% cancellation fee applies to appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice. This fee is not covered by medical aid. Please give as much notice as possible so the slot can be offered to another family.
For specific fee information, please get in touch.
Areas of Support
Every child is different. Below are some of the most common concerns that bring families to Sunbird Psychology — though this is by no means an exhaustive list.
Assessment and support for children struggling with focus, impulse control, and hyperactivity across home and school settings.
Supporting children and adolescents experiencing excessive worry, school anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, and generalised anxiety.
Assessment and intervention for challenges with reading (dyslexia), writing, maths, comprehension, and processing speed.
Strengths-based support and assessment for children with autism spectrum profiles, including social communication and sensory needs.
Supporting children navigating big emotions, anger, low self-esteem, defiance, withdrawal, or difficulty regulating behaviour.
Working with children and families affected by school avoidance, performance anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout.
Therapeutic support for children navigating bereavement, divorce, family change, relocation, or other significant life transitions.
Supporting children who struggle with friendships, bullying, social skills, loneliness, or fitting in at school.
Professional Affiliations
