Et Al Therapy & Learning Centre | Psychologist | Somerset West
Mrs Marie-Hélène Vorster , MA Counselling Psychologist
Senior Psychologist
1. At which university did you study? I graduated from the University of Stellenbosch in 1994, with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology.
2. When did you join the Et Al team? I am one of the founder members of the Et Al Learning and Therapy Centre and have been here since its inception in 2004.
3. Which settings do you currently work in? I mostly see clients at Et Al, but also visit schools to assess or observe learners upon request. I administer emotional and cognitive assessments, school readiness assessments, assessment of concentration problems, individual therapy (teenagers and adults), play therapy (children) and parental guidance. I have a special interest in attention difficulties (ADD/ ADHD), depression and anxiety. I am also one of the founder members and directors of Vergezicht Private School, an independent mainstream primary school in Somerset West for children with barriers to learning.
4. What do you enjoy most about your job? My favourite part of my job is to see confidence returning, emotional problems lessening and relationships improving because of therapy, support and the acquisition of new coping skills.
5. Fun fact about you: My husband and I have a daughter in high school and a son at university. Our family also boasts four dogs, a budgie and a couple of fish.
Mia Schoeman, Educational Psychologist
1. At which university did you study? I obtained my Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Stellenbosch in 2010.
2. When did you join the Et Al team? I have been a member of the team as a full-time educational psychologist since 2011.
3. Which settings do you currently work in? I work with children, adolescents and their parents/caregivers in private practice. I have a special interest in early childhood development and intervention (period from birth until children start formal schooling), trauma intervention and education, supporting children suffering from anxiety, family therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) -Advanced, EMI (Eye Movement Integration)-Advanced and the development of thinking skills (metacognition) for children and adolescents experiencing barriers to learning and development.
4. What do you enjoy most about your job? My favourite thing about working with children is their ability to live in the present, their sense of humour, their honesty, courage and wisdom (they actually understand more than adults realize).
5. Fun fact about you: I was born and raised in Namibia, can speak some German and I play the piano.
Sinmarie Pieterse, Educational Psychologist
1. At which university did you study? I obtained my Master’s in Educational Psychology in 1994 at the University of Pretoria.
2. When did you join the Et Al team? I have been a member of the team since 2014.
3. Which settings do you currently work in? I have my own practices in Malmesbury and Claremont, and work at the Et Al Centre. I spend two days at Gordon’s Bay Primary School and the rest of the week I am in private practice. I work with almost all ages: children from 7 years and up with emotional and learning difficulties, therapeutic counselling and scholastic assessments; teenagers to facilitate career counselling and subject choices; and adults with trauma (e.g. divorce or bereavement).
CAREER COUNSELLING: GRADE 11 and 12 LEARNERS
Many grade 12 learners experience great uncertainty about which study programs best suit his/her individual preferences. Self-knowledge, knowledge of careers and study programmes are of utmost importance in making a career choice. I believe that a thorough career assessment will equip your child with the knowledge to make a well-informed choice of study program. Please contact the Centre for more information about this service we offer.
4. What do you enjoy most about your job? I love to see kids grow and come to a place of confidence and positive self-awareness. In adults, I enjoy seeing how they develop their own potential and take responsibility for their well-being.
5. Fun fact about you: I’m a crazy hiker who loves nature and I still want to climb Mountain Everest!