Ms Desiree Gaskin
Educational Psychologist
verified by TherapyRoute
“An experienced, competent and compassionate child psychotherapist working with children, parents and individuals, as well as in group and organizational settings.”
About Me
Families often seek support when children struggle with big feelings or difficult behaviours. This compassionate child psychotherapist offers a guiding hand. They work directly with children, helping them to express themselves, and also support parents and individuals connected to the child. The therapist creates a safe space for exploration, with the added benefit of group settings for shared experiences, helping everyone find clearer paths forward.
Approach
My work settles into a steady, predictable rhythm where art and play, brief tasks and conversational check-ins help children, adolescents and caregivers try out small changes and understand patterns. I meet with families in Johannesburg and via secure online sessions in English, pacing work to each child’s energy and the parent’s practical needs. I often share simple observations or home activities between appointments. Sessions are collaborative and pragmatic, blending emotional exploration with skill-building. This approach tends to suit parents and young people seeking clear, compassionate support during transitions.
As humanity is facing difficult and transitioning times, my focus is also helping people to be grounded and connected with self and others.
Contact Desiree
Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.
Basic Information
Services
I offer both insight-based psychodynamic psychotherapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) in person and online. I am also aware of the importance of a somatic and embodied (mind-body) lens in the work.
I offer support during life transitions and personal, family and organizational growth. Therapy and groupwork can assist in building
self-awareness, emotional regulation, development of coping skills, improvement in interpersonal communication, problem -solving as well as overall well-being. Whether you are a student, parent, leader or employee: therapy and groupwork can help finding self, building confidence and resilience, improving or repairing attachment bonds, needing assistance with separation, trauma, grief, anxiety, low self-esteem, gender issues or gender- based violence.
Services Offered:
- •Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment
- •Play Therapy
- •Child / Adolescent Therapy
- •Individual Therapy
- •Psychodynamic Therapy
- •Online Therapy
- •Personal Development
- •Group Therapy
- •Supervision & Training
- •Trauma Counselling
Works With:
- •Adolescents
- •Children
- •Families
- •Groups
- •Individuals
- •Organisations
- •Parents
- •Under Fives
- •All ages
- •Communities
Area of Expertise
Scope of Practice:
- •Life Transitions
- •Anxiety
- •Relationship Issues
- •Grief & Loss
- •Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment
- •Personal Development
- •Parenting Support
- •Self-Esteem
- •Trauma Therapy
- •Young Adult Issues
Professional Title:
- •Educational Psychologist
Qualifications
University of the Witwatersrand
Registrations
Health Professions Council Of South Africa (HPCSA); Board of Health Funders (BHF)
Educational Psychologist
Service Area
Child and Family Centre, 40 Oxford Rd, Parktown, 2193
In-person & OnlineParktown
Johannesburg, Gauteng
