Debby

Ms Debby Kempthorne

Licensed Educational Psychologist

“A nurturing and empathetic Educational Psychologist specialising in helping your child reach their full potential. Online sessions available.”

About Me

As a nurturing and empathetic Educational Psychologist, I specialise in helping children. My goal is to uncover their unique strengths and overcome learning challenges. My approach builds confidence, guiding them to reach their full potential. Online sessions offer flexible support, making tailored guidance easily accessible for families. This ensures every child can thrive academically and emotionally in a safe space.

Approach

Helping your child uncover strengths and navigate learning or emotional hurdles happens through calm, hands-on work that keeps their needs front and centre. In Cape Town I meet families in person and I also offer English-language support via secure video, with sessions paced to suit attention, age and family rhythms. Assessments and play-based therapy shape small, practical steps we practise together, with clear feedback and simple strategies to try between meetings. This way of working suits parents and adolescents who want steady, collaborative progress.
Contact Debby

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

Services Offered:

  • Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal assessment of a child's psychological, cognitive, or emotional functioning to identify conditions and guide appropriate support.

  • Child / Adolescent Therapy

    Therapy for children and teenagers using age-appropriate methods, such as play, art, or adapted talk therapy, to address emotional and behavioural difficulties.

    Learn more about Child / Adolescent Therapy
  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling
  • Play Therapy

    A therapy for children that uses play as a natural form of communication, allowing them to express feelings and process difficult experiences.

    Learn more about Play Therapy
  • Psychoeducation

    Structured information provided about a mental health condition (what it is, why it occurs, and what strategies can help) as part of the therapeutic process.

    Learn more about Psychoeducation

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Children
  • Families
  • Parents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Life Transitions

    Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.

    Learn more about Life Transitions
  • ADHD / Attention

    A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about ADHD / Attention
  • Autism (ASD)

    A neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, sensory processing, and behaviour patterns, with a wide range of presentations and strengths.

  • Behaviour or Conduct Issues

    Persistent patterns of defiant, aggressive, or rule-breaking behaviour in children or adolescents that significantly disrupt home, school, or social life.

  • Grief & Loss

    The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss.

    Learn more about Grief & Loss
  • Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal assessment of a child's psychological, cognitive, or emotional functioning to identify conditions and guide appropriate support.

  • Child Behaviour

    Behavioural difficulties in children, such as tantrums, aggression, withdrawal, or defiance, that signal emotional distress or developmental needs.

  • Divorce Counseling

    Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.

  • Abuse

    Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.

  • Career Planning

    The process of exploring professional options, clarifying goals, and making decisions about one's career path and direction.

Professional Title:

  • Licensed Educational Psychologist

    A psychologist licensed to assess and support learning, developmental, and educational needs.

Credentials

Registrations

Health Professions Council Of South Africa (HPCSA); Board of Health Funders (BHF)

Educational Psychologist

Qualifications

Stellenbosch University

Service Areas

My Practice

In-person & Online

N1 City

Cape Town, Western Cape

South Africa

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