Mrs Deena Naidoo, MPsych

Educational Psychologist

Verified

“I create a warm, supportive environment where we can work together. My therapeutic approach uniquely blends evidence-based psychological methods with mindfulness technique when appropriate, offering a holistic path to healing and growth. Assessment services are designed to provide comprehensive, in-depth evaluations.”

About Me

In our warm, supportive environment, I guide individuals towards understanding and growth. My approach thoughtfully blends evidence-based psychological methods with mindfulness techniques for a holistic path. I also offer comprehensive assessments for deeper insight. This ensures tailored support, whether you are exploring complex emotions or seeking to understand your unique strengths.

Approach

I provide a calm, respectful, and supportive space where we can explore your strengths and challenges together. My approach combines thoughtful assessment with practical, present-focused support, helping you gain clarity and make meaningful progress. I offer sessions in English and Afrikaans, working at a pace that feels comfortable and collaborative. Our sessions may include focused skill-building, reflection, and practical strategies you can apply between appointments. When working with adolescents and families, I use developmentally appropriate, evidence-informed approaches to support positive growth and create meaningful, lasting change.

Contact Deena

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Cape Town, South Africa

In-person

Services

With 13 years of service at the WC Education Department, I am a skilled professional specialising in comprehensive educational assessments and learner support. I develop pragmatic, student-centred recommendations ranging from classroom accommodations to specialised school placements. My therapeutic practice is founded on a holistic, collaborative model that prioritises deep exploration. This multi-modal strategy enables a comprehensive understanding of the client's internal world. We work collaboratively to uncover the root causes of psychological discomfort, develop practical coping strategies, foster self-insight and personal growth, and create sustainable, meaningful life changes.

Services Offered:

Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment
Formal assessment of a child's psychological, cognitive, or emotional functioning to identify conditions and guide appropriate support.
Intellectual Psych & Diagnostic Assessment
Formal testing to evaluate intellectual ability and cognitive functioning, often used for educational planning or diagnosis.
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
Mindfulness
The practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement, used to reduce stress and increase awareness of automatic reactions.
Learn more about Mindfulness
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
Individual Therapy
One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.
Learn more about Individual Therapy
Adolescent Therapy
Therapy designed for teenagers, using age-appropriate methods to address issues like anxiety, identity, peer pressure, and family conflict.
Learn more about Adolescent Therapy

Works With:

Adolescents
Adults
Children
Families
Parents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

Adolescent Therapy
Therapy designed for teenagers, using age-appropriate methods to address issues like anxiety, identity, peer pressure, and family conflict.
Learn more about Adolescent Therapy
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.
Learning or Development Difficulties
Conditions that affect a person's ability to acquire, process, or apply information, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or intellectual disability, impacting education and daily life.
Personal Development
The ongoing process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and reaching one's potential, pursued not because something is wrong but to live more fully.
Spiritual or Faith-Based Counseling
Counselling that integrates spiritual or religious beliefs into the therapeutic process for people who want faith to be part of their healing.