Dr Jean-Pierre Van Der Berg, DClinPsy

Clinical Psychologist

“I am a Registered Clinical Psychologist with a deep interest in understanding human behaviour, emotional processes and the complexities individuals navigate throughout their lives. My approach to therapy is grounded in curiosity, clarity and respect for each person’s unique experiences. I work collaboratively with clients to explore patterns of thinking, emotional responses and behavioural dynamics that may influence wellbeing, relationships and personal functioning. I provide a supportive, structured and non-judgemental therapeutic space where individuals can develop insight, strengthen coping strategies and work toward meaningful and sustainable change. My professional interests include psychological wellbeing, emotional regulation, behavioural patterns, stress, identity and personal adaptation across life challenges.”

About Me

Dr Jean-Pierre Van Der Berg is a Registered Clinical Psychologist (HPCSA) and founder of The Behavioral Therapist, Pretoria East. His practice focuses on clinical psychology, forensic psychological assessment and behavioural evaluation within clinical, occupational and legal contexts. Services include structured psychological assessment, behavioural evaluation, psycho-legal assessment and the preparation of professional psychological reports. Practice is grounded in recognised scientific principles, professional standards and ethical guidelines, with emphasis on accuracy, responsible interpretation and individual-centred care. “Where Science Informs the Understanding of Human Behaviour.”

Approach

My clinical approach is grounded in careful assessment, thoughtful formulation and a structured understanding of the psychological, behavioural and contextual factors shaping an individual’s experience. I work from the position that psychological difficulties rarely exist in isolation. Behaviour, emotional responses, coping patterns and relational dynamics are understood within the broader context of a person’s history, environment and lived reality. Therapeutic work is guided by recognised scientific principles and evidence-informed interventions, while remaining responsive to the unique needs, pace and circumstances of each individual. Emphasis is placed on clarity, psychological insight and the development of adaptive strategies that are both meaningful and sustainable. Whether working within clinical, forensic or decision-critical contexts, my focus remains on accurate understanding, ethical practice and creating a space that supports reflection, stability and constructive psychological change.

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Basic Information

Pretoria, South Africa

Services

I provide psychological services centred on assessment, therapeutic intervention and structured psychological support across a range of clinical presentations and life circumstances. Services include individual psychotherapy, psychological assessment, behavioural and cognitive evaluation and interventions addressing emotional distress, adjustment difficulties, trauma-related experiences and relational challenges. Therapeutic work may involve the management of anxiety, mood-related difficulties, stress, behavioural patterns, interpersonal dynamics and the psychological impact of adverse or destabilising experiences. Where appropriate, services also include structured psychological assessments and professional psychological reporting within clinical, occupational or psycho-legal contexts. All services are delivered in accordance with recognised professional standards and ethical guidelines, with emphasis on careful understanding, responsible clinical judgement and individual-centred care.

Services Offered:

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Forensic Psychiatry
A branch of psychiatry at the intersection of mental health and the legal system, involving assessment and treatment of offenders and court-related evaluations.
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Psychiatry
A branch of medicine specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, including the prescribing of medication.
Learn more about Psychiatry
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Risk Management
Assessment and planning to identify and reduce the risk of harm to oneself or others, often part of crisis intervention or ongoing care.
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Trauma Counselling
Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.
Learn more about Trauma Counselling
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Psychoanalysis
An in-depth therapy that explores unconscious patterns, early experiences, and inner conflicts to produce lasting psychological change, typically involving frequent sessions.
Learn more about Psychoanalysis
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Psychological & Diagnostic Assessment
Formal psychological testing to identify conditions, map a person's cognitive and emotional profile, and guide treatment planning.
Learn more about Psychological & Diagnostic Assessment
•
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.
Learn more about EMDR
•
ECT
Electroconvulsive Therapy, a medical procedure performed under anaesthesia that uses electrical stimulation to treat severe, treatment-resistant depression and other conditions.
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Crisis Support & Counselling
Emergency emotional support and counselling for people in acute psychological distress, available at the point of need.
Learn more about Crisis Support & Counselling

Works With:

•Adults
•Couples
•Families
•Organisations
•Adolescents
•Children
•Parents
•Groups

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

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Child Psychological & Diagnostic Assessment
A formal evaluation of a child's cognitive, emotional, or developmental functioning using standardised tests to identify conditions like ADHD, autism, or learning difficulties.
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Child Behaviour
Behavioural difficulties in children, such as tantrums, aggression, withdrawal, or defiance, that signal emotional distress or developmental needs.
•
Medico-Legal
The intersection of psychology and law, involving psychological assessments and expert reports for legal proceedings such as personal injury, custody, or disability claims.
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Psycho-Legal
Psychological assessment and expert reporting for court proceedings, legal disputes, or regulatory matters.
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Psychosis
A mental state in which a person loses contact with reality, which may involve hallucinations, delusions, or severely disordered thinking.
Learn more about Psychosis
•
Trauma
The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.
Learn more about Trauma
•
Pornography or Sexual Behaviour Concerns
Sexual behaviours, including pornography use, that feel compulsive, out of control, or are causing distress or harm to oneself or relationships.

Professional Title:

•
Clinical Psychologist
An advanced mental health professional trained to assess and treat a wide range of difficulties, from anxiety and depression to trauma and complex conditions.

Qualifications

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology

Doctorate

UNISA

Year: 2024

Bachelor of Psychology

UNISA

Year: 2023

Bachelor of Science with Honours

Bachelor

SACAP

Year: 2020

Bachelor of Applied Social Science (BAppSocSci) in Psychology & Criminology

SACAP

Year: 2024

Service Area

The Behavioral Therapist

In-person & Online

Menlyn

Pretoria, Gauteng

South Africa