Ms Lauren Nicholson

Licensed Educational Psychologist

“I am passionate about mental health and working with people by empowering them to achieve their goals. I have a person centred philosophy that my clients are able to overcome their difficulties and I absolutely believe in each individual I work with.”

About Me

As a Licensed Educational Psychologist, I am deeply passionate about supporting your mental well-being. My person-centred philosophy means I truly believe in your unique ability to overcome challenges. We will work collaboratively, focusing on your strengths, to empower you to achieve your goals. This approach creates a space where you feel understood and confident in finding your way forward.

Approach

I begin with a thorough intake and, when helpful, standardized assessments to clarify strengths and needs, then co-create focused goals you can measure. Sessions blend gentle conversation, developmentally attuned play for children, and practical skill-building for teens and adults. I use trauma-aware techniques, behavioural experiments, and brief between-session tasks to reinforce progress. Families are invited into planning when relevant, and I offer remote appointments, regular feedback and adjusted pacing so we track change together and stay rooted in what’s working.

Contact Lauren

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Chartwell, South Africa

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.
•
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

Works With:

•Adolescents
•Adults
•Children
•Families

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

•
Abuse
Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.
•
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
•
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
•
Anxiety
Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.
Learn more about Anxiety
•
ADHD / Attention
A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.
Learn more about ADHD / Attention
•
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.
•
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
•
Family Issues
Difficulties within the family system, including conflict, communication breakdown, blended family tensions, or intergenerational patterns, that affect individual and collective well-being.

Professional Title:

•
Licensed Educational Psychologist
A psychologist licensed to assess and support learning, developmental, and educational needs.

Qualifications

University of Johannesburg

Registrations

Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)

Psychologist

Service Area

The Willow Therapy Centre

In-person & Online

Johannesburg, Gauteng

South Africa