Lauren

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

Languages:

English

Fees:

Cash practice

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.

  • 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
  • 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
  • CBT

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

    Learn more about CBT
  • Counselling

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

    Learn more about Counselling
  • 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
  • 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
  • Family Therapy

    A form of therapy that works with family members together to improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships within the family system.

    Learn more about Family 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.

  • Depression

    A mood disorder marked by persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, and changes in energy, sleep, or appetite that impair daily functioning.

    Learn more about Depression
  • Gender Identity & Self-Image

    A person's internal sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth, and the distress or exploration that can accompany this.

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)

Psychologist

Registration: PS0156159

Verify licence

Qualifications

Master of Education in Educational Psychology

The University of Johannesburg

Service Areas

The Willow Therapy Centre

In-person & Online

Palmlands AH

Sandton, Gauteng 2068

South Africa

Palmlands AH, Sandton, South Africa