Ms Octavia Stewart
Educational Psychologist
“I am an Educational Psychologist based in Blackheath with a strong foundation in teaching, which provides me with a deep understanding of classroom expectations. My role involves conducting psycho-educational assessments, guiding classroom accommodations, behaviour management, and individualized education plans.”
About Me
Approach
In educational psychology and therapeutic practice, I use an integrative approach that combines various theories and methods to support learners' academic, emotional, and psychological development. This approach blends insights from cognitive, behavioral, and sociocultural models, while also incorporating therapeutic frameworks such as person-centred therapy. For example, the person-centred approach emphasises empathy, unconditional positive regard, and creating a safe, nurturing environment where individuals feel heard and valued. In working with younger children, teddy bear therapy can serve as a comforting transitional object during therapy or learning sessions, helping build trust and emotional security. By integrating these methods, I aim to create a holistic, personalised support system that addresses each individual's unique needs.
Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.
Services
Medical Aid Clients - Services are charged in accordance with medical aid rates. Clients can pay cash or through EFT. Invoices for services rendered will be issued directly to the client, who may then submit them to their medical aid provider for potential reimbursement and claim back from their medical aid. Alternatively, claims are submitted directly to medical aid.
Private Clients - Session rates are charged at R1100,00 per hour.
Assessments - Assessments typically include an initial consultation, standardized testing, a comprehensive report, and a feedback session. A detailed cost estimate will be provided after an initial discussion to ensure the assessment aligns with your child's needs. Please feel free to contact me for more information.
Adjusted fees are offered for Study Skills groups, Lower Income groups and Single Parents.
Clients will receive a detailed cost estimate before any scheduled appointments.
For any further questions regarding the fee structure, please get in touch with me.
Services Offered:
- •
Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment
Formal assessment of a child's psychological, cognitive, or emotional functioning to identify conditions and guide appropriate support.
- •
Trauma Counseling
Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.
Learn more about Trauma 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 - •
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 - •
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
Works With:
- •Adolescents
- •Children
- •Parents
Area of Expertise
Scope of Practice:
- •
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.
- •
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.
- •
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 - •
Mood Disorder
A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.
Learn more about Mood Disorder - •
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.
- •
Stress / Burnout
The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).
Learn more about Stress / Burnout - •
Abuse
Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.
Professional Title:
- •
Educational Psychologist
A psychologist specialising in learning, development, and educational needs of children, adolescents, and young adults.
Qualifications
University of Johannesburg
Registrations
Health Professions Council Of South Africa (HPCSA); Board of Health Funders (BHF)
Psychologist
Service Area
