Mrs Samukelisiwe Okonkwo, MClinPsych
Clinical Psychologist
“I am a Clinical Psychologist in private practice at Mediclinic Milnerton (117 Annex), offering neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed psychotherapy to adolescents, adults, couples, and families. My work is grounded in evidence-based practice and integrates Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), trauma-focused CBT, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic approaches to support meaningful and sustainable change. I work with individuals experiencing personality difficulties, depression, anxiety, adjustment challenges, trauma, and work-related stress. I also provide support within inpatient settings and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams where required. My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and structured. I aim to create a space that is both containing and reflective, where clients can develop insight, emotional regulation skills, and practical tools for navigating complex life experiences. I am particularly committed to neurodiversity-affirming practice and understanding how trauma impacts identity, relationships, and functioning across contexts, including the workplace.”
About Me
Approach
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Services
Services Offered:
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ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)
A form of therapy that teaches acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings while guiding action aligned with personal values.
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CBT
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.
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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.
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Group Therapy
Therapy conducted with a small group of people who share similar concerns, using peer interaction and diverse perspectives as part of the healing process.
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Health Psychology
A branch of psychology that studies how psychological, behavioural, and social factors affect physical health, illness, and health-related behaviours.
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Individual Therapy
One-on-one therapy sessions between a client and a therapist, focused on that person's specific concerns and goals.
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Psychodynamic Therapy
A therapy that explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns shape current feelings, relationships, and behaviour.
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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.
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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.
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Wellness Support
Holistic support focused on overall well-being, including stress management, lifestyle balance, and building sustainable healthy habits.
Works With:
- •Adolescents
- •Adults
- •Children
- •Individuals
- •Couples
Area of Expertise
Scope of Practice:
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Autism (ASD)
A neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, sensory processing, and behaviour patterns, with a wide range of presentations and strengths.
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Brain Injury
Damage to the brain caused by external trauma or internal events (e.g., stroke), which can affect cognition, emotions, personality, and physical abilities.
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Bipolar
A mood disorder involving episodes of mania (abnormally elevated mood and energy) alternating with episodes of depression, affecting judgement, sleep, and daily functioning.
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ADHD / Attention Difficulties
A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.
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Anxiety
Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.
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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.
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Grief, Loss & Bereavement
The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss, varying widely in duration and expression.
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Identity & Self-Image
A person's sense of who they are, including their values, beliefs, roles, and self-perception, and the distress that arises when this sense is unclear, fragmented, or negative.
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Life Transitions
Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.
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Personality Difficulties
Long-standing patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating to others that cause persistent distress or problems in relationships and daily life.
Professional Title:
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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
Master of Clinical Psychology
University of Cape Town