Mrs Samukelisiwe Okonkwo, MClinPsych

Clinical Psychologist

Verified

“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

My professional career began in the field of social work, where I worked extensively in HIV/AIDS care, trauma support, parenting interventions, and Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP). This early experience grounded my understanding of the social, relational, and systemic factors that shape psychological wellbeing. I later qualified as a Clinical Psychologist through the University of Cape Town (UCT). My clinical training included placements at Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital and Malmesbury Correctional Services, where I gained experience working with severe mental illness, complex trauma, forensic populations, and multidisciplinary teams within high-containment settings. I currently practice as a Clinical Psychologist at Mediclinic Milnerton (117 Annex), offering psychotherapy to adolescents and adults experiencing trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, personality-related difficulties, adjustment challenges, and work-related stress. My work is integrative and evidence-based, drawing from CBT, DBT-informed interventions, trauma-focused approaches, and psychodynamic psychotherapy. My therapeutic approach is reflective, structured, and collaborative, with careful attention to formulation, containment, and meaningful long-term change.

Approach

I provide trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming psychotherapy within a structured, collaborative framework. My work integrates CBT, DBT-informed skills, and psychodynamic understanding to address both current symptoms and underlying patterns. I help clients develop insight into their experiences, strengthen emotional regulation, and build practical coping strategies. Together, we formulate how past experiences, relational dynamics, and environmental stressors influence present difficulties, creating a clear and personalised treatment pathway. My aim is to offer a containing, reflective space that supports meaningful change, resilience, and sustainable psychological wellbeing.

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Basic Information

Cape Town, South Africa

In-person & Online

Services

Trauma and Complex Trauma Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Personality Difficulties Depression and Mood Disorders Anxiety Disorders (including GAD and Panic) Adjustment Difficulties Work-Related Stress and Burnout Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy Emotional Regulation and Distress Tolerance (DBT-informed) Relationship and Interpersonal Difficulties Parenting Support Employee Assistance and Workplace Mental Health Inpatient Psychological Care and Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Services Offered:

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.
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.
Learn more about Trauma Counselling
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:

Autism (ASD)
A neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, sensory processing, and behaviour patterns, with a wide range of presentations and strengths.
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.
Learn more about Bipolar
ADHD / Attention Difficulties
A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.
Learn more about ADHD / Attention Difficulties
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.
Learn more about Grief, Loss & Bereavement
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.
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
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:

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.