Susan

Dr Susan Hesk

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

“Highly specialized clinical psychologist trained and worked in South African and Australia , now based in the UK. Extensive experience in working with couples and complex psychological presentations across the lifespan. Available for on line therapy with clients from South Africa and the UK.”

About Me

As a highly experienced South African trained clinical psychologist, I offer a supportive space where we can explore your challenges. I welcome individuals and couples and my approach is evidenced based and eclectic tailored to suite your unique needs. I aim to provide a grounded, expert perspective for those navigating difficult experiences. Clients seeking an empathic ethical and trauma informed therapist will find a good match here. I am UK based and hold duel HCPC and HPCSA registrations and can offer online and face to face sessions depending on your location.

Approach

We start with a detailed assessment to identify your presenting current difficulties and how they are impacting on your life and relationships, identifying patterns of concern to you. We then shape therapy so progress feels manageable and relevant to you and your life with evidenced based(DBT ,CBT ,Somatic trauma therapy and psychodynamic) approaches. Online, sessions are conducted in English with a steady, measured pace that balances reflective exploration and practical skills. Expect a gentle focused approach alongside mindfulness tasks and short between-session self directed work to consolidate your insight and reduce stress. People seeking relief, clarity, resilience and sustainable change tend to find this collaborative way of working most helpful.
Contact Susan

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

Services

Assessment and therapy for couples in distress.(EFT/CBT trauma informed approach) . Evidenced based therapy for adults using DBT, CBT , Somatic trauma therapy, psychodynamic approaches and skills. Supervision of interns/students registered psychologists.. ADOS/ADI assessments.

Services Offered:

  • •
    Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal psychological testing to identify conditions, understand cognitive and emotional functioning, and guide treatment planning.

  • •
    Clinical Supervision

    Professional oversight and reflective practice for clinical practitioners, ensuring quality of care and supporting ongoing development.

  • •
    Mindfulness

    The practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement, used to reduce stress and increase awareness of automatic reactions.

    Learn more about Mindfulness
  • •
    Psychodynamic Therapy

    A therapy that explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns shape current feelings, relationships, and behaviour.

    Learn more about Psychodynamic Therapy

Works With:

  • •Adults
  • •Children
  • •Couples

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • •
    Personal Development

    The ongoing process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and reaching one's potential, pursued not because something is wrong but to live more fully.

  • •
    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
  • •
    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
  • •
    Dream Work

    The exploration of dream content (themes, symbols, and emotions) to gain insight into unconscious feelings, conflicts, and desires.

    Learn more about Dream Work
  • •
    Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • •
    Postnatal or Perinatal Depression

    Depression occurring during pregnancy or in the months following childbirth, affecting mood, energy, bonding with the baby, and daily functioning.

    Learn more about Postnatal or Perinatal Depression
  • •
    Pornography or Sexual Behaviour Concerns

    Sexual behaviours, including pornography use, that feel compulsive, out of control, or are causing distress or harm to oneself or relationships.

Professional Title:

  • •
    Licensed Clinical Psychologist

    A psychologist licensed to independently assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions.

Qualifications

University of Zululand

University of Zululand

Somatic trauma therapy

London. Babette Rothschild.

Year: 2025

Applied DBT skills for Trauma

Melanie Harned, USA

Year: 2025

Polyvagal therapeutic drumming

Jim Donovan. Polyvagal Institute

Year: 2025

Registrations

Health Professional Council

Clinical Psychologist

Health Professions Council Of South Africa (HPCSA); Board of Health Funders (BHF)

Clinical Psychologist

Health and Care Professions Council

Practitioner Psychologist

Verify License

Memberships

British Psychological Society (BPS)

Service Area

Blackwell Centre

In-person & Online

Darlington, England DL3

United Kingdom