Vicky

Dr Vicky Downing, MEd

Educational Psychologist

Verified

“I have 14 years experience working with diverse clients. I have special interests in ADHD, forensic (psycho-legal) assessments, working with families in transition (divorce/ separation) and teacher and practitioner training. I work online and in-person.”

About Me

I am an Educational Psychologist based in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, South Africa. I conduct psycho-educational assessments for school placement, identification of learning and other problems, and applications for examination accommodations and concessions. I also administer forensic assessments for residency and contact, as well as abuse (including sexual) abuse matters. I also consult with children, teens and adults using a variety of psychotherapeutic modalities.

Approach

Brain-based techniques (including hypnotherapy, eye position work), DBT, CBT, client-centred, and Gestalt
Contact Vicky

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

Psychotherapy and play therapy Trauma counselling Parental guidance Assessments: psycho-educational, concessions/ accommodations, psycho-legal, emotional Family mediator Work in-person and online

Services Offered:

  • Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal assessment of a child's psychological, cognitive, or emotional functioning to identify conditions and guide appropriate support.

  • Psycho-Legal

    Psychological assessment and expert reporting for court proceedings, legal disputes, or regulatory matters.

  • 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
  • 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
  • Individual Psychotherapy

    In-depth one-on-one therapy that explores the deeper roots of a person's difficulties, often drawing on psychodynamic or psychoanalytic models.

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Children
  • Families
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • 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
  • Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal assessment of a child's psychological, cognitive, or emotional functioning to identify conditions and guide appropriate support.

  • 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
  • Divorce Counseling

    Counselling for individuals or couples going through separation or divorce, addressing the emotional, practical, and relational dimensions.

  • Parenting Support

    Guidance for the psychological challenges of raising children, including discipline, communication, co-parenting, and managing the emotional demands of parenthood.

  • Trauma Therapy

    Therapeutic approaches specifically designed to help people process and recover from traumatic experiences.

    Learn more about Trauma Therapy
  • Psycho-Legal

    Psychological assessment and expert reporting for court proceedings, legal disputes, or regulatory matters.

Professional Title:

  • Educational Psychologist

    A psychologist specialising in learning, development, and educational needs of children, adolescents, and young adults.

Credentials

Registrations

Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)

Psychologist

Registration: PS 0124 109

Verify License
Educational Psychology Association of South Africa (EPASSA)

Member

South African Association of Mediators (SAAM)

Family Mediator

Qualifications

Master of Education

UNISA

Year: 2013

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology

UJ (formerly RAU)

Year: 1997

Higher Diploma in Education (HDE)

UNISA

Year: 1999

Bachelor of Arts

UJ (formerly RAU)

Year: 1996

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology

University of Cape Town

Year: 2024

Service Areas

Guiding Hands Therapy Centre

In-person & Online

Bardene

Boksburg, Gauteng

South Africa

Benoni practice

In-person & Online

Rynfield

Benoni, Gauteng

South Africa

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Bardene, Boksburg, South Africa