Eleen Polson

Counseling Psychologist - Clydesdale, Pretoria

MA (Counseling Psychology) UP

Orientation and approach

I use both verbal and non-verbal psychotherapeutic dialogue to explore the unique self of the person, relationships and life situations in a safe and supportive context. Verbal therapy aims to create meaning, unravel complexities and bring in new understanding and insight to the client. This is useful for a wide variety of possible problem-indicators (depression, stress, loss, anxiety, relationship difficulties, development problems and change). Insight and understanding helps to identify the imbalance or obstacles, and in therapy a combination of creative and cognitive tools are used to help the client reconnect with his/her inner resources to continue the journey.

If indicated and preferred, clients are invited to explore and express themselves through non-verbal media (movement or gesture; writing; clay; line or colour; voice work - to name a few). This form of expressive art therapy opens the door to pre-conscious material in the individual that can give unexpected insight, increase vitality and provide much needed support. Both individual and small therapy-group sessions are offered in a creative studio space.

About myself

Having been a psychologist for 10 years in the SANDF, where I worked with trauma, families and children, individuals and groups, I moved to private practice in Pretoria – where I have been practising for the past 7 years. For the past 3 years I have specialized in expressive art therapy, gaining training and experience in diverse local and international settings: with Hayley Berman's Art Therapy Center; Dutch Leadership through Art workshops; Biodanza Personal Development; Dr Natalie Rogers' Person Centered Expressive Art therapy (USA) and MARI (Mandala Research Instrument), as well as Carol Lotter's Music therapy training (UP).

The dynamic combination of therapies focusing on the mind, body and spirit gave birth to 'Explore Creative Self workshops' that I co-founded with Jolena Strobos (OT, Pretoria) in 2009. Traditional psychotherapy (combining Gestalt, Narrative therapy, systemic and social constructionist thought) supports the person to function as an integrated whole, tapping into the healing potential of both body, mind and spirit.

It is a privilege for me to join people as they seek out healing and self discovery, and to share a part of their journey.