Leisha Davies

Clinical Psychologist in Claremont, Cape Town

BA Soc Sci (UCT); MA Clinical Psychology (Stell)

I believe that people have the inner wherewithal to heal themselves, but often find that they get stuck at various junctures of their lives. They know that something is wrong, but seem unable to move forward. My role as psychologist is to facilitate the emergence of a deeper understanding so that people can move towards greater wholeness and self-acceptance.

Who seeks help from a psychologist and why?

There are many reasons why someone would want to consult a psychologist such as:

1. They may want to understand and get to know themselves better in order to facilitate their own personal growth so as to live more rewarding lives.
2. They may have experienced a particularly traumatic event such as divorce, rape, hijacking or a recently diagnosed terminal illness, and need to deal with the emotional distress caused by such an event.
3. They may be suffering from various behavioural problems such as eating or substance abuse disorders, or destructive anger outbursts that cause distress for themselves and those around them.
4. They may have a serious clinical condition such as Bipolar Disorder or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
5. They may be experiencing long-standing emotional pain, for example, unresolved grief at losing a loved one.
   
   

My therapeutic approach

I use a blend of a psychodynamic and existential approach to understanding human dilemmas. What this means is that, although I have specialised knowledge about human behaviour in general, I use a non-directive approach to ascertain the underlying roots to a given problem from the perspective of that particular individual or couple. I also consider existential issues that may be playing out in the “presenting problem” such as the nature of living and of dying, this thing called ‘identity’, loving and hating, fear and anxiety, what it means to forgive or not forgive, and what it means to access a sense of gratitude (or not). These core issues are often at the heart of pain, but can be so deeply hidden that it takes some time to access them.

I strongly believe in creating a safe space for people to be able to talk freely about themselves. In this way, clients can explore the meanings and behavioural implications of their problems via introspection. Clients can then gain understanding as to why they behave the way they do, and once that awareness starts, they can begin to think about if and how they might want to change.

I also have a special interest in Couples Therapy. Intimacy, while very rewarding, can also be very difficult at times. And, when things start going ‘wrong’ in a close relationship – be that on a sexual or emotional level (or both), it can be deeply upsetting. A specialised understanding of the dynamics within the relationship can often help to unravel what might seem like a deadlocked situation.

What to expect from therapy

The first part of the therapy relationship usually comprises an assessment. In order to be able to help the person, I will need to know a great deal about the particular problem/s, as well as background information to that particular client or couple. Psychological assistance will then be designed around the specific presenting problems or whatever else important comes up. The therapy relationship is a contract based on mutual trust between the client/s and myself. Matters including the nature of psychotherapy, information about session length and frequency, duration of therapy, termination of therapy, and issues of confidentiality are important to be discussed early on in the process. Most therapists encourage their clients to speak freely, and I am no different. Therapy is a significant emotional investment for both clients and the therapist. Clients have the right to ask any questions up front about any aspect of the service. The most important aspect of a therapy relationship is that of emotional honesty. This is different to many other relationships in our lives that may be influenced by social constrictions that prohibit complete honesty. One aim of psychotherapy is to uncover what stops people from being honest with themselves.

My qualifications and experience

I obtained a first-class Masters degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Stellenbosch. I have practical experience (both inpatient and outpatient) in treating a wide range of psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems and destructive aggressive behaviour. However, not all clients who come for therapy have such specific problems. Some people consult a psychologist in order to facilitate their own personal growth in order to live more rewarding lives. As a clinical psychologist, I am qualified to treat more serious and chronic emotional disturbances, as well as the more temporary crises that many of us encounter as we progress through life. In addition to my clinical work, I undertake research and teaching in the field of psychology.

Therapy areas of interest

I am interested in a broad range of mental health issues, but not limited to the following:

• Mood disorders such as depression and bipolar
• Stress and anxiety
• Bereavement
• Eating disorders
• Trauma
• Adjustment issues (e.g. life-stage issues such as the emotional ramifications of retirement, adjusting to life after a divorce)
• End-of-life issues (e.g. aging, death and dying)
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex issues
• Relationship and sexual difficulties

I work with adult individuals and couples.

Professional Memberships

• Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)
• Cape Town Psychoanalytic Self-Psychology Group
• South African Association of Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (ACPP)
  
  

In summary, psychotherapy requires a considerable emotional investment from both client and therapist. It takes time and effort to change habits that have been established over a lifetime. I like the quote below as it seems to capture succinctly what I believe about therapy.

“Time does not heal anything. Only confronting, tolerating and understanding your own emotions will heal you”. (Anon)

Only – I would add one thing, and that is that these kinds of emotional journeys are that much more meaningful when they are done with an understanding companion, such as an empathic, non-judgmental therapist.