Natasha Kritzas

Counselling Psychologist - Table View, Cape Town

I matriculated at Eunice Girls School in Bloemfontein. I obtained my undergraduate degree at the Free State University. I completed my Honour’s degree at the University of Stellenbosch. I did my Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology at the University of the Free State. I qualified in 2003 and am registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (Category; Counselling Psychologist, Reg No: PS 0080683).

My career as a psychologist began in private practice at Medi-Inn Medical Centre in Bloemfontein where I worked with poor, disadvantaged communities. In February 2004 I moved to Cape Town and started working at the Nationwide 24hr Trauma Clinic in Claremont. My work focused on comprehensive assessments and counseling of trauma victims. In November 2004 I was presented with a wonderful opportunity at the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) at the University of Stellenbosch. My employment duties consisted of Academic Counselling, Career Counselling and Psychotherapy. During this time, I also represented the Western Cape region as a chairperson for the Society for Student Counselling in Southern Africa.

In January 2006 I got married and moved to Bloubergstrand. It was at this time that I started my work in private practice at the Blaauwberg Therapy Centre in Tableview. I was employed as a locum for Janet Bytheway. This is where my extensive work with families and children began. I was finally able to put my publication from my Master’s degree (Kritzas, N & Grobler, AA – 2005, The relationship between perceived parenting styles and resilience during adolescence, Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 17,1, 1-12) to practice. Presently I am still working at this practice as an associate to Janet Bytheway.

In May 2009 I began my training as a Famac Accredited Mediator. This is an area of particular interest to me. I obtain wonderful job satisfaction working with families in this regard.

My mostly Narrative approach to therapy is focused on having conversations with teenagers and adults about their lives and the circumstances they find themselves in. I love working collaboratively with my clients in attempting to make sense of their lives. I mostly engage in Play Therapy with my child clients as I believe that through their play, they can express themselves. I enjoy working with a wide range of psychological challenges. I make appropriate referrals to other mental health professionals in instances where I feel that a client would benefit more. I believe in a multi-disciplinary approach working collaboratively with Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists and schools.

HPCSA No: PS 0080683