“You have a masterpiece inside you, you know. One unlike any that has ever been created, or ever will be. If you go to your grave without painting your masterpiece, it will not get painted. No one else can paint it. Only you.”
– Gordon Mackenzie
Clinical Social Worker & Trauma Psychotherapist
Therapeutic Approach
Andrea enjoys building a therapeutic relationship with her clients which includes both children and adults. She has a special interest in working with trauma-related experiences and she sees herself as an eclectic psychotherapist in that her therapeutic approach is holistic and integrated, tailored to individual needs. What works and supports one client, may not work for another.
Generally, research and theory guide therapeutic approaches which then inform the method of practice. Drawing on different therapeutic approaches help to facilitate the most effective therapy for each individual client. The method of practice refers to concrete actions and different techniques that are applied in therapy based on clients’ individual needs. Andrea’s holistic and integrated approach is largely influenced by the following:
1. Research & Theory
2. Therapeutic approach
3. Method of practice
The above approaches assume that everyone already inherently possesses strengths and qualities that can be unlocked with the right intervention (method of practice). Depending on each individual client and their circumstances, various psycho-therapeutic techniques are applied to work together towards building on and enhancing the client’s psychological well-being. The general aim of Andrea’s work is to use her acquired training, knowledge, skills and experience to help her clients through a meaningful therapeutic process, reaching their goal in therapy, restoring the authentic self and improving their overall wellbeing. Carl Rogers articulated it so well by stating that:
“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don’t find myself saying, ‘Soften the orange a bit on the right-hand corner.’ I don’t try to control the sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.”
– Carl Rogers
SERVICES
- Childhood Trauma
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Grief work and Bereavement
- Stress management
- Relationship difficulties
- Debriefing through Group Work
Specific therapeutic interventions:
While creating and promoting a safe and non-judgmental climate, Andrea has a few specific therapeutic techniques and interventions to offer. These can be referred to as the tools in her toolbox.
ABOUT THE THERAPIST
Andrea Visagie
Andrea Visagie is a Clinical Social Worker in private practice in Knysna, Garden Route. She provides individual psychotherapy sessions to both children and adults. She holds a postgraduate qualification in Clinical Social Work (MSW) from Nelson Mandela University, specializing in trauma and mental health. Prior to that, she completed two undergraduate degrees at the University of the Free State. First, a degree in Psychology (B.Soc.Sc), and then later, a degree in Social Work (B.SW). She is registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) and licenced to practice independently through the Board of Healthcare Funders of Southern Africa (BHF).
Andrea practices within the boundaries of her competence based on formal education, training, supervised- and professional experience.
Book an Appointment
Resources
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
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24hr helpline 0800 12 13 14
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Suicide emergency 0800 567 567