Hello! I am Penelope Kate!
I am a certified Play Therapist and a licensed Wellness Counsellor. I enjoy working therapeutically with all age groups however my speciality is children aged 3-14. I am qualified with a master’s degree in counselling psychology from Yorkville University in Canada and a 2-year post-graduate specialisation in Play Therapy through Play Therapy International.
While specializing in Play Therapy I had the privilege of working with families in Thailand, Canada, and South Africa. I love working with children as I believe this is the best form of primary prevention, and the life-changing healing Play Therapy can bring to families. In my work with children, I operate from a non-directive, client-centred approach based on the 8 Axline Principals:
- Develop a warm and friendly relationship with the child.
- Accept the child as she or he is.
- Establish a feeling of permission in the relationship so that the child feels free to express his or her feelings completely.
- Be alert to recognise the feelings the child is expressing and reflect these feelings in such a manner that the child gains insight into his/her behaviour.
- Maintain a deep respect for the child’s ability to solve his/her problems and give the child the opportunity to do so. The responsibility to make choices and to institute change is the child’s.
- Do not attempt to direct the child’s actions or conversations in any manner. The child leads the way, and the therapist follows.
- Do not hurry the therapy along. It is a gradual process and must be recognised as such by the therapist.
- Only establish those limitations necessary to anchor the therapy to the world of reality and to make the child aware of his/her responsibility in the relationship.
My professional background in teaching gives me a deep understanding of the dynamics at play in both home and school environments. I provide behavioural support to families and educators.
If you would like to learn more, come in for an initial consult priced at only R250.