Brenda van Rooyen Educational Psychologist Parklands

Brenda van Rooyen Educational Psychologist Parklands

About

Dr. Brenda van Rooyen (PhD) is a registered psychologist and educational psychologist. She focuses on supporting children, adolescents, and young adults in academic settings. With a Bachelor of Arts degree, a Higher Diploma in Education, an Honours degree in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology (all cum laude), and a PhD in Child and Adolescent Psychology, Brenda is well-qualified.

Her approach creates a safe, nurturing space where clients can explore emotions and reframe personal narratives. Alongside her co-therapist, Layla, a golden retriever, Brenda offers emotional support and anxiety-reducing play.

Brenda’s passions include psychoeducational assessments, narrative therapy, mindfulness, and animal-assisted therapy. With over 18 years of experience, she empowers clients to thrive.

Services

• Psychoeducational Assessments: Recommended for children facing learning challenges or uncertain school placement. The process includes parent interviews, teacher input, emotional and behavioural screenings, and intellectual assessments. Each assessment is tailored to the child’s specific needs.

• Subject Choice and Career Development Assessments: These assessments guide adolescents in Grades 9 to 12 on subject choices and career paths. They evaluate intellectual functioning, interests, values, personality, and academic performance.

• Child and Adolescent Therapy: Brenda’s integrative therapy approach focuses on the needs of children or adolescents within their family and school environments. Therapy addresses emotional and behavioural issues while building resilience.

Additional Information

Dr. Brenda van Rooyen specialises in helping children with learning barriers. She completed the Animal Assisted Therapy Course with Professor Johan Odendaal, incorporating her certified therapy dog, Layla, into sessions. Layla, a Canine Good Citizen, excels in anxiety-reducing play and emotional support.

Brenda also completed yoga teacher training, enhancing her understanding of mindfulness and the mind-body connection. She has supervised psychology interns and provides guidance for parents on supporting their children’s academic and emotional development.