Children in Mind – Clinical Psychologist

Children in Mind - Clinical Psychologist

Children in Mind is a psychological support initiative founded in 2022 by Jenny Perkel, a Clinical Psychologist based in Cape Town. With over 25 years of experience in infant, child, and adolescent mental health, Jenny designed this program to bridge research and real-world parenting. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Cape Town, and she registers with both the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the Health and Care Professions Council in the UK.

Jenny’s book, Children in Mind: Their Mental Health in Today’s World and What We Can Do to Help Them, inspired this program. Consequently, Children in Mind offers tailored support for parents and caregivers facing stress, postnatal depression, and early childhood behavioural challenges. Her integrative approach blends psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and mindfulness. Moreover, she customizes interventions to each family’s unique context.

Beyond her clinical work, Jenny actively contributes to professional growth in her field. Furthermore, she serves on the editorial board of Psychoanalytic Practice and has published in academic journals and parenting magazines. Additionally, she chaired both the Cape Town Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Group and the Western Cape Association for Infant Mental Health.

Services

• Parent Guidance and Therapy
  She empowers caregivers to address feeding problems, sleep disruptions, and bonding difficulties through clear, evidence-based strategies.

• Perinatal Counseling
  She supports expectant and new parents with pregnancy-related anxiety and postnatal adjustment, fostering confidence and coping skills.

• Psychotherapy for Adolescents and Adults (15+)
  She treats anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges using personalized plans that build resilience and insight.

• Play Therapy
  She uses structured play sessions to help young children express emotions, develop coping skills, and resolve behavioural concerns.

• Workshops for Parents and Caregivers
  She leads interactive group sessions—both online and in-person—on bonding techniques, stress management, and responsive caregiving.

• Online Resources and Training
  She offers a free training manual, articles, and a directory of practitioners across major regions to support professionals and caregivers alike.

Additional Information

Children in Mind delivers care through secure teletherapy platforms and interactive webinars. Additionally, the program uses biofeedback tools and digital mood-tracking apps so parents can monitor stress responses in real time. Therefore, families remain engaged between sessions.

Each consultation environment—whether virtual or in-person—is confidential and welcoming, fostering open dialogue and mutual support. Moreover, the training manual equips health professionals to run local Children in Mind workshops. Consequently, communities in the Western Cape, Gauteng, and KwaZulu-Natal build stronger infant mental health networks.

Jenny continually updates program content by integrating the latest neurobiological research, attachment theory, and trauma-informed practices. Meanwhile, she incorporates guided imagery, narrative reframing, and mindfulness exercises to translate theory into everyday parenting tools.

To fit busy lifestyles, Children in Mind offers early-morning, evening, and weekend appointments. Furthermore, the program hosts intensive weekend retreats that combine hands-on activities with reflective group discussions. These retreats deliver rapid skill-building in supportive settings.

If you seek expert, compassionate guidance in early childhood mental health, schedule a consultation today. Embark on a journey toward stronger bonds, resilient coping strategies, and lasting well-being for both you and your child.