Dr. Mathilda Smit Somerset West

Dr Mathilda Smit – Specialist in Family Mediation and Child Welfare

About Dr Mathilda Smit

Dr Mathilda Smit is a highly experienced social worker in private practice, based in Somerset West. With over 31 years of experience in family matters, she has gained extensive insight into the challenges faced by families, particularly during divorce and separation.

Recognising the destructive impact of divorce when not handled correctly, Dr Smit dedicated her doctoral research to developing and implementing a family mediation process in accordance with the Children’s Act. Her research focused on addressing the best interests of the child, improving co-parenting relationships, strengthening parent-child bonds, and enhancing the overall quality of parenting post-separation.

Through her work, Dr Smit has identified the importance of parental education in minimising the emotional toll of divorce on children. She strongly advocates for including the child’s voice in mediation, ensuring that all agreements reached are child-sensitive and prioritise their well-being.

Services Offered

Dr Smit provides a comprehensive range of professional services designed to support families navigating separation, divorce, and parenting challenges.

Mediation

• Facilitating structured discussions between parents to reach agreements on parenting plans, financial arrangements, and care decisions.
• Promoting constructive co-parenting relationships that focus on the child’s well-being.

Parent Coordination

• Assisting parents with ongoing co-parenting challenges, including communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
• Ensuring that parenting agreements are implemented effectively.

Assessment of Children

• Conducting care and contact assessments to determine the most suitable living and care arrangements for children.
• Providing professional evaluations to inform legal and custody decisions.

Voice of the Child

• Ensuring that children’s perspectives and needs are heard in all matters relating to their care and upbringing.
• Conducting interviews and play-based assessments to help children express their feelings in a safe environment.

Parental Guidance

• Educating parents on how to minimise the emotional and psychological impact of divorce on their children.
• Offering strategies for effective co-parenting and conflict management.

Divorce Education Workshops

• Monthly workshops in Somerset West to provide parents with practical tools and knowledge on navigating divorce with minimal harm to children.
• Covering topics such as child development, emotional support, and legal considerations.

Additional Information

• FAMAC Accredited: Dr Smit is a registered member of the Family Mediators’ Association of the Cape (FAMAC), ensuring high professional standards in mediation.