Therapeutic Approach

Jacob Oostenbrink believes in a holistic treatment approach. It is therefore important to assess clients and their presenting problems in the context of their psychological history (including childhood wounding and other significant traumatic experiences) as well as present life circumstances that are integral to the individual’s well-being. The client needs to be made aware of why his life is disruptive and how he needs to change in order to achieve a state of emotional well-being. Therapy is an active process and personal responsibility is essential. Because no two clients are the same, therapeutic techniques may differ but it will always have the client’s best interest in mind. Compliance with medication, if it was suggested, is important and is used in collaboration with therapy.

Jacob Oostenbrink prefers using the following therapeutic techniques

Hypnosis/Relaxation Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Imago Relational Therapy

“Probably the biggest insight…is that happiness is not just a place, but a process…Happiness is an ongoing process of fresh challenges, and…it takes the right attitudes and activities to continue to be happy”.
-Ed Diener

What is a clinical psychologist?

A clinical psychologist is a person who holds a MA degree in clinical psychology and is registered with the Health Profession Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

This profession speciality is mainly concerned with diagnosing more serious mental, emotional and behavioural disturbances. Clinical psychologists tend to view emotional wellbeing in an integrated way by taking into consideration the related aspects of the environment, body, brain and the mind.

Why do people visit a clinical psychologist?

Individuals visit a clinical psychologist because they are troubled with problems, traumas or issues that they are not able to effectively deal with.

These problems mostly have a significant negative impact on various areas of their lives, and may include school-, work-, home or their relational/marital live.

How are appointments made?

Clients often make appointments for themselves when they have the need to.

But clients are mostly referred to psychologists by their General Practitioner (GP’s), certain Specialists, Pastors of their congregation, their schools or even by their employers.