Benita Southgate, Psychologist, Cape Town

I am Benita Southgate, a registered Counselling Psychologist with over 18 years experience in higher education, corporate and private practice settings. I qualified at the University of the Western Cape initially as an Educator and thereafter proceeded to complete my Masters in Psychology at the same university.

I worked at the Western Cape Education Department with at-risk young people. My career trajectory within education progressed to that of becoming the Principal Psychologist at the student counseling service of the University of Cape Town. My role involved counselling, management of the counseling service, management of psychiatric emergencies and the clinical oversight of a team of Psychologists.

A key aspect to my approach involves the use of psychometric testing to be able to provide a unique, comprehensive and evidence-based intervention. This includes educational, career, neuropsychological and personality assessments of children, adolescents and adults.

My approach is integrative, drawing on the richness of psychodynamic theories, cognitive-behavioural approaches as well as solution-focused interventions. This approach ensures that each client has an individualized psychotherapeutic experience focusing on assisting clients with problems of everyday living and most especially with personal growth and understanding. I provide psychotherapy to adolescents, adults and couples.