Our Psychologists
Frances Kaplan
Educational Psychologist
Director of The Neurodiversity Hive
HPCSA Registration: PS0134368
“When I am not being a psychologist, I am a mother to 3 beautiful children, and a wife. I love spending time with my nearest and dearest, which includes a menagerie of beautiful little creatures. I enjoy collecting facts about interesting topics, reading, cooking, painting, spending time near or on water, and on occasion, mindless TV watching.”
It is my passion and purpose to help neurodivergent people overcome obstacles and break through the barriers holding them back from reaching their full potential.
I have a soft spot for strong-willed and rebellious souls. I offer diagnostic assessments as well as therapy and parenting support.
I completed my Masters in Educational Psychology at the University of Johannesburg, a BPsych Honours, specialisation in trauma, at Midrand Graduate Institute and I earned my BA in Social Sciences through UNISA.
I have also completed numerous continuous professional development courses over the years that have all aided in my growth as a psychologist.
I spent the first 5 years of my career working in schools with children who have cognitive impairments and learning barriers, I then spent another 2 years working at a private mainstream school. From here I opened a private practice in Pretoria, and have been working independently since 2017.
I practice from a neurodiversity affirming approach, which includes being person-centered, trauma-informed and curious about a person’s ‘parts’. I include art, play, music and animals in my therapy.
I am a registered Educational Psychologist with a passion for working with children, adolescents, students, young adults and parents who experience emotional, social and behavioural challenges. I have a special interest in trauma and the impact this has on all spheres of life, including learning and development.
I also conduct psycho-educational assessments to identify and address learning barriers and academic challenges. I am experienced in medico-legal assessments with a focus on third party claims, personal injury claims, and medical negligence claims.
Therapeutically, I work with children as young as two years and incorporate EMDR therapy, DBT, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Parent-Child Relationship Therapy (Filial therapy), Developmental Touch Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and intensive play therapy techniques, according to each unique individual’s needs.
Issues often addressed include anxiety (separation anxiety, general anxiety, social anxiety); aggression and anger; social problems; depression; grief and loss; attachment difficulties; family changes and adjustment difficulties (such as divorce or relocation); eating problems; bedwetting/soiling; nightmares; sleep problems; fears; psychosomatic symptoms; as well as PTSD and other trauma and stress-related challenges.
Sandra Crous
Educational Psychologist
HPCSA Registration: PS 0115940
“On a personal level, I am a wife, mother, animal-lover, music enthusiast, movie-watcher and avid reader. I speak Afrikaans and English.”
Marlize Labuschagne
Educational Psychologist
HPCSA Registration: PS 0161217
“When I’m not on the go, you’ll likely find me singing along to classic musicals and 80s hits, indulging in Christmas movies or crime series, and diving into a variety of books.”
I became a psychologist to provide meaningful, compassionate support in a world where individuals often feel disconnected or misunderstood. My approach is grounded in the belief that no one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone. I take a neurodiversity-affirming, person-centred approach that celebrates and honours each client’s unique strengths and needs. By integrating methods such as Internal Family Systems, and elements of art, play, and narration, I create a safe and creative space where clients can explore, heal, and grow at their own pace. I offer therapy for teens and adults, psychoeducational assessments for children (5+) through adulthood, and personalised parental support, all designed to respect the individuality of each person and family.
My academic journey reflects my dedication to understanding and supporting diverse needs. I hold a BA in Communication and Psychology from North-West University, a PGCE from the University of South Africa, BEd Honours degrees in Learning Support and Educational Psychology, and a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology, all from the University of Pretoria.
As a late bloomer, my path to becoming a psychologist wasn’t straightforward. While I always knew I wanted to work in this field, my life experiences, travels, and the detours I took along the way have deepened my understanding of child development, human behaviour, and the importance of embracing each person’s unique journey.
Outside of my work, I am a proud mom to two delightful dogs—a Scottish Terrier and a Scottie/Dachshund cross. I have a passion for travelling and adventure, always seeking new experiences with my husband.
Hi, I’m Cara – a clinical psychologist drawn to the richness and complexity of neurodivergent experience.
I aim at supporting individuals in making sense of their internal world and navigating the external one with greater self-understanding and compassion.
I particularly enjoy working with children, adolescents, and young adults. My approach is relational and developmentally attuned, with a strong focus on creating safe, trusting therapeutic relationships. I have a special interest in inner child work – gently supporting clients in exploring early experiences, unmet needs, and the emotional patterns that shape how they engage with the world today.
Cara-Allen Gouws
Clinical Psychologist
HPCSA Registration: PS 0153630
“I value gentle connection, collaborative exploration, and creating a therapeutic space that feels safe, validating, and attuned.”
Michelle Mashiane
Psychologist
HPCSA Registration: PS 0167126
“Living with Type 1 diabetes has deeply shaped my perspective on resilience and living beyond limitations. This personal journey inspired my academic research on cultivating resilience among young people living with chronic health conditions. I believe strongly in embracing life fully – whether that means seeking new adventures or sitting at the piano and getting lost in music.”
I am an Educational Psychologist with a passion for supporting children, adolescents, and young adults as they navigate learning, development, and emotional wellbeing. My work is grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming approach that recognises differences such as ADHD, autism, and learning variations as part of the natural diversity of human thinking and development.
I hold a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Pretoria, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Senior Phase and FET) from the University of the Witwatersrand, a BA Honours in Psychology and a BA in Psychology and Communication Science, both from IIE Emeris.
Through my professional training, I have developed experience in therapeutic work with individuals, families, and groups, including play-based therapeutic work with children as young as four years old. I am passionate about supporting children in expressing themselves, processing emotions, and building resilience through developmentally appropriate therapeutic approaches. I also have experience facilitating psychoeducational workshops, providing parental guidance, offering career counselling, and conducting scholastic assessments, including school readiness and subject choice guidance.
I work from an integrative therapeutic framework, drawing on psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural (CBT), solution-focused, person-centred, narrative, and impact therapy approaches to support each client’s unique needs. I am also multilingual and fluent in English, isiZulu, isiNdebele, and Sepedi, which allows me to connect with and support clients from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
I aim to create a warm and collaborative space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.
