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Kent Psychologist

Adult Psychology & Therapy

Types of Therapy

We offer counselling and psychotherapy in our friendly offices in Tonbridge. The Adult Therapy Service is lead by Deon van Zyl. The following main therapeutic approaches are offered:

  • Transference Focused Psychotherapy (TFP)
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy)
  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

Transference Focused Psychotherapy (TFP) is a recent development within psychoanalytic therapy which has been found to be especially effective at treating personality difficulties and disorders. Derived from the work of Otto Kernberg and Frank Yeomans, TFP is time limited (typically 1-2 years of weekly sessions) and is more structured than traditional psychodynamic therapy. Goal setting is an important part of TFP.  The overarching aim of TFP is to improve a person’s sense of themselves through achieving  greater and more satisfying investment in relationships and work.

Psychodynamic or Psychoanalytic therapy focuses on the conflicts that produce psychological problems rather than simply addressing symptoms. Sessions are less structured with patients invited to talk about what’s on their mind (free association). Attention is also given to unconscious material such as dreams. Therapy also tends to be more open-ended and potentially of longer duration. The aims are broadly the same as TFP.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an effective treatment for PTSD. It is now used more widely to treat a broad spectrum of complaints including phobias.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) encompasses a range of styles and techniques which essentially focus on how thoughts can influence behaviour and mood. It can be particularly effective in addressing the symptoms of depression and anxiety.  Mindfulness based CBT is a more recent development and part of the ‘third wave’ of CBT which also includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).

Your first appointment

The first appointment is an opportunity for you to discuss your difficulties as well as ask any questions you may have. You are also welcome to bring someone to accompany you to the appointment.

The aim of the initial session is for the psychologist to arrive at an understanding of your difficulties and to explore relevant background factors. Occasionally the assessment may include some form of psychological testing to get a further picture of your difficulties. Depending on the complexity of your difficulties the assessment might take place over 2-3 sessions.

During this meeting you will discuss whether further appointments may be helpful to you and what to expect from the sessions.

Enquiries
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Kent Psychologist

Therapy And Assessments - Including Autism Assessments and ADHD Assesments

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Tel: 01732 302 120

Riverside House,
River Lawn Rd,
Tonbridge,
Kent, TN9 1EP

Meet The Team

Picture of Dr Sirja van Zyl - Lead of the Neurodevelopmental Service and Clinical Psychologist

Dr Sirja van Zyl - Lead of the Neurodevelopmental Service and Clinical Psychologist

Sirja set up the Neurodevelopmental Service at Kent Psychologist in January 2019. Having worked with autistic and neurodivergent young people for over 25 years, she brings a wealth of expertise to the team. Sirja is personally involved in each assessment. She is supported by a team of highly experienced and caring colleagues who all strive to make the assessment process a positive turning point in young people’s lives. Sirja is continuously working on new ways of supporting neurodivergent young people and their families, including the recent introduction of parent workshops and resources. You can read more about Sirja’s experience here.

Picture of Dr Ruth Drake - Clinical Psychologist

Dr Ruth Drake - Clinical Psychologist

Ruth joins our autism assessments and meets with parents to gather the developmental history. Ruth has been working as a qualified clinical psychologist and systemic practitioner with children, young people and their families since 2003. She is passionate about privileging and championing the strengths, resources and abilities of children, young people and their parents or carers in her work. Ruth has worked in both paediatric and mental health NHS services for many years and has run her own private practice in Tonbridge since September 2018. She has extensive experience working with children and young people with physical health conditions as well as mental health challenges and neurodevelopmental conditions. She is passionate about ensuring children and young people are provided with the right support so that they can achieve their potential in all areas of their lives.

Picture of Alice Enfield - Speech and Language Therapist

Alice Enfield - Speech and Language Therapist

Alice joins Sirja to complete autism assessments with children and young people. She has been completing autism assessments since 2016. Alice hopes, along with the rest of the team, to make this process feel positive and comfortable for the people and families involved. Alice loves to learn about all things related to autism and has completed a variety of training within this field. She has found it extremely insightful to hear the perspectives of autistic people themselves. Alice is passionate about wanting the world to be a more accepting and inclusive place for all different types of people and hopes that we are working towards this in a small way through our assessment process.

Alice qualified as a speech and language therapist in 2009. Since that time she has enjoyed working with young people with autism, learning disabilities and their families. She has worked in a range of settings, including in schools and within the NHS. She has been lucky enough to work with lots of incredible young people and their families, who she continues to learn from.

Picture of Kathleen Hicks - Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Kathleen Hicks - Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist

Kathleen is part of our autism assessment team and meets children and young people to complete the ADOS. She is passionate about supporting young people through their diagnostic journey in a neuroaffirmative way identifying strengths and supporting differences. Kathleen has almost 20 years of experience, which includes working in Paediatrics and mental health teams. She has specialist training in sensory, autism, coaching and motor skills. Kathleen has experience of working for the NHS and private practice. She is registered with the HCPC and is a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

Picture of Aeran Jones - Assistant Psychologist

Aeran Jones - Assistant Psychologist

Aeran supports the smooth running of our assessments and report preparation.
She is a Psychology Graduate and has a special interest in the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents. She is originally from South Africa and has both practical and research experience in supporting children and young people with additional needs. Aeran is hoping to become a Clinical Psychologist supporting people with neurodevelopmental differences.

Picture of Kayleigh Lang - Virtual Assistant

Kayleigh Lang - Virtual Assistant

Kayleigh is an experienced Administrator, PA and Medical Secretary. She supports the smooth running of our practice and liaises with schools and parents about all administrative aspects of the assessment process. Kayleigh is extremely passionate about dance and dance education, hoping to complete her Masters Degree in Dance Movement Psychotherapy.

Contact Us

For all enquires please fill out the contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible, or email us at info@kentpsychologist.co.uk