Psychology Clinic
The Rhodes University Psychology Clinic is a subsidiary of the Psychology Department of Rhodes University and as such, an academic and clinical training institution. We therefore have to continuously balance the training needs of students with service rendering commitments. We work as a team of registered psychologists (in three registration categories – Clinical, Counselling and Educational) and registered trainee (students and intern) psychologists (Clinical and Counselling). All trainee psychologists, Interns and Masters-1 students, work under close weekly supervision of registered psychologists who are either staff members of the academic department of Psychology at RU or in private practice. The psychologists in training forming part of the team, were individually selected to become members of the team based on their interest and demonstrated commitment to the profession, academic record and personal attributes and share a common philosophy and approach with the team leaders.
We subscribe to the Codes of Ethical conduct of the Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA) and the Psychological Society of SA (PsySSA). As registered psychologists and psychologists in training, we are required to participate in ongoing continuing education. This is not only to retain registration, but also to continue our growth as therapists and assessors and for the benefit of our clients. In addition to continuing education, working as a team allows for broader consultation and supervision as needed. We are also committed to seeking further consultation and supervision as needed.
What do we do?
The Rhodes Psychology Clinic offers psychological assessment and psychotherapy for emotional, behavioural and cognitive problems. The kinds of problems we deal with include occupational and academic difficulties, relationship conflicts, conduct problems in children, adolescents and adults, anxiety, depression and suicidal feelings, eating disorders, and problems related to use of drugs and alcohol. Our service typically involves a series of meetings with a clinician across several weeks or even months. We do not offer a crisis intervention service. We view and approach the person from a holistic perspective. Our focus of intervention is informed by two main approaches to therapy, i.e. a psychodynamic understanding and cognitive therapy. We furthermore approach assessment and therapy from a collaborative stance and respect the client’s agency in the process. This includes respecting the right to information of our clients and, in the case of minors, parents and guardians. We also engage with a number of organisations, from NGO’s to schools and other government departments, on a number of broader based projects.
A charge is made for services at the Rhodes Psychology Clinic. The fee is based on a percentage (approximately a third) of the recommended fee for psychological services as stipulated by the Board of Healthcare Funders. Because of our commitment to service, this reduced fee is further open to negotiation.
The Director of the Clinic, coordinating all practical case work, is Mr Jan Knoetze. The academic course coordinator is Dr Charles Young.
For more information about our clinical and counselling services contact:
Clinic Secretary: Yvonne Scheepers
Phone: 046 603 8502 or
E-mail: y.scheepers@ru.ac.za
(Photos supplied by Greaves Photography, Grahamstown)
Application for a place in the Master's in Clinical / Counselling Psychology Course
For application forms and procedure please go to: http://www.ru.ac.za/psychology/courses/masters/mastersclinicalcounselling/
Clinic Newsletter 2012
