Helping children and families grow, heal, and thrive.
I’m an Educational Psychologist with over 25 years of experience helping young children, adolescents, and their families navigate emotional, social, and developmental challenges. My approach blends therapeutic play, attachment-focused strategies, and—where appropriate—faith-based guidance to support lasting growth and resilience.
Gerda Dempers, Psychologist
License: M Ed (Educ Psych)
Ages Served: 2 – Adulthood
Appointments: In-office, Saturday appointments can be arranged on request.
Hello, I’m Gerda
My approach is to support children and families in their emotional and developmental journey towards healing, resilience, and wholeness.
I have a special interest in early childhood development, and my Master’s thesis explored mother–child attachment in infants diagnosed with failure to thrive. I enjoy working with children as young as two years old and have experience supporting trauma recovery in toddlers using developmentally appropriate, play-based approaches.
I also offer a Christian psychology perspective for clients who find value in integrating their faith into the therapeutic process. In my experience, clients who engage with therapy through this lens often report a deeper sense of resolution and are better equipped to navigate life independently after therapy. This approach is offered respectfully and only when it aligns with the client’s own beliefs and preferences.
How I Do It
Special interest and clinical focus
I am drawn to psychodynamic principles that help clients understand unconscious patterns driving their behaviour. While traditional psychodynamic work is long-term, I have adapted these insights for brief therapy models when resources are limited.
EMDR has become a valuable tool in my practice, offering efficient trauma processing that integrates well with other therapeutic approaches. I have successfully modified EMDR techniques for clients ranging from preschool age through adulthood, adapting the approach developmentally for younger children.
The Process
What to expect when you visit me:
Talking to a psychologist isn’t about weakness – it’s about taking control of your well-being.
Therapy Focus
The focus is on creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel heard and empowered to work toward positive change.
Adults
We start the discussion with you stating your needs and expectations and with us exploring that together.
Children
For little ones, therapy typically begins with structured play-based activities designed to establish rapport and create a safe, trusting environment.
Services
Play Therapy
Using age-appropriate play activities and creative expression to help pre-school and school aged children process emotions, develop coping skills, and work through behavioural challenges in a safe, supportive environment.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one therapeutic support tailored to individuals’ unique needs, addressing issues like anxiety, depression, identity formation, and social challenges.
Parental Guidance
Comprehensive support for parents through education about child development, effective parenting strategies, and guidance on how to support their child’s emotional and behavioural growth.
Cognitive Assessments
Thorough evaluation of cognitive abilities, learning strengths, and potential areas of difficulty to inform educational planning and identify any learning disabilities or giftedness. Written Reports can be made available.
Trauma Therapy
Specialised therapeutic interventions designed to help individuals of all ages process traumatic experiences. EMDR has been shown to provide fast and lasting relief, making it one of the most effective trauma therapies available.
School Readiness
Comprehensive evaluation of a child’s developmental, academic, and social-emotional preparedness for formal schooling to ensure a smooth transition and successful start.
I’m Here to Help
How we can work together
For older clients the discussion will start with you stating your needs and expectations and with us exploring that together. For little ones, the therapy normally starts with fun activities or play through which rapport is established.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
You don’t have to have everything figured out—your psychologist is there to help.
Is everything we discuss private?
Yes, everything is private. We’ll discuss the details in our first meeting. I won’t share information with schools without your permission. I won’t share what divorced parents tell me with their ex-partner. I won’t share what teenagers tell me with their parents, unless the teenager is in danger.
What is an educational psychologist?
Educational psychology helps children and teenagers who are struggling with emotions, learning, behaviour, or social challenges. We also support parents, teachers, and families.
What should I bring to the first session?
Bring your completed forms. If it’s for a child, also bring any previous reports from other professionals.
Will my medical aid cover therapy?
Yes, I accept medical aid. You need to call your medical aid to check if they cover educational psychology and how much they’ll pay.
What can I do during my child’s hour session?
You can wait in the waiting room, or there’s a shopping centre next door where you can shop or grab coffee.
Gerda Dempers
M Ed (Educ Psych)
I have a special interest in early childhood development. I enjoy working with children as young as two and have helped even the youngest process trauma. My work also includes supporting parents and strengthening family wellbeing.
I believe that, in the hardest times, hope remains.
Your Healing journey can begin today.
Get In Touch
Office
268 Braam Pretorius Street, Sinoville, Pretoria
Registered member of HPCSA & BHF:
Office
268 Braam Pretorius Street, Sinoville, Pretoria
Phone Number
consult@gdempers.co.za