Dr Aneta Shaw
Clinical Psychologist – Kliniese Sielkundige
Scope of practice: “ A
clinical psychologist is trained to assess, diagnose and intervene with people
in dealing with life challenges, particularly those with relatively serious
forms of psychological distress and/ or psychopathology “(Psyssa).
I have the following qualifications:
A BA degree (US) majoring in Psychology and French; An Honours degree in
Clinical Psychology at UNISA ; A Masters degree in Clinical Psychology (MA) ,
1990; and a Doctorate in Psychology (PhD), 2001, the latter at the University
of Pretoria. Her focus for her Master’s thesis was the adjustment of new
recruits to army training. Her PhD
thesis focused on the adjustment of SA Foreign Affairs families serving in Third
World countries.
I have done numerous courses and workshops in fields that
interest me such as hypnotherapy, mood disorders, stereotype reduction, couples
therapy, personal growth, Narrative Therapy, Trauma Release Exercises (TRE),
Reiki, Mindfulness and Somatic Experiencing. I have run various courses.
My theoretical orientation is strongly influenced by the
work of Carl Rogers who believed that the quality of the therapeutic
relationship is the essence of psychological growth and change. I believe that
whatever can be understood can be overcome.
Of late my focus has been on the mind-body connection.
People experience the long range effects of trauma as much in their bodies as
in their minds – in their musculature, in their autonomic and immunological
systems, and the way they physically hold, move and experience their bodies.
Both emotion and reasoning ability can be held hostage by the body’s continuing
physical reaction to trauma and this is what makes healing so hard for trauma
survivors. Hence my particular interest
in physical, or bottom-up modalities of treatment such as TRE (trauma release
exercises).
I love the great outdoors; swimming, paddling, yoga and walking; friends and laughter,
travel and family. I love my work.
