At our practice, you can find compassionate support and expert guidance for a wide range of emotional and psychological concerns. Candice Cowen, a highly skilled clinical psychologist, specialises in helping individuals navigate through various challenges and achieve a greater sense of well-being. Whether you’re struggling with emotional dysregulation, anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, or performance anxiety, we here to provide effective therapeutic interventions.
We also offers assistance with mood disorders such as depression and bipolar mood disorder, addressing concerns related to suicide and self-harm with utmost care and sensitivity. In addition, our practice provides comprehensive pain management strategies for conditions like fibromyalgia, auto-immune diseases, and post-surgery injuries.
Our expertise extends to helping individuals dealing with adjustment disorders, acute stress disorders, PTSD, trauma, grief and loss, as well as offering assertiveness training, conflict resolution, social skills development, and support in building self-esteem and confidence.
With our empathetic approach and evidence-based interventions, you can embark on a transformative journey towards healing and personal growth.
Led by highly skilled clinical psychologist, Candice Cowen, our services are tailored to help individuals overcome a wide range of emotional and psychological concerns. Let us be your partners in navigating life’s challenges and unlocking your full potential.
Emotional dysregulation refers to difficulty in managing and controlling emotions effectively. It involves experiencing intense emotional responses that are disproportionate to the situation at hand, struggling to regulate emotions, and having difficulty returning to a balanced emotional state. This can manifest as frequent mood swings, impulsivity, emotional outbursts, anger management difficulties, and a sense of feeling overwhelmed by emotions.
We can provide valuable assistance to individuals experiencing emotional dysregulation. By helping clients identify and understand the underlying causes and triggers of their emotional dysregulation. Through various therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness techniques, and emotion regulation strategies, psychologists can work collaboratively with clients to develop healthy coping mechanisms and effective emotion regulation skills. With our help individuals can gain the tools and insights necessary to manage their emotions more effectively, improve interpersonal relationships, enhance self-esteem, and experience an overall greater sense of emotional well-being.
Anxiety disorders encompass a range of mental health conditions characterised by excessive and persistent feelings of fear, worry, and apprehension. We play a crucial role in helping individuals with anxiety disorders by providing assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatments tailored to their specific needs. Let’s explore some common anxiety disorders and how we can assist:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Individuals with GAD experience excessive worry and anxiety about various aspects of their lives, often without a specific trigger. We can help by teaching relaxation techniques, challenging and restructuring anxious thoughts, and developing coping strategies to manage excessive worry.
Social Anxiety Disorder: This disorder involves an intense fear of social situations and a persistent concern about being negatively judged or embarrassed. We can employ exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, and social skills training to help individuals gradually face and overcome their fears.
Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is characterized by recurring panic attacks, which are sudden and intense episodes of fear or discomfort. We can assist by teaching individuals relaxation techniques, helping them understand and reframe panic attack symptoms, and providing cognitive-behavioral interventions to manage and prevent future attacks.
Phobias: Phobias are intense and irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or activities. We employ techniques such as systematic desensitization or exposure therapy to gradually expose individuals to their feared stimuli and help them develop healthier responses.
Performance Anxiety: Performance anxiety refers to intense fear or apprehension related to performing in front of others, such as public speaking or stage performance. We offer cognitive strategies, relaxation techniques, and exposure-based interventions to help individuals manage anxiety and perform at their best.
Perfectionism: While not classified as a disorder itself, perfectionism can contribute to significant anxiety and stress. We can work with individuals to address underlying beliefs and perfectionistic tendencies, promoting self-compassion, setting realistic expectations, and fostering a healthier mindset.
Burnout: Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by chronic work-related stress. We assist individuals in recognising signs of burnout, developing self-care practices, setting boundaries, and implementing stress management techniques to prevent and recover from burnout.
In each of these cases, our services can provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment, offer psychoeducation about anxiety disorders, and employ evidence-based therapeutic techniques. By tailoring treatment to individual needs, psychologists can help individuals develop effective coping strategies, challenge anxious thoughts, process underlying emotions, and regain control over their lives.
Mood disorders are mental health conditions that affect a person’s emotional state and overall mood. We offer assessment, diagnosis, and provide treatment for mood disorders. Let’s explore some common mood disorders and how a we can assist:
Depression: Depression is characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or a loss of interest in activities. We can help individuals with depression by employing various therapeutic approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT). Our experts can help individuals in identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, developing healthy coping strategies, and exploring underlying causes or triggers for their depression. We can also provide support and guidance during periods of low motivation and can collaborate with clients to develop a personalized treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes, social support, and, if needed, medication management in coordination with a psychiatrist.
Bipolar Mood Disorder: Bipolar disorder involves cycles of depressive episodes and manic or hypomanic episodes. We work with individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder to help manage mood swings and stabilize their emotions. We can recognize early warning signs of mood shifts, implementing coping strategies, promoting regular sleep patterns, and fostering healthy lifestyle habits. Additionally, we can provide psychoeducation about bipolar disorder and work collaboratively with psychiatrists to ensure comprehensive care.
Suicide and Self-Harm: While suicide and self-harm are not mood disorders themselves, they can be associated with underlying mental health conditions, including mood disorders. We play a crucial role in assessing and addressing suicide risk and self-harm behaviors. We create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where individuals can openly express their emotions and thoughts. Our psychologists employ evidence-based interventions to assess and manage suicide risk, develop safety plans, and provide ongoing support. They collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals, such as psychiatrists or emergency services, to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients.
Our psychologists can provide a range of therapeutic interventions for mood disorders, including individual therapy, group therapy, and psychoeducation. By establishing a trusting and empathetic therapeutic relationship, we help individuals navigate their emotions, develop effective coping skills, challenge negative thinking patterns, and explore underlying issues contributing to their mood disorders. Additionally, we provide ongoing support, monitor treatment progress, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to create a comprehensive and holistic treatment plan tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
Pain management involves the assessment and treatment of physical pain, as well as the psychological and emotional aspects that can accompany it. We assist in supporting individuals with various pain-related conditions. Let’s explore some examples of pain management areas and how psychologists can assist:
Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. We can help individuals with fibromyalgia by providing psychoeducation about the condition, teaching coping strategies for pain management, and addressing the emotional impact of living with chronic pain. We may employ techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals reframe their thoughts about pain, develop relaxation techniques, and manage stress levels.
Auto-Immune Diseases: Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, can cause persistent pain and inflammation. We can assist individuals by helping them cope with the emotional impact of living with a chronic illness, managing stress, and developing strategies to improve quality of life. We also provide support in adapting to lifestyle changes, fostering resilience, and enhancing self-care practices.
Post-Surgery Injuries: After surgery, individuals may experience acute or chronic pain as part of the recovery process. Our psychologists can assist in pain management by providing support during the adjustment period, addressing any emotional distress related to the surgery or pain, and teaching relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices to help manage pain levels. We may also help individuals navigate any psychological challenges that arise from changes in their daily routines or limitations.
Adjustment Disorders: Adjustment disorders refer to emotional and behavioural reactions to significant life changes or stressful events, which can sometimes manifest as physical pain. We can provide support and therapeutic interventions to individuals experiencing adjustment disorders, helping them cope with the associated pain and emotional distress. We work collaboratively with clients to develop adaptive coping strategies, enhance resilience, and promote healthy adjustment to the new circumstances.
Our team can employ a range of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based techniques, and pain-specific interventions. We can work in conjunction with other healthcare providers, such as physicians and physical therapists, to create comprehensive pain management plans. By addressing the psychological and emotional factors that contribute to pain, our psychologists can assist individuals in developing effective coping mechanisms, improving their overall well-being, and enhancing their ability to navigate and adapt to life with chronic pain or post-surgical injuries.
Acute Stress Disorders (ASD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are mental health conditions that can develop in response to experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. We play a vital role in assessing, diagnosing, and providing evidence-based treatments for these conditions. Let’s explore these topics along with other areas where psychologists can assist:
Acute Stress Disorders and PTSD: Both ASD and PTSD are characterized by symptoms such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, hyperarousal, and emotional distress following a traumatic event. We employ specialized treatments like trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help individuals process and cope with traumatic experiences. We create a safe therapeutic environment, validate the individual’s experiences, and provide strategies for managing trauma-related symptoms, reducing distress, and improving overall functioning.
Trauma: Trauma refers to an overwhelming experience that can have long-lasting psychological effects. We assist individuals in addressing the impact of trauma by providing trauma-informed therapy and help individuals process traumatic memories, regulate emotions, develop coping skills, and work towards post-traumatic growth and resilience. We may also collaborate with other professionals, such as psychiatrists, to explore medication options if necessary.
Grief and Loss: Grief and loss encompass the emotional and psychological response to the death of a loved one or other significant losses. Our psychologists support individuals through the grieving process by providing a compassionate and non-judgmental space to express emotions, offering strategies for coping with grief, and facilitating healthy adaptation to the loss. We may use techniques such as grief counseling, cognitive restructuring, and supportive therapy to help individuals navigate their unique grief journey.
Psychologists employ various therapeutic modalities and techniques depending on the individual’s specific needs and goals. They create a supportive and non-judgmental therapeutic environment, tailor interventions to the individual’s unique circumstances, and provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the therapeutic process. Through their expertise, psychologists assist individuals in overcoming challenges, developing coping skills, promoting personal growth, and improving their overall well-being.
Psychologists can assist individuals in developing assertiveness skills, which involve effectively expressing thoughts, needs, and boundaries while maintaining respect for oneself and others. Through therapeutic techniques such as role-playing, communication exercises, and self-reflection, we help individuals build assertiveness skills, enhance self-confidence, and establish healthier interpersonal relationships.
We provide guidance and techniques for resolving conflicts in various contexts, such as personal relationships, work environments, or family dynamics. We help individuals develop effective communication skills, active listening, empathy, and problem-solving strategies. Psychologists can also assist in exploring underlying issues contributing to conflicts and facilitate reconciliation and understanding.
We play a vital role in supporting individuals in enhancing their self-esteem and confidence. We work collaboratively to identify and challenge negative self-beliefs, develop self-compassion, and promote self-acceptance. We provide strategies for building resilience, setting realistic goals, and fostering a positive self-image.
We understand that taking the first step towards seeking therapy can feel both exciting and uncertain. Here is an overview of what to expect during your initial consultation, so you can feel more comfortable and prepared for this important step on your journey towards well-being.
Before we proceed, we want to provide you with important information regarding the payment process for your consultations with Candice Cowen, Clinical Psychologist.
Please note that Candice operates a cash practice, which means that payment for your consultation will be required on the day of your appointment. We kindly ask you to settle the fee directly with Candice at the end of your consultation.
However, it’s important to mention that many medical insurance providers offer coverage for psychological services. After making payment for your consultation, you will receive an invoice that includes all the necessary details for claiming reimbursement from your medical aid or insurance provider. We encourage you to reach out to your insurance company beforehand to understand the specific requirements and reimbursement policies applicable to your plan.
We can help individuals improve their social skills by identifying areas of challenge, providing social skills training, and addressing social anxiety or difficulties. Through role-playing, social modeling, and guidance, our psychologists assist individuals in developing effective interpersonal skills, building self-confidence in social situations, and fostering healthier relationships.