Hello, I would like to extend a warm welcome to my website.
My name is Gina Sim and I am a Clinical Psychologist, registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and the Board of  Healthcare Funders.

I primarily treat adolescents and adults with moderate to severe psychological issues, and who are in need of therapeutic support. I have a special interest in working with adolescents in the areas of depression, anxiety, behavioural problems, suicidality and self-harming behaviours.

My approach to therapy is warm and open, and can be either non-directive or structured - the details of each specific case will determine the most suitable approach.

I served my community service as a Clinical Psychologist working for the Department of Correctional Services. During this time, I served at the Maximum Security Centre at Westville Prison seeing juvenile (youth) and adult offenders. As part of my duties,  I provided supportive and rehabilitative therapy for the offenders.  

I lecture developmental psychology and psychopathology at the South African College of Applied Psychology, and also work with Boys Town, providing psychological services and group therapy to adolescents.

I completed my internship at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health working at King Edward Hospital and King Dinuzulu Hospital Complex, where I conducted psychotherapy, and clinical assessments, and worked within the district hospital and psychiatric hospital.

I have also had experience working at numerous NGOs including as a Lifeline counsellor, and have presented psycho-educational talks at various mental health awareness forums, including the KwaZulu-Natal branch of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG KZN).

My previous research interests included intimate partner violence and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).

If you have experienced any of the symptoms listed below it may be an indication that you are facing mental health struggles:

• Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety
• Extremely high and low moods (mood swings)
• High emotionality (crying easily or excessive anger outbursts)
• Increasing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
• Long-lasting sadness or irritability
• Relational problems / social withdrawal 
• Many unexplained physical complaints / headaches
• Delusions or hallucinations
• Low libido
• Suicidal thoughts.

HOW TO ENGAGE MY ADOLESCENT ON THE TOPIC OF THERAPY?

This is a normal and appropriate question from parents.  As parents, it is important to reiterate that attending therapy does not mean that there is something intrinsically wrong with your child. Parents may find the process of seeking therapy for their children more anxiety-provoking than the child does.
Adolescents generally settle into the process quickly and develop an understanding of my role in helping them or their family. At times, however, they do resist, so here are some tips to help you:

• Talk to them about attending therapy in a calm moment - it should not be announced during an argument or in anger, or else it may be seen as punishment or a threat.
• Identify the issue - in a compassionate way, parents can tell their child that they notice they have been struggling, and then empathize with how hard it must be for them. Highlight that seeking guidance is a sign of strength to grow and develop.
• Explain psychotherapy - how it works and what they can expect, so as to ease anxiety of the unknown.
• Normalise therapy - explain that it is a safe, confidential place, and that many people attend therapy.
• CONFIDENTIALITY - ensure that you respect their privacy, so don't discuss the process or their concerns in front of anyone else without their consent. 

If you are struggling to explain the importance of therapy to your child, it is a process which I, as the therapist, can facilitate and guide during the sessions.