DR VICKY DOWNING
Guiding Hands Therapy
Educational Psychologist and Family Mediator offering comprehensive therapy, assessments, and specialised training services, situated in Boksburg & Benoni.
IN EDUCATION
IN PRIVATE PRACTICE
GUIDING HANDS THERAPY
Psychological, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Training
Educational Psychologist
We offer psychological, psycho-educational and psycho-legal (forensic) assessments, therapy, and guidance for children, adolescents, and families. Our services include emotional evaluations, play therapy, trauma and bereavement counselling, career and subject choice guidance, and school readiness assessments.
Family Mediator
We offer a supportive space to help families navigate divorce, separation, and prepare parenting plans with understanding and care. Our goal is to promote healthy communication and peaceful resolutions that prioritize the best interests of either children concerned or involved.
Training for Educators, Mental Healthcare Professionals and Caregivers
We provide specialised training for educators, mental healthcare professionals and caregivers, focusing on supporting children with ADHD, anxiety, and emotional challenges. Our programs also promote personal wellness through self-care, time management, and stress management techniques.
ADHD: Working With Children And Their Families, Diagnosis And Treatments
ABOUT
Dr Vicky Downing
Educational Psychologist
SAAM Accredited Family Mediator
I support individuals, couples, and families through a range of services including psychotherapy, play therapy, marriage and couples counselling, family therapy, and mediation. My approach is integrative and client-focused, drawing from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Gestalt, and Integrative Brain Based Therapies (IBBA) to suit each client’s needs.
BY DR VICKY DOWNING
Articles about Psychology
Bullying
Sadly, bullying is a common issue that many young people face. Years ago, bullying was tolerated and seen as one of life’s milestones that children meandered through as they ventured towards adulthood. Today, we recognize the harmful aftermath of bullying: both for...
Anxiety in Children
Childhood anxiety is becoming increasingly common. This may be due to increased pressure on children from home and school, family and/ or social structure changes as well as increased awareness of the condition by teachers and other professionals engaging with...
ADHD Causes and Diagnosis
Causes of ADHD: Neurological: an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain Biochemical: a deficiency in Prostaglandins E1, E3 (PE1,PE3) An 80% genetic condition Who can Diagnose ADHD? Neurologists Paediatricians Developmental paediatricians GPs who are...