What is therapy?
Therapy has a coat of many colours, it is a chameleon of sorts. Therapy does not simply take place in a single form but presents itself in a variety of ways. This variety is in part due to the multitude of therapeutic models and techniques available, as well as the array of reasons for seeking therapy.
In some instances, therapy involves mainly a search for insight into the origins of undesired behaviour and the function thereof. Other times, it primarily consists of a trusting relationship between therapist and client where the space helps to dissolve defences. At times therapy focuses on behavioural aspects, to create new and satisfying modes of adjustment. The goal of therapy could also be much more comprehensive and nuanced, where major changes are affected.
Therapy has the potential to be beneficial to anyone and everyone. But therapy is not for everyone. Therapy requires commitment and trust in the process; trust in the relationship with the therapist.
Therapy to me is based on not only the therapeutic relationship, but all relationships, including that with the more-than-human realm (nature). We are relational beings, and it is in connecting in relationships that we create and find meaning, insight, knowledge, freedom and expression. It is in connecting where our needs are met.
The therapeutic relationship forms the basis from where the intervention can start, with the application of theory and techniques to facilitate a space for potential change tailored to the need of the client. Commitment to therapy and the relationship between therapist and client are two key factors in determining a successful therapeutic outcome.
All interpersonal relationships are potentially important. All connections, content and life forces carry potential and the potential to become therapeutic, and as such, I do believe that therapy (growth, change, conflict, resolve etc.) takes place more so in between sessions.
About
Renardo Treurnich is a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an independent practitioner. He is in private practice at 92 Stella Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria.
Renardo completed all his studies at the University of Pretoria.
- BSc Medical Sciences
- BSocSci Honours in Psychology
- MA Clinical Psychology
The title of his mini-dissertation, as part of completing his masters degree, was “The effects of pro-social physical expressions of anger and aggression on psychophysiological wellbeing”.
During his Masters programme, he gained practical experience and training at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, 1Military Hospital, Itsoseng Clinic (Mamelodi) and Eersterust Clinic.
Part of the training was exposure to a variety of therapeutic models and approaches; including but not limited to individual, group and family psychotherapy. Training and exposure is a continuous process with recent additions being Brainspotting and Ecotherapy.
Renardo has worked with children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics who were experiencing various psychopathologies and life difficulties.
Renardo completed his internship at Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital. He worked at the Male, Female and Forensic units. At all units emphasis was placed on providing psychological services to the in-patients with severe forms of psychopathology. Psychological services included individual and group therapy. While at the Female unit, Renardo was assigned to the Dual Diagnosis Unit (DDU). The DDU specialises in treatment for patients with both a substance use disorder and co-morbid diagnosis, focussing on rehabilitation. At the Forensic Unit, Renardo formed part of the observation team assessing pre-trial fitness and responsibility.
His year of Community Service was completed at the Department of Correctional Services: Kgosi Mampuru II Management Area, Central Corrections. The focus was on rendering psychological services to adult male offenders for the purpose of criminal rehabilitation. Part of the psychological services included risk assessment.
Since completion of his community service, Renardo has gained experience in a variety of contexts and interventions; with either sessional, part-time or full-time employment at: Akeso Clinic Arcadia, University of Pretoria Student Counselling Unit and Eersterust Community Health Clinic. As private practitioner he has also rendered in and out patient services at psychiatric facilities such as Akeso Clinic, Zwavelstream Clinic and Denmar Specialist Psychiatric Hospital.
Contact us today
if you’re ready to explore the possibility of a therapeutic relationship with Renardo in an open and safe setting that emphasizes self-exploration and change. GET IN TOUCHServices
Individual therapy
Brainspotting
Group therapy
What we stand for
The Tree of Knowledge represents insight and growth, with its branches symbolising the diversity of areas to where it could have an impact. The process of therapy could allow us to explore the self (and the other), to gain awareness and insight, that could induce change. This change then in turn impacting other contexts of life, as represented by the branches.
The hexagon represents the theoretical underpinnings informing my thinking as a psychologist. The six sides represents the triangle of conflict and triangle of person as used in Psychodynamic therapy. These two triangles being the predominant influences in my formulations. The connections found between the hexagon represent the other paradigms that have been integrated into my thinking; such as Cognitive Behavioural Theory, Client Centered or Humanistic approaches, Existential Thinking, Systemic Theory and Narrative Therapy.
Orange represents energy and zest. Therapy and engaging with the therapeutic process my source of energy, zest and passion. The use of orange also represents my experience of Community Service at Kgosi Mampuru II Management Area, where the offenders wore orange. It is also symbolic of a lifelong nickname that I have had since the age of 8.
The stem of the tree found outside hexagon represents growth outside of the therapy milieu; where hopefully the goal is to establish new and healthy patterns of behaviours and relationships.
Branches:
/ plural noun /
1. a part of a tree which grows out from the trunk or from a bough;
/ verb /
2. <of a road or path> divide into one or more subdivisions;
3. <of a tree or plant> bear or send out branches
Root:
/ noun /
1. the part of a plant which attaches it to the ground or to a support, typically underground, conveying water and nourishment to the rest of the plant via numerous branches and fibres;
2. the basic cause, source or origin of something;
/ verb /
3. cause <a plant or cutting> to grow roots;
4. establish deeply and firmly.
Hexagon:
/ noun /
1. a plane figure with six straight sides and angles.
Connections:
/ plural noun /
1. a relationship in which a person or thing is linked or associated with something else
Knowledge:
/ noun /
1. facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education, the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject;
2. awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation
Orange:
/ noun /
1. a large round juicy citrus fruit with a tough bright reddish-yellow rind;
/ adjective /
2. reddish yellow.
Contact
Renardo Treurnich
Clinical Psychologist
MA Clin Psych (UP)
Practice No: 0626465
info@rtpsychology.co.za
92 Stella Street
Brooklyn
Pretoria
Call/SMS 062 530 4025
Renardo Treurnich
Clinical Psychologist
MA Clin Psych (UP)
Practice No: 0626465
info@rtpsychology.co.za
92 Stella Street
Brooklyn
Pretoria
062 530 4025
Designed by Bloom