Rosemary Martin

Photo of Rosemary Martin


Clinical Psychologist  ?
 B.Sc.(Physio), B.A.(Hons), M.A. (Clin Psych.) (U.C.T.)

HPCSA Number: PS0028061
Practice Number: 8616302

Personal Background:

I initially trained and worked as a Physiotherapist. My interest in how patients and their families experienced and coped with illness and adversity, led me to study Psychology. I completed a Masters in Clinical Psychology at UCT in 1989. I have been working for more than 30 years as a Psychotherapist in my own practice. My practice is conveniently accessible from the M3 and is close to UCT and Cavendish Square. The therapy room overlooks a private, peaceful garden setting.

Type of Therapy:

I work Psychoanalytically. The depth and richness of Psychoanalytic theory and technique, allows access to deeper layers of both our conscious and unconscious experiences. I also draw on Psychodynamic theories, as needed. I specialise in adult individual therapy and couple or conjoint therapy. Couples may be same sex or opposite sex; in a relationship or married. Conjoint therapy involves two people e.g friends, colleagues or a parent - adult "child" diad who need to explore conflicts and / or difficulties.

I offer on-line therapy sessions when circumstances make it impossible to meet face to face in my practice.

Reasons for therapy:

The kinds of difficulties that bring people to see me include: - Anxiety - Bereavement - Chronic Illness - Depression and Postnatal Depression - Eating Disorders - Relationship / Marital difficulties - Stress and Stage of Life difficulties - Sexual Abuse - Trauma

The Therapy Process:

Sessions last for 50 minutes, once or twice weekly. The first 3 sessions involve exploring reasons for therapy, discussing some of the client's background history, plus feedback from me. Thereafter, therapy may be short- term (about 8 sessions), medium-term (about 6 months to a year) or long-term (longer than one year). The duration of therapy depends on each client's personal circumstances and reasons for seeking help.

I respect my client's courage and trust in speaking to me about difficult things which are troubling, and hard to share with people in their lives. Safety, confidentiality and respect are integral to the therapy relationship.

How Psychoanalytically orientated Therapy Works:

The client and I will gently explore their experiences in a way that unpacks less obvious details, thoughts, feelings and meaning. Past difficulties are hidden in the present. Understanding the link between past and present frees one up to think and behave differently going forward.

Therapy works on many levels: There is relief and support from the therapist really listening. One also learns to become an interested observer of oneself; to connect more with one's own thoughts, feelings and behavior. As a therapist, I listen, ask questions, share my thoughts about possible meanings, and make links with the past. This allows the client to gain self-knowledge and insight. Clients also learn additional skills in how to reflect, and find meaning in their own life events.

Possible Outcomes of Therapy

People who use therapy well, are better able to deal with the difficulties which they bring to therapy. Clients become more aware and insightful in processing conflict, setting boundaries, making choices / decisions and facing life's challenges. Improved communication and self knowledge also enhances one's relationship with oneself and others. These gains do take time. The benefits from medium and long-term therapy are deeper and more long lasting than crisis-orientated, short-term therapy.

Professional Memberships:

I am a member of: - Cape Town Society for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (CTSPP) (past Chairperson) - Association of Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists (ACPP) (founder member) - SA Psychoanalytic Initiative (SAPI). - SA Psychoanalytic Confederation (SAPC)

Fees

Discovery Health Medical Aid rates.

Contact

Mobile: 073 365 2395


Newlands
29 Avenue Thibault
Newlands
Cape Town

Works with: Adults, couples, and individuals.

Specialising in: Marital/couples therapy, anxiety disorder, chronic medical conditions, depression, eating disorders, life changes, loss/grief, relationships, self development, and trauma.

Working in: English.