Michelle Baker Clinical Psychologist

Michelle has master’s degrees in psychology (clinical) and clinical technology (neurophysiology). She is currently busy with a doctorate at the University of Witwatersrand (WITS) researching insomnia.

Michelle has a special interest in neuropsychology and sleep disorders.

In August 2008, Michelle started a private practice in psychology after an internship at the Midlands Complex in Pietermaritzburg and community service in Kwa Mashu, Kwa Zulu-Natal. She worked initially in general psychology and later moved to her areas of special interest.

She is an executive member of the Sleep Society of South Africa. She is actively involved in supervision, peer, journal club groups and attends conferences frequently to ensure continued professional development.

What do I do?

I am pleased to share practice space with Nigel Taylor, educational psychologist. Whilst our work differs in many aspects our areas of common interest afford us the opportunity to learn, share and collaborate thus enhancing our endeavours to help and bring about change.

I work with all ages doing individual, family and group work.

I am a clinical psychologist so my work in general psychology encompasses conditions such as life adjustments, anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, grief, personality disorders and a spectrum of clinical syndromes such as Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism, Bipolar Mood Disorder, and Schizophrenia.

Treatment is formulated specifically to each case according to my resources. I was predominantly trained in psychodynamic therapy but I tend to work with behavioural “here and now” interventions. Therapy may take the form of health promotion, play, supportive psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, brain-based therapies or narrative therapy. Treatment is formulated to fit the special needs of each person and what expectations they have of working with me.

I refer out to other practitioners in the client’s best interest if necessary.

I work in collaboration with medical doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, neurologists and allied health care workers such as physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and audiologists with a strong focus on evidence-based science.