Welcome!

Aliece van der Merwe, Psychologist in Cape Town, offering therapy and psychoeducational assessments for children, teens, and adults. Holistic, evidence-based support with expertise and training in emotional, behavioural, and developmental wellbeing.

I’m Aliece, a registered Educational Psychologist based in Cape Town. I offer therapy and assessments to children and adolescents who may be experiencing difficulties across life contexts, such as at home or school. I provide a safe, hopeful, and creative space for young people to develop their sense of self and discover their skills and strengths.

I work collaboratively with families and aim to offer individualised care and support to each of my clients. I believe that no two people are the same, as everyone comes with their own set of resources, skills, and challenges. I approach each client individually and adapt my practice as such, hoping to provide empathic and tailored care.

My special interests include early childhood development and psycho-emotional wellbeing, neurodiversity, and anxiety-related disorders. Furthermore, I am passionate about matrescence and the transformations of parenthood. I offer a safe and encouraging space for parents to overcome some of the challenges experienced in parenting and support the development of healthy parent-child interactions and effective parenting strategies.

Complementing my dynamic therapeutic approach, my expertise includes psycho-educational assessments for school accommodations and concessions, school-readiness assessments, and subject-choice and career guidance.

Yellow wildflowers against a clear blue sky.
At Milkwood Psychology, educational psychologist Aliece van der Merwe offers psychoeducational assessment, learning support, and therapy to children and adolescents to foster academic growth and fulfillment.

Education & Training

I obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc biology & psychology) from Stellenbosch University, followed by a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of Cape Town. Following my time as a Maths and Physical Science teacher at Table View High School I pursued a Honours in Educational Psychology (B.Ed Psych) from Stellenbosch University where I achieved the Deans Medal for top academic performance in the faculty. I then attended the University of Pretoria, obtaining a Masters in Educational Psychology (M.Ed Psych) with my dissertation exploring health and positive lifestyle behaviours.

After completing my internship at the Bishops Support Unit (Bishops Diocesan College), I started my private practice in Hout Bay, Cape Town. I am registered with the Health Professions Board of South Africa and extend my knowledge and expertise through continued professional development and training. As such, I have had training in Sand Play Therapy and a variety of other therapeutic techniques since completing my university education. I am passionate about developing my professional skills and deepening my knowledge in my field.

Person sitting on the floor planting a leafy houseplant in soil. Multiple empty terracotta pots surround the person, who is wearing a colorful sweater and dark green pants. The scene takes place on a patterned rug with a red background.

  • The milkwood tree holds both ecological and cultural significance in South Africa, and is therefore a protected tree in our country. Due their intricate root system, milkwoods provide coastal stabilisation along South Africa’s coastal regions. These hardy trees are able to not only survive, but thrive in the harsh coastal regions where they grow. This resilient species therefore plays an important part in maintaining a rich habitat for a variety of species; maintaining coastal biodiversity. Furthermore, due to their longevity and life-sustaining properties that these trees are considered sacred to various indigenous communities in South Africa, including the Khoisan people. 

    Nestled in a thicket of white milkwood trees, my practice room provides a peaceful and supportive space for growth and development. The milkwoods remind me of the intricate interplay between us and our environment, thus bringing a sense of balance, security and grounding to my practice. Rarely are these beautiful trees found with a straight trunk; their gnarled, sprawling branches reminding me of our unique journeys toward growth and development.

  • “Educational psychology is a category within professional psychology that focuses on alleviating: emotional, learning, academic, intellectual, behavioural, social and developmental difficulties in children and young people within the systems in which they function including families, schools, peer groups etc., thereby providing extensive support and psychological services to any role-player which may support clients’ optimal functioning.” (HPCSA, 2017)

    The above excerpt highlights the holistic nature of what educational psychologists assess, diagnose and intervene in. We work with many different role-players such as parents, teachers, groups and individual learners. Although some may choose to focus on working with a specific age group, many educational psychologists work with young children, adolescents and adults.

    Regarding education and training, educational psychologists must obtain a masters degree in educational psychology and have expertise in both education and psychology. Following theoretical and practical training at a postgraduate university level, practitioners must complete an internship and pass the national board exam.

  • I am registered with the Health Professions Board of South Africa (registration number: PS0155330) and the Board of Healthcare Funders (practice number: 1216864).

    I am also a member of The Educational Psychology Association of South Africa (EPASA) and Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA).