Jenny Perkel

Clinical Psychologist

Jenny Perkel

Clinical Psychologist

Pronouns - She/her

About Jenny

I graduated as a clinical psychologist from the University of Cape Town in 1996. I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) in the United Kingdom and the Health Professions Council of South Africa. I have over 20 000 hours of experience in psychotherapy, and nowadays I work mostly online. My special interest is working with the parents of children, teenagers, babies and toddlers. I also work with adults who are facing anything challenging or difficult in their lives, including mental health problems.

 

I am the author of the books, Babies in Mind and Children in Mind. I am on the editorial board of the academic journal, Psychoanalytic Practice, and I have published widely for mental health professionals and for the general public. Training and supervision of other psychologists and therapists is an important part of what I offer.

 

My perspective

Knowledge and ideas about mental health have changed over time. Recent evidence-based research has revealed interesting and important findings about the human brain, trauma and behaviour. I have become increasingly aware that mental health difficulties can be managed in different ways and certain approaches are better suited to certain people. For these reasons, I try to constantly up-skill myself in new ways of thinking and working. I use my existing knowledge, new information, and my clinical experience to navigate towards what seems to be the best outcome for each individual client that I see. I like to look deeply into the meaning behind symptoms and I try to find the balance between recent evidence-based research, depth psychology, and a holistic, uniquely person-centered focus.

 

I use an integrative approach to psychotherapy – drawing on a range of different theoretical frameworks depending on what is in the best interests of each client. My work is informed by psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) and mindfulness training. My first objective is to explore the problems facing the client, and together we decide on the best way forward. My approach is collaborative and very supportive. I aim to empower clients to face their difficulties and find solutions that bring mental stability, joy, tranquility and balance. Relief from the debilitating effects of mental illness is my primary objective. My approach is flexible, and adjusted to each client's needs.

 

What I offer

•   Online psychotherapy with adults for any difficulty you might be facing

 

•   Online parent coaching, counselling or parent therapy for help with your baby, child or teenager

 

•   Online perinatal counselling for help with anything related to pregnancy, birth or postnatal adjustment

 

Difficulties I have worked with

I have worked extensively across a wide range of different mental, emotional, behavioural and social problems. These include:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Anxiety Disorders, Stress, Panic Attacks

  • Mood Disorders (Depression)

  • Selective Mutism

  • Eating Disorders

  • Sleep Disorders

  • Learning Disorders

  • Disabilities

  • Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

  • Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD)

  • Conduct Disorder

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Victims and Perpetrators of Abuse (Sexual and Other Kinds)

  • Trauma

  • Medical Conditions

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  • Relationship Difficulties

  • Neurodiversity

  • Emotional Dysregulation / Mood Swings / Erratic Moods

  • Low Self-Esteem

Models of Treatment Jenny is experienced in;

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy

  • Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)

  • Integrative Therapy

  • Interpersonal Therapy

  • Person-Centred Therapy

  • Psychodynamic Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)

  • Solution Focused Therapy

Professional Registrations

  • HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council – United Kingdom) Registered practitioner psychologist (clinical psychologist); Registration number - PYL044365

  • HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) Registered clinical psychologist; Registration number - PS0054399

Education

  • 1995 Master of Arts (clinical psychology) (University of Cape Town)

  • 1993 Bachelor of Arts Honours (psychology) (University of Cape Town)

  • 1992 Bachelor of Arts (University of Cape Town)

What are the therapies Jenny is trained in?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidenced based & well researched talking therapy. It is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for many mental health problems.

It is most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, but can be useful for many other mental and physical health problems.

CBT focuses upon how your thoughts and behaviours impact upon your emotions and physical symptoms.

CBT is collaborative treatment and typically involves doing homework tasks between appointments.

It aims to teach you to become your own therapist, teaching you tools so you can keep using the strategies and techniques you have learned after you have finished therapy.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy techniques to help individuals manage recurring depression and anxiety. It teaches people to focus on the present moment, fostering awareness of thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)
A time-limited therapy that integrates cognitive and psychodynamic approaches to explore how past experiences influence current behaviors and relationships. It focuses on identifying unhelpful patterns and finding practical solutions for change.

Integrative Therapy
A flexible approach that combines techniques from different therapeutic models, such as CBT, psychodynamic, and humanistic therapies, to create a treatment tailored to the client's unique needs and preferences.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication. It is often used for depression and explores how relationship dynamics contribute to emotional distress, helping individuals build healthier connections.

Person-Centred Therapy
A humanistic approach emphasising empathy, unconditional positive regard, and the therapist’s genuine presence. It empowers clients to find their own solutions by fostering a safe and supportive environment.

Psychodynamic Therapy
Explores unconscious processes and how past experiences, especially in childhood, influence present behaviour and emotions. The goal is to increase self-awareness and resolve inner conflicts.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
A structured therapy for managing intense emotions, often used for borderline personality disorder. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and focuses on skills like emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Solution-Focused Therapy
A goal-oriented approach that focuses on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. It helps clients identify strengths and resources to achieve specific, achievable goals in a short timeframe.

 

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