Nicki

Ms Nicki Dawson

Counseling Psychologist

“My main focus area is in insight-oriented child psychotherapy, parenting, and parent(caregiver)-infant psychotherapy.”

About Me

Understanding your child's inner world can transform family life. I offer a thoughtful space where children can explore their feelings, helping them gain valuable insights. For parents, we work together to navigate challenges, building deeper awareness of family dynamics. I also nurture early bonds through parent-infant psychotherapy, supporting the crucial first connections. This approach is ideal for families seeking lasting emotional well-being and clear communication.

Approach

I guide families to notice the small, everyday interactions that reveal a child's inner life and shape sessions around those discoveries. In Johannesburg or online, in English, sessions feel calm and focused—play and gentle questioning for children, alongside brief, practical consultations with parents between activities. For adoption-related issues, postnatal concerns or diagnostic assessment I use paced observation, timed parent‑infant exercises and collaborative problem‑solving, with short between-session steps to try at home. This approach suits caregivers who want steady, practical shifts in connection and understanding.
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Basic Information

In-person & Online

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Services

Services Offered:

  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling
  • Parenting Support

    Guidance for the psychological challenges of raising children, including discipline, communication, co-parenting, and managing the emotional demands of parenthood.

  • Child / Adolescent Therapy

    Therapy for children and teenagers using age-appropriate methods, such as play, art, or adapted talk therapy, to address emotional and behavioural difficulties.

    Learn more about Child / Adolescent Therapy

Works With:

  • Adults
  • Children
  • Communities
  • Individuals
  • Under Fives

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Adoption

    The process of legally becoming a parent to a child who is not biologically yours, which can raise complex emotions around identity, attachment, and belonging for all involved.

  • Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal assessment of a child's psychological, cognitive, or emotional functioning to identify conditions and guide appropriate support.

  • Postnatal or Perinatal Depression

    Depression occurring during pregnancy or in the months following childbirth, affecting mood, energy, bonding with the baby, and daily functioning.

    Learn more about Postnatal or Perinatal Depression
  • Parenting Support

    Guidance for the psychological challenges of raising children, including discipline, communication, co-parenting, and managing the emotional demands of parenthood.

Professional Title:

  • Counseling Psychologist

    A psychologist who helps people with everyday life challenges (relationships, work stress, adjustment) as well as mental health conditions.

Credentials

Registrations

Health Professions Counsel

Psychologist

Qualifications

University of Witwatersrand

Service Areas

Standard Medical Rooms

In-person & Online

Pine Park

Johannesburg, Gauteng

South Africa

Pine Park, Johannesburg, South Africa