David Wilson Clinical Psychologist

General information

David Wilson is a Clinical Psychologist in Johannesburg - Northern Suburbs, Gauteng specializing in Special Interests Self Esteem; Identity and interpersonal relating. I focus on all issues associated with lack of secure self-esteem such as poor body image, problems in self-control, self-realisation and impediments to our development of inner vitality and a capacity for trusting intimate relationships. Associated symptomatic emotional states I frequently address include: fears of dependency, aggression, rage, shyness, lack of assertiveness and fears of separation and/or abandonment, hypersensitivity to criticism and shame, humiliation, chronic envy, boredom, emptiness, and susceptibility to embarrassment. A lack of authentic purpose, meaning and personal vision is often associated as both cause and effect of psychological deficits in self-esteem. I treat problems in the maintenance of self-preservation functions where psychological issues disrupt fundamental bodily functions such as sleep, appetite and libido, often resulting in psychosomatic problems and physical disease. Following a thorough assessment of each person’s unique profile, I offer long and short-term individual psychotherapy, parental and couple’s counselling as well as full personality assessments for both clinical insight as well as vocational guidance based on true self-knowledge. Mood:, Depressive, Anxiety and Stress related issues I am familiar with the full spectrum of mood disorders, ranging from mild to severe depressive states, and including suicidal and other self-destructive impulses as well as bipolar disorders. Anxiety states are also an area of special interest and expertise, from general non-specific forms, to social phobias, acute panic disorders, and both acute and chronic stress syndromes. Adolescence I have specialised extensively in work with adolescents and young adults, these issues, amongst others, often being reflected in conflict between parent and child, authority figures and educational and broader social value-systems. I address emotionally-based inhibitions in realising full academic, personal and social potentials, particularly among adolescents. Other symptoms common to adolescents include impulsivity, resistance to both emotional and social learning from experience, as well as cognitive or intellectual resistance to learning. Rage, self-destructive acting-out, including self-mutilation, procrastination and motivational problems usually require uniquely tailored interventions. Attention Deficits in adolescence and Adults I provide a specific and effective range of treatments for so-called Attention Deficit Disorder sub-groups and associated problems in impulse control. Addictive behaviours My extensive experience in the treatment of all forms of addiction, including alcohol and most chemical and process addictions such as sex, pornography, eating, work and gambling, has resulted in evidence of successful outcomes. Latest evidence-based therapeutic strategies provide realistic alternatives to therapies using outdated concepts of addiction as an illness or disease, which may result in ineffective ‘interventions’ which can damage hope in the addict and those involved in their lives. I have developed a special interest in work with ‘techno-addictions’, from mobile phones, gaming, internet, I-pods and, especially internet pornography addiction. I offer emergency post-rehabilitation clinic relapse-prevention interventions. Other areas of experience include: Men’s and mature adult issues; fathering, couples counselling, husbands’ role development in the context of social-historical changes to family structures. Sex-related concerns ranging from performance anxieties to gender- related confusion. Divorce, loss, bereavement, illness, HIV/AIDS, aging, death anxieties. Training offered in a variety of mindful and other meditation techniques. Advanced Supervision and provision of psychological theory, skills development, consultation, and seminars for social media, (Newspapers, magazines, television and radio) educators, allied health professionals, lay counsellors and volunteers. Course development addressing latest critical debates. Involved in academic development via CPD courses and as an academic advisor at Texila American University.