Bianca Lima Smit - Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Training and Experience

With an innate curiosity and sense of adventure, I have always been fascinated by the mysteries of the mind and human behaviour. This inquisitiveness led me to study within the realm of the Social Sciences. I graduated from the University of Pretoria with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Criminology, going on to complete an Honours Degree in Psychology the following year. I then went on to complete a B.Psych. Equivalent in Practical Psychometrics at the University of Johannesburg, as well as a six month internship at a private practice based in Pretoria, Gauteng.

My passion for psychological assessment led to the beautiful beginnings of establishing a private psychometric consulting practice. I gained experience in assessment selection, administration, scoring, report-writing and feedback in the neuro-psychological, educational, corporate and medico-legal fields. After working full-time within the consulting field, I began my Master's training in Clinical Psychology at the University of Limpopo, Mankweng Campus. I then went on to complete an internship in the Western Cape at the Stikland/Tygerberg Hospital Complex and Kleinvlei Community Clinic. I worked in various therapeutic wards, an eating disorders clinic, a geriatric ward, an addictions treatment ward, the child and adolescent psychiatric unit as well as a forensic rotation at Valkenburg Hospital. Here, I gained vital experience in working as part of a multi-disciplinary team with other healthcare professionals, gaining experience in conducting individual psychotherapy, group therapy, clinical case presentation and further training in psychological assessment. Thereafter, I completed my community service at Heidelberg Correctional Centre, where I gained experience in the field of parole board and risk assessments, community engagement projects, individual, group and family therapy.

Having completed my clinical training at different institutions across South Africa, I have had the privilege and opportunity to draw from diversely complex and varied environments, adopting an eclectic and integrative approach. I have experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, groups, couples, families and organisations. Within my clinical psychology practice, I value the authenticity, courage and vulnerability which it takes to seek and engage in a therapeutic process. Maintaining mindfulness of each individual’s unique journey and process. I am exceptionally passionate about issues relating to mental health and psychological well-being. Currently, my private practice is based in Pretoria, Gauteng while continuing consulting work across South Africa.