ABOUT
Hayley Shannon
I am a Clinical Psychologist who completed my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of South Africa, where I was trained in family systems and ecosystemic psychology. I work with adolescents and adults, as well as couples and families, and I approach therapy collaboratively, viewing each client as the expert in their own life while offering insight, guidance, and practical tools to support meaningful change.
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My clinical training included an internship at Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital, where I worked with the acute psychiatric inpatient population in admission wards, the forensic psychology unit, and community clinics. I completed my community service at Pollsmoor Prison in the Remand Detention Facility, where I received additional training in risk assessment and offender profiling.
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I have five years of experience working in the Forensic Psychiatric Unit at Valkenberg Hospital, focusing on assessments of fitness to stand trial and criminal responsibility in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act. I have also conducted civil assessments, including fitness-to-parent evaluations and care and contact recommendations as ordered by the Children’s Court.
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In addition to my clinical work, I have held a joint appointment with the University of Cape Town and the Department of Health. In this role, I have conducted research on mentally ill state patients, trained psychiatry registrars, and supervised intern clinical psychologists.
In my therapeutic work, I draw predominantly from a systemic perspective, which recognises that we do not exist in isolation but within broader relational, social, and cultural systems. Our experiences and the way we understand problems are often shaped by the contexts we find ourselves in. With this in mind, I remain flexible in my approach to therapy, integrating different therapeutic frameworks when appropriate so that the work best fits each client and their unique experiences. I aim to meet clients where they are, recognising that psychotherapy can be a vulnerable process and that clients are the experts in their own lives.
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On a more personal level, I try to approach people with curiosity, compassion, and a genuine interest in understanding their stories. I value seeing the best in others and strive to make a positive impact in the lives of those around me, both professionally and personally. I have always been drawn to investigation and understanding the bigger picture, which continues to shape how I think about people, relationships, and the challenges they face.
