Psychology Department

Lantern School is in the fortunate position to have 5 on-site psychologists.  We are all passionate about our calling to be able to work with special needs learners.  A full range of psychological services is provided to learners from Grade 1 to Grade 12.

The psychologist functions as a member of the multi-disciplinary team; which consists of the parent(s) or guardian(s), teacher(s), speech therapist, occupational therapist, remedial therapist and external professional i.e. Neurologist, Paediatricians, Psychiatrist, Optometrist, Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist, etc. 

The primary functions of the Psychology Department include conducting psychological assessments and providing therapeutic intervention.

1. The purpose of the assessment is to identify each learner’s unique developmental -, learning - and behavioural needs in order to ensure that Lantern School would be a suitable placement.
2. Pertaining to psychotherapy, we follow a ‘Solution Focused Approach’ by making provision for 4-6 psychotherapy sessions per incident/case.  Should a learner require long-term psychotherapy, a referral will be made to a professional in private practice.  The parent(s) or guardian(s) will be responsible for costs incurred.

The psychologist consults with the parent(s) or guardian(s), teachers, therapists and other relevant staff members regarding the learner’s scholastic and/or emotional needs, as well as the learner’s general progress as to facilitate enhanced performance in the classroom or at home. The psychologist effectively serves as a liaison between students, parents, teachers, therapists and school personnel.

We adhere to the ethical standards and code of the profession as set out by the HPCSA.

Daily schedule

Therapeutic intervention, interaction with parents as well as guidance takes place on a daily basis from 7:45am-12:10pm.  During this time the team of psychologists are unfortunately not available in person or telephonically.  Parents are welcome to either leave a detailed message with one of the secretaries or to send an e-mail stating the reason for the call.  The psychologist assigned to the particular learner’s class will then return the call or respond to the e-mail as soon as possible. 

Kindly respect that an appointment needs to be scheduled in order for your concerns to be discussed in a most constructive manner.  It would not be possible to consult with a psychologist without having made an appointment.  You will understand that this arrangement then also allows the psychologist to be prepared for the matter at hand.  We thank you in advance for your support in this regard.

Meet Lantern School's psychologists

Anzaret van Rooyen
Hanna Malherbe
Elizabeth Bezuidenhout
Intern