Bessie Venter Educational Psychologist

24/08/2026

Ever wondered how worry shows up in our bodies, or even in our children's? This image really explains it well! If you or your child are struggling with constant worry symptoms, please feel free to reach out for help 🙏

08/07/2026

Many children with Inattentive ADHD aren’t disruptive or hyperactive, so their difficulties can easily be missed. They may be described as dreamy, forgetful, disorganised, or “not living up to their potential”—when in reality, they are working incredibly hard just to stay focused.

Inattentive ADHD isn’t about choosing not to pay attention. It’s about having a brain that struggles to regulate attention consistently. A child may concentrate intensely on something they love but find everyday tasks, instructions, and routines much harder to manage.

Recognising the signs early can make a huge difference. With understanding and the right support, children with Inattentive ADHD can thrive both at home and at school.

See the visual for download instructions for our A Bitesize Guide to Inattentive ADHD. AVAILABLE UNTIL 22 JULY 2026.

18/05/2026

🌧️ When worry feels overwhelming, children often need a guide to help them make sense of their thoughts.

This “Calming My Worry Storm” tool encourages kids to pause, reflect, and ask helpful questions like:

☁️ Is it true?
☁️ What will probably happen?
☁️ Who can help me?

By building emotional awareness and using grounding techniques like the 5-4-3-2-1 method, we can help children move from anxiety to calm. 💛

Big feelings can feel scary - but with support, they can be managed.

05/04/2026

Happy Easter to all our families! 🐣✨

As we celebrate the hope and renewal of the resurrection this Sunday, it’s a beautiful time to pause and reflect. Beyond the chocolate and egg hunts, this season reminds us of the power of new beginnings - a theme we see every day in the growth and resilience of the children we work with.

For our young learners, these holiday breaks are a vital time for rest—giving their minds and hearts a chance to reset so they can return to their studies with renewed spirit and focus.

Whether you are attending services, enjoying family traditions, or simply resting in the promise of the season, we wish you a weekend filled with peace and joy.

02/03/2026

09/02/2026

This week, we’re diving into something many parents and educators hear about but don’t always get clearly explained — the 8 sensory systems.

Sensory processing isn’t just about being “sensitive to noise” or “liking to fidget.” It’s about how a child’s brain receives, organises and responds to information from their body and the world around them. When we understand this, behaviour starts to make a lot more sense.

This week we’ll gently unpack each sensory system, what it does, and how it can show up in everyday life at home and in school. If you’ve ever thought “Why does my child react so strongly to that?” — this series is for you.

Save this so you can follow along, and share with someone who might find it helpful.

16/01/2026

The start of a new school year brings fresh routines, expectations, and transitions.
While some children settle in quickly, others may need more time — and that’s okay.

Early in the year, challenges may show up as:
🧠 Difficulty concentrating
😟 Increased worry or school reluctance
📘 Struggling to keep up with classroom demands
🗣️ Withdrawing or becoming easily overwhelmed
😔 Low confidence or frustration with schoolwork

These responses are not signs of failure — they are part of adjustment. For some children, they can also highlight underlying learning, attention, or emotional needs.

Understanding how a child processes information, manages demands, and copes with change can make a meaningful difference to their school experience.

If you’re unsure whether what you’re seeing is part of normal adjustment or something that needs support, you’re welcome to reach out. A conversation or assessment can offer clarity and reassurance.

Bessie started her career as a secondary school teacher in 1991, whilst studying part-time in order to obtain her registration as an Educational Psychologist. Bessie currently runs a practice in both Kempton Park and Edenvale.

07/01/2026

Tania Johnson | December 18th, 2025 Why Children Crave Structure After Unstructured Breaks The holiday season often brings joy, activity, and cherished

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas! 🎊

26/11/2025

As report cards come out, many parents focus on the numbers — but behaviour, attention, emotional regulation, and learning patterns often tell the real story.

A few questions to reflect on:
✨ Does my child enjoy learning?
✨ Are they confident or easily discouraged?
✨ Do they need more time or repetition?
✨ Are friendships affecting their school performance?

If any of these questions raised concerns for you, feel free to get in touch. A conversation or assessment can provide clarity - and peace of mind.