Welcome.
I offer expert neuropsychological, sleep, and insomnia assessments to help get diagnostic clarity and plan a path forward.
My Services
Neuropsychological Assessments
I provide diagnostic neuropsychological assessments for a broad variety of conditions personalised for each individual. I have a special interest in sleep problems and insomnia in individuals experiencing neurological/cognitive difficulties, as well as the cognitive profiles of individuals who have been diagnosed with both neurological and psychiatric conditions. My other areas of interest include cognitive problems as result of substance abuse and addiction, while I also have a special interest in dementias and other syndromes related to age-inappropriate cognitive decline. Although these are areas of special interest, I have experience in, and provide assessments for, a range of other neurological and neuropsychological conditions.
Sleep & Insomnia Assessments
I conduct sleep and insomnia assessments for individuals with or without existing neurological or medical conditions. I take a comprehensive and detailed approach and spend sufficient time with each individual to understand their unique circumstances, symptoms, needs, and concerns. I consider both night-time and daytime factors affecting sleep difficulties. Following the assessment, I provide ongoing support and guidance on various behavioural modification strategies with the aim to improve sleep along with daytime functioning. I have experience in scoring and interpreting polysomnograms (sleep studies) and consider this along with any other medical information available in diagnosis and management of each person.
Support for Families
I provide support for individuals/families with a loved one who has been diagnosed with neurological/neuropsychological conditions (for example, dementia, head injury). I understand that living with neurological problems does not just affect the person experiencing them, but also the entire family system. Living alongside someone with these conditions can have a profound effect on family relationships, how households function, and the emotional well-being of everyone involved. By providing support to loved ones, I aim to bridge the gap between clinical diagnosis and practical understanding, offering insights into the disease process, treatment, and strategies for coping. This can equip families with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the challenges together, and hopefully foster better resilience for the family as a whole.
Statistics & Research
I offer specialised research and statistics services to support students, researchers, academics, and corporate professionals across a variety of different disciplines. My services include all aspects of conducting research, from the inception of the project, to the final interpretation of results. This includes research design, data collection, and statistical analyses. I can assist with a single, multiple, or all components of a research project or statistical analyses, to ensure the process is efficient and scientifically-sound. I also have extensive experience in developing and validating assessments and questionnaires. In addition, I can also complement these services with my subject matter expertise as a clinician-scientist. In this context, I have expertise in the realms of psychology, neuropsychology, behavioural neuroscience, and psychiatry.
About me
I am a multidisciplinary clinical neuropsychologist and sleep scientist dedicated to the care of individuals from all walks of life. With a wealth of experience in both the private and public health sectors, my mission is to provide expert assistance to clients, their families, and referring clinicians through specialised, assessments, diagnoses, and psychoeducation. I have gained local and international experience in various domains throughout my clinical journey, including neuropsychology, psychology, sleep medicine, and psychiatry. I also have experience in clinical research focusing on areas such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. The combination of clinical training and research experience has given me unique insights into the intersection between health, mental health, and behaviour, enriching my clinical approach and care.
Qualifications
BA Psychology (SU)
Honours, Psychology (UCT)
MA Clinical Neuropsychology (UCT)
PhD Neuropsychology (UCT)
Affiliations
Health Professions Council of South Africa
Board of Healthcare Funders
UCT Sleep Sciences
SA HIV Clinicians Society
American Psychological Association
Positions
Researcher, Department of Psychology, UCT
Consultant: Science & Statistics, Neurozone
Get in Touch
Prospective Patients
Please feel free to contact me if you want to learn more about how I can be of assistance in your clinical care.
Referring Clinicians
If you are a clinician considering or wanting to make a referral, please click below to learn more and get in touch.
Alternatively, and for any other queries, please complete the form below
Contact me.
Please fill out the form or contact me directly via email or Whatsapp. If I am unable to answer when you call, I will get back to you as soon as I am able to.
In the event of an emergency, please proceed to the nearest emergency centre.
mariza@synapseneuropsychology.com
+27635143022