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Clinical Psychology

Welcome to Roots Mental Health. The idea of attending therapy may seem overwhelming but you have taken the first step in this important journey.

My way of working in therapy is characterised by an integrative and tailored approach that draws on systemic, psychodynamic, and trauma-informed psychology models, and a neuroaffirmative lense to structure the sessions. My areas of focus include attachment/relational dynamics; trauma; and intergenerational difficulties which have contributed to emotional struggles and psychological symptoms in adults.

I aim to guide you to a deeper understanding of yourself by exploring your present and past experiences in a collaborative and non-judgmental way. I will support you to make sense of your current emotional and mental health experiences and symptoms in a way that allows you to feel empowered to make healthy changes to your life and relationships.

Individual Therapy

Types of clients I work with include:

Individuals 18+ years old

LGBTQIA+ persons

Trainee Psychologists

Neurodivergent adults (ASC/ADHD/AuDHD)

Everyone is welcome and I strive to create a therapeutic space based on respect and acceptance.

I can support you with the following difficulties:

Bereavement and grief

Occupational Burnout and work-related stress
Depression
Historical or recent traumatic experiences
Anxiety and panic disorders
Health Anxiety
Mood disorders e.g. bipolar disorder
Emotional difficulties
Interpersonal difficulties
Loss of identity
Suicidal thoughts
Self-harm
Attachment and Interpersonal difficulties
Changing intergenerational patterns
Emotional regulation
Adjustment (e.g. immigration, career changes)
Neurodivergence (e.g. coping with an ADHD/ASD/AuDHD diagnosis)

All About Therapy

Therapy creates a safe and confidential space for you to get to know yourself better with the assistance of an empathic therapist in a way that you may not be able to elsewhere.

Some of the benefits of therapy include gaining a greater understanding of your emotional and mental world while working in a space where your opinions, thoughts and feelings will be respected and appreciated while you learn new strategies for approaching and coping with problems.

Our adult experiences are inextricably linked to our 'blue print' of the world imprinted on by our history, family, relationships, development and experiences. Through coming to understand this 'blue print' better we are able to actively make empowered decisions about our lives. Therapy creates the opportunity for this exploration to take place in a safe and appropriate way.

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."

Carl R. Rogers

Get to Know Me

I'm Tatum Aspeling, the director here at Roots Mental Health. I am a diligent and passionate South African-trained clinical psychologist. My approach to therapy is respectful and considerate. I hold the values of being ethical, compassionate and competent in high regard during my work with clients. I aim to facilitate a therapeutic process that enables an exploration of your past and current experiences, and symptoms without judgement. Through this process you will gain insight and increased self-awareness so that you may be empowered to make helpful changes in your life and to manage your mental health.

Contact

My Professional Background

Professional registration

Health and Care Professions Council UK (HCPC UK)
Registration category: Practitioner Psychologist
Registration number: PYL37951

Health Professions Council South Africa (HPCSA)
Registration Category: Clinical Psychologist in Independent Practice
Registration number: PS 0139602

Qualifications

Master of Arts Clinical Psychology degree - University of South Africa (cum laude)

2015-2016

Bachelor of Arts Psychology Honours degree - University of South Africa

2011 - 2012

Bachelor of Arts Honours Philosophy degree - University of Pretoria

2011 - 2012

Bachelor of Arts Psychology, Philosophy and Criminology degree - University of Pretoria

2009-2011

Professional Experience

Private Practice - Vergent Psychological Assessments Ltd. - 2024-present
Private Practice - Roots Mental Health Ltd. - 2021-present
NHS North East London Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom - 2019-2021
Government Service - Johannesburg Metro Clinics, Soweto, South Africa - 2018-2019
Clinical Internship - Helen Joseph Hospital, South Africa - 2017
Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa - 2016
Office of the Family Advocate, Pretoria, South Africa - 2016
UNISA Counselling Centre, Pretoria, South Africa - 2016
Secondary School Counselling, Shoshangive, South Africa - 2015
Special Care Centre for Children with disabilities, Shoshanguve, South Africa - 2015
University of Pretoria Centre for the Study of HIV/AIDS, Pretoria, South Africa -2010-2011
UNICA School for Children with Autism, Pretoria, South Africa - 2009-2011
South African Depression and Anxiety Group, Sandton, South Africa - 2009-2010