She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from Stellenbosch University. After completing her degree, she undertook an internship and community service with the Department of Defence working at health centres including 2 Military Hospital, Gordon’s Bay, Eerste River, and Bredasdorp. She provided therapeutic support to individuals and families, reinforcing her belief in adapting therapy to meet each person’s unique needs.

For over ten years, Adiela served as a Clinical Psychologist at 2 Military Hospital, where she was Head of Psychological Services within a voluntary inpatient psychiatric unit. She supervised interns, provided therapy, and worked in multidisciplinary teams, providing care for individuals facing psychiatric conditions like psychosis, personality disorders, depression, and anxiety, to name a few. Her work spanned several wards, including general medicine, rehabilitation, orthopaedics, and palliative care, providing her with ability to treat complex psychological and medical challenges.

As the field of Neuropsychology evolved, Adiela pursued additional training and based on her experience was granted registration as a Neuropsychologist under the HPCSA’s “grandfather clause.” She has developed a special interest in geriatric care and assessment for post-TBI rehabilitation. Her neuropsychological approach focuses on both symptom management and improving quality of life, but more importantly seeing the individual behind the difficulties.

Adiela’s therapeutic style is grounded in psychodynamic principles, helping patients explore how past experiences shape current behaviors. She believes in the transformative power of self-awareness and insight, guiding patients to identify long-standing patterns. For Adiela, therapy is a collaborative process, in which patients are the experts in their own lives, and she works alongside them to equip them with the tools to overcome life’s challenges.

Adiela’s aim is to provide a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change in their lives.