Agnes Jooste

My journey towards becoming an Educational Psychologist grew from a longstanding passion for understanding people and supporting them in reaching their full potential. Early in my career, I worked in adult training and coaching, before moving into school settings where I gained experience in remedial education, special needs education, and learner support within mainstream schools. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the unique ways in which people learn, develop, and experience the world, and ultimately inspired me to pursue Educational Psychology.

My professional experiences have provided me with the opportunity to work with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse backgrounds and across a range of contexts. I have developed experience in psycho-educational assessment, therapeutic support, and collaborative intervention, with a particular interest in understanding each individual within the context of their unique strengths, challenges, relationships, and environment.

My approach to Educational Psychology is grounded in a holistic, trauma-informed, person-centred and strengths-based perspective. I strongly value a systemic and collaborative approach, believing that meaningful and lasting change often emerges when individuals are supported within the contexts and relationships that surround them.

My current area of focus lies in meaningful and therapeutic assessment with children, adolescents, and adults. I believe that assessment can be far more than simply gathering information or identifying difficulties; rather, it can create opportunities for greater self-understanding, self-compassion, and growth. I value involving individuals actively in the process and using assessment findings to create practical and personalised pathways for support.

I am particularly interested in using assessment as a tool for answering meaningful questions such as “How do I learn best?”, “Why does my child behave this way?”, or “Why do I experience certain emotional or relationship difficulties?” Assessments can also provide valuable insight into presentations such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in both children and adults, while exploring cognitive functioning, emotional wellbeing, personality, and behavioural patterns. I believe that greater understanding is often the first and most important step towards meaningful change.

My motivation in both my work and personal life is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others; to provide guidance, support, and understanding; and to continue learning and growing alongside those I have the privilege of working with.