Welcome.
I am a clinical neuropsychologist based in Cape Town. I offer expert neuropsychological, sleep, and insomnia assessments for adults. My assessments and personalised treatment plans are science-based with a human touch.
My Services
I specialise in adult ADHD testing, dementia and memory loss assessment, as well as cognitive functioning following stroke, head injury, and addiction. I also offer sleep therapy to adults with insomnia and sleeping problems. Whether you are worried about forgetfulness, struggling to focus, or recovering from an injury or illness affecting the brain, I want to help you find diagnostic clarity and plan a personalised path forward.
Neuropsychological Assessments
This is an objective assessment of memory, executive skills, attention, language, visuospatial skills, mood, and behaviour. The assessment assists in clarifying what could account for symptoms (e.g., dementia syndromes, stroke, head injury, sleep disturbance, psychiatric or substance-related factors). A clear explanation of results and proposed management plan will be provided.
Ideal for: memory loss, attention/focus problems, speech/language concerns after stroke or injury, diagnostic clarity for complex cases.
Sleep & Insomnia Assessments
I offer comprehensive clinical assessments and practical, behavioural interventions for insomnia and other sleep disorders, coupled with psychological support. Behavioural interventions are devised collaboratively and tailored to each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. Ongoing support is provided. Clients have access to a digital sleep diary to track sleep patterns over time.
Ideal for: insomnia, non-restorative sleep, cognitive fog/fatigue linked to poor sleep, sleep issues after neurological illness or injury.
Adult ADHD Assessments
A multi-method assessment combining detailed clinical history, neuropsychological testing and a structured diagnostic interview to confirm or rule out ADHD, and to distinguish it from conditions with overlapping symptoms. Clear next steps are provided whether ADHD is present or not.
Ideal for: longstanding focus/organisation difficulties, distractibility, impulsivity impacting work, study, and relationships.
Support for Families
Practical guidance and psychological support for families living with neurological conditions (e.g., dementia, head injury, stroke). I translate diagnosis into day-to-day strategies, strengthen understanding of the condition, and help families build resilience together.
Ideal for: spouses, adult children, or caregivers supporting a loved one with dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, or other neurological conditions
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 patients, 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
SA HIV Clinicians Society
American Psychological Association
Positions
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Private Practice
Researcher, Department of Psychology, UCT
Sleep Scientist, UCT Sleep Sciences
Reviewer: Journal of Sleep Research & Frontiers in Psychology
Frequent Questions about Brain Health
Many people worry about memory problems, forgetfulness, trouble focusing, speech changes after a stroke, or poor sleep and chronic insomnia, but aren’t sure when to seek help. Below, I’ve answered some of the most common questions I hear in my practice to help you understand what might be happening and what steps you can take. *
Why am I forgetting things?
Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but frequent or worsening memory lapses like forgetting conversations, losing track of daily tasks, or misplacing items often, may need attention. Some causes include stress, sleep problems, previous head injury, medication effects, or dementia syndromes. I offer assessments to identify the cause and guide next steps.
Can sleep problems affect my memory and focus?
Absolutely. Acute and chronic poor sleep can cause temporary forgetfulness, poor concentration, irritability, and slower thinking. I provide therapy for insomnia and other sleep disturbances to improve sleep and quality of life.
What are the signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia?
Signs include memory loss, confusion about time or place, difficulty performing familiar tasks, trouble finding words, and personality or mood changes. However, symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause. Importantly, there are causes other than Alzheimer’s or dementia that could account for these symptoms. Early assessment can help clarify whether dementia is a likely cause and allow for timely diagnosis and support.
Why do I struggle to focus or pay attention?
Attention problems can be influenced or caused by many conditions, including ADHD, stress, poor sleep, medication, and various neurological and psychiatric conditions. My assessments focus on clarifying the cause to inform an effective treatment plan
Can a stroke or head injury affect my speech and thinking?
Yes. These events can affect brain areas responsible for speech, memory, and cognitive processing, amongst others. Neuropsychological testing can show which areas are affected, and to what extent.
Are behavioural interventions really effective for insomnia?
Behavioural interventions can be very effective in treating insomnia, especially if personalised to the unique needs of the individual, and if clients are able to adhere to the treatment pan. Behavioural interventions are recognised as one of the gold standard treatments for chronic insomnia. They help retrain the brain’s sleep–wake cycle, reduce anxiety about sleep, and improve long-term sleep quality.
*Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website, including the Brain Health Questions section, is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not make changes to your medication, treatment plan, or healthcare routine without consulting your primary care provider or qualified health professional.
Get in touch.
Please fill out the form or contact me directly via email or Whatsapp. Unfortunately I cannot take calls while I am in session.
I invite you to also read through the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section to get immediate answers to common questions.
In the event of an emergency, please proceed to the nearest emergency centre.
mariza@synapseneuropsychology.com
+27635143022