When your child’s teacher gently says, “I think he might need extra time on tests,” or you notice her spending an hour on homework that should take twenty minutes — it plants a seed of worry that doesn’t go away.
That’s where most Centurion families are when they first call me.
My name is Ronita Engelbrecht. I’m a registered Educational Psychologist (HPCSA Reg. No: PS 0158127) with a practice in Rooihuiskraal — right in the heart of Centurion, easy to get to from the N1 and R101.
I’ve spent years working with children across Centurion and Pretoria East who are bright but struggling. Sometimes the issue is dyslexia. Sometimes it’s attention. Sometimes it’s anxiety that looks like laziness. And sometimes a child is simply not ready for Grade 1, even though the birthday says otherwise.
What I’ve learned: most parents already know something is off. They just need someone to name it clearly and show them what to do next.
How I can help your child
I offer the full range of educational psychology services from my Centurion practice:
- Psychoeducational assessments — If reading, maths, or concentration aren’t coming together the way they should, an assessment gives you a clear, evidence-based picture of what’s happening
- Dyslexia intervention — I’m trained in both Davis Methods and Cellfield, two structured approaches for learners who think in pictures and struggle with text
- School readiness assessments — For Grade R learners when you’re weighing whether to send them to Grade 1 or give them another year
- Play therapy and counselling — When anxiety, grief, anger, or behaviour are the loudest signal your child is sending
- Career guidance — Psychometric testing and subject choice support, especially during the Grade 9 decision point
- Exam concessions documentation — IEB, NSC, or Cambridge — if your child qualifies for extra time, a reader, or a scribe, I provide the assessment and report your school needs
- TRE (Tension & Trauma Release Exercises) — A body-based technique that helps release stored stress and tension, suitable for children, teens, and adults
- Exam stress support — Practical strategies for high school and university students who know the work but freeze under pressure
The practice
23 Petrel Rd, Rooihuiskraal, Centurion, 0154.
I designed the space with children in mind — it’s warm, quiet, and not at all clinical. The assessment and therapy rooms feel more like a comfortable lounge than a doctor’s office, because nobody opens up or does their best thinking on edge.
Safe off-street parking means you’re not circling the block. And I schedule sessions so you’re not sitting in a waiting room for long — I know you’re likely fitting this around a school pick-up or rushing back to work.
Afternoon and early evening appointments are available.
Areas I serve from Centurion
I work with families throughout Centurion and the wider Tshwane area. In a typical week I see children from Wierdapark, Lyttelton, Eldoraigne, Highveld, Rooihuiskraal, Thatchfield, The Reeds, and Zwartkop — as well as Irene, Midstream, and Midrand. Families from Pretoria East (Menlyn, Faerie Glen, Garsfontein) often choose this location because it’s quicker than heading into the city.
If your area isn’t listed, reach out anyway. I’ll tell you honestly whether this practice makes sense for you.
Next step
If you’re in Centurion and something about your child’s learning or wellbeing has been niggling at you, get in touch. You can also call 084 589 2011 or email [email protected].
You don’t need a referral. You don’t need to know the right words. You just need a starting point — and that’s what a first conversation is for.