Michael Nel (Chael): Clinical Psychologist

Founder and Director of the Spectrum Centre, Chael is the most senior clinician in the practice, with over 20 years’ experience in psychotherapy across private practice, psychiatric facilities, and corporate wellness settings. He is widely recognised for his work with adults on the autism spectrum and adults with ADHD, particularly where presentations are complex or long-standing. His approach is structured, insightful, and grounded in helping clients develop a deeper psychological understanding of themselves, their relationships, and their patterns of thinking and emotion.

B.Soc.Sc. (UOFS), Hons (Psych) (UN), MA (Clin Psych) (UZ).

Kevin Naidu: Clinical Psychologist

Kevin has worked alongside Chael since internship and is one of the most experienced clinicians at the Centre. Known for his structured, organised, and methodical style, Kevin specialises in working with autistic and ADHD adults around relationships, workplace challenges, trauma, and emotional regulation. He places strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship and supports clients in building a clearer, more integrated understanding of themselves and how they engage with the world.

BA (Wits) Hons (Applied Psych) (Wits) MA (Clin Psych) (Wits)

Brenton Thornton: Counselling Psychologist

Passionate about exploring the mind’s internal world, Brenton offers a collaborative and reflective therapeutic space for neurodivergent adults seeking greater emotional awareness and self-understanding. Using an eclectic and tailored approach, he works with clients to explore internal experiences, build coping strategies, and move toward psychological wellbeing in a way that feels validating and grounded.
Expertise first. A human touch always.
Understanding your neurodivergent mind changes everything.

BA (Wits), BA (Hons) Psychology (Wits), MA Couns. Psyc. (Wits)

Athenea Faye: Clinical Psychologist

Athenea is a Clinical Psychologist and specialist in adult neurodiversity, with a particular passion for supporting autistic and ADHD adults as they navigate identity, relationships, personal growth, and major life transitions. She helps clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their strengths, and the unique ways they experience the world.

Her approach combines evidence-based psychological practice with a genuine respect for each person’s individual experiences, values, and goals. Athenea is known for creating a warm, supportive, and collaborative therapeutic space where clients feel understood, empowered, and encouraged to explore meaningful change.

Clients consistently value her insight, empathy, and ability to balance compassion with practical guidance, helping them build greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and confidence in navigating life’s challenges.

 

UKZN M. Soc Science Clinical Psychology; Unisa BA Hons Psychological Counselling; Unisa BA Psychological Counselling

Lesego Lekgothoane: Clinical Psychologist

Lesego is a Clinical Psychologist with a warm, insightful, and neurodiversity-affirming approach to therapy. Her work is grounded in curiosity, empathy, and respect for the diverse ways people experience, understand, and navigate the world.

Drawing on integrative, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based approaches, she supports autistic and ADHD adults in developing greater self-understanding, navigating everyday challenges, and building lives that align with their values, strengths, and authentic identities.

She views therapy as a collaborative process, walking alongside clients as they make sense of their experiences, explore patterns that may no longer serve them, and develop more compassionate and sustainable ways of relating to themselves and others. Her work is centred on creating a safe, respectful space where clients can better understand their unique neurotype, reduce self-criticism, and cultivate greater self-acceptance.

Believing in the power of personal narratives, Lesego is passionate about helping clients view themselves through a neurodiversity-informed lens. She supports individuals in transforming stories of confusion, self-doubt, or feeling different into stories of insight, self-compassion, growth, and meaningful connection.

MA Clinical Psychology (UCT), BA (Wits), BA (Hons) Psychology (Wits), BA (Hons) English Language & Literature (Wits)