“Life is not a rehearsal, it’s a performance”.
“Maybe the most any of us can expect of ourselves isn’t perfection, but progress.” – Michelle Burford
I view myself as a helper and an enabler, assisting others to reach their potential and to become resilient. Ultimately, we all want to reach a ‘place’ of understanding, contentment and peace.
I have studied in various fields of social and behavioural science and continue to do so with a doctorate dissertation in psycholegal assessment. Since registering in 1993 with SACSSP, I have accumulated 17 years of relevant experience, of which 13 years have been in private practice. I obtained my Masters Degree in Social Science: Forensic Social Work with Cum Laude (US) and successfully completed the Masters Course in Gestalt psychology: Play therapy (UNISA) with Cum Laude for admission to the Doctorate. I completed training as a mediator in family law (FAMAC) and obtained a diploma in Child Assessment (RAU).
Over the course of my career I have attended more than 17 training programs, diplomas and courses. The most treasured and significant thereof was the advanced course in Gestalt Play therapy (Centre for Play therapy and Learning); the course on Ecosystemic Models of Play therapy treatment (K O’Conner, USA); advanced courses and training programs in Probation, Juvenile Justice and Forensic assessment (Justice College); Filial therapy and the Marschak model (SAAPT, R Seedat) and Assessment & Psychosocial measurement (Perspective College).
Early in my career I worked as a probation officer for the Department of Social Development and resigned as chief social worker to enter into private practice. During this period one of my core duties was forensic services to the then newly formed Courts for Sexual Offences. As part of the multi-professional team in the Cape Peninsula (1996-2000) (Parow, Wynberg, Somerset-West), I was dedicated to the development of the child witness/victim assessment program as well as the training program for intermediaries. Furthermore, I was responsible for providing testimony as expert witness for the state with regards to the child victim’s ability to testify and the scope of trauma that presented. During this period I was privileged to be a representative of the Department of Social Development and worked together with NICRO to develop the initial sentence diversion option (Say Stop) (1995) for juveniles in conflict with the law in the
Early in my career I was intrigued with the application of social behavioural science to questions relating to law and law systems. This is an exceptionally challenging field and takes dedication and continuous training (and some level of self-nurture) to be able to present unbias evidence-based studies and recommendations to courts with regards to the validity of the child victim’s testimony and trauma; the profile of the juvenile delinquent; relevant sentence options for perpetrators; custody issues during divorce; child maltreatment and alternative placement options for children; and allegation of child sexual abuse.
A pre-sentence report which was presented by Lezaan Lennox in the Cape of Good Hope Division of the High Court (case 9806/96) was described by Judge R Foxcroft as "...an incisive and professional report. I want to congratulate her and have to say that it was one of the best reports that I have ever read. She had done proper research into the case.” (translated)
One of the most profound influences on my career was children, especially the abused child. In my view there is no greater evidence of the triumph of the human spirit and indeed the human’s ability to grow and return to its own natural path, than the healing process of children.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” - Charles Darwin.
“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” - Nelson Mandela
I entered the private sector in 2000. I continue to work within the forensic arena, which is my passion and complements my quest for evidence-based outcomes, psycholegal assessment and protection of children. In this regard I am often requested by legal representatives, individuals, organizations and state departments to assess custody issues, sexual abuse allegations, child maltreatment, sexual offenders and individual profiles.
In a High Court matter where Adv. R Meyer (Advocate to the Cape Bar with 18 years of experience) was appointed as curator ad litem during January 2008, she consulted with Lezaan Lennox as a nonaligned (not involved) expert about the merit of the matter. She states the following about Lezaan Lennox. …” (She) has exceptional competency and experience in the field of child trauma, assessing sexual abuse, therapy with children and so forth. Her field of expertise is especially of a forensic nature, and she has on numerous occasions investigated, evaluated and counselled in similar matters. Her experience and knowledge is held in high regard in the High Court.” (translated)
With the change of legislation in child and family law, negotiation and settlements is increasingly the more popular route. This welcoming change encourages divorcing couples to re-look their oppositional attitudes and work towards solutions. Although my practice and work is varied, the role of the mediator in my opinion, provides a fresh look at neutrality, using conflict as an opportunity and to balance power between parties. The nature of this role is perhaps best stated by Ludwig Erhard: “A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece”.
As a therapist I respect the individual as the author of his/her life and, as with a mirror, reflect back to him/her the parts that he/she missed or disregarded. Being part of a process where the possibility of growth and development towards purpose and fulfilment becomes real, is particularly meaningful to me. I believe that the discomfort that brought the client to therapy is indeed fertile ground for the growth of insight and awareness. From the growth of insight, resilience will flourish.
I believe in community participation, continuous learning within the field of human science, the power of the spoken word and sharing my knowledge with others. I consider it essential to be able to listen without bias and to render support in a responsible and effective way.
Since 2003, I have been a member of the Professional Committee of Durbanville Children’s Home and in 2006 was nominated to the Board of Management. In 2010, I was appointed as chairperson of the Professional Committee. It is an enduring experience to see the staff committed and the children evolve.
In my personal life, I find peace in nature, exhilaration in my toddler triplets and belonging with my husband.
