Inner Thoughts Therapy Services
Supporting your child's growth and well-being with specialised therapy, counselling, and family support.
Is your family navigating any of the following?
Meet Wendy Mupaku
Your Partner in Creating Hope & Growth
With 14+ years of specialised expertise, Wendy provides high-level clinical care in diverse environments, including disability support in higher education and autism early intervention.
She is an established author and researcher on the development of children with ASD and intellectual disabilities, with four peer-reviewed articles and a book chapter to her name. View her publications below.
Academic Credentials
Professional Licensure & Registration
Comprehensive Family Support
We are here to help your family navigate these challenges and more.
Developing Resilience & Confidence
Navigating Anxiety & Emotional Health
Strengthening Social & Executive Function Skills
Support for Autism & Neurodiversity Advocacy
Guidance Through Life Transitions
Empowerment for Children with Chronic Illness
Skill-Building for Challenging Behaviours
Transitions from Childhood to Adulthood
Evidence-Based Methods
We use evidence-based methods to help your child thrive.
Also offering: Post Diagnosis Counselling, Supportive Counselling, Palliative Counselling, Social Work Student Supervision, Policy Advising, and Mental Health Workshops.
What Families Say
Hear from the families whose lives have been touched by Inner Thoughts Therapy Services.
Testimonial coming soon.
— Parent
Testimonial coming soon.
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Testimonial coming soon.
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More testimonials will be added as they are received.
Professional Memberships
Wendy is a registered member of the following professional bodies, ensuring the highest standards of ethical practice and ongoing professional development.
Council for Professions Allied with Medicine
Cayman Islands
South African Council for Social Service Professions
South Africa
Board of Healthcare Funders
Southern Africa
Practice No. 9990890000937487
Australian Association of Social Workers
Australia
If you would like to know more about Wendy's background or services, send a message or email her directly. She will reply to discuss your enquiry.
Scholarship & Research
Peer-reviewed research contributing to global knowledge on disability, resilience, and child well-being.
Mupaku, W., Kelly, B. & van Breda, A. (2026). Caregivers' Perspectives and Experiences on the Transition of Youth with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Out of Residential Care. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal.
doi.org/10.1007/s10560-026-01097-3 2026Mupaku, W., & van Breda, A. (2024). Resilience processes that enable better-than-expected outcomes for young care-leavers with intellectual disabilities and/or autism. Social Work & Social Sciences Review.
doi.org/10.1921/swssr22250 2024Mupaku, W. M. (2024). Preparation of intellectually disabled and/or autistic young people for leaving care in South Africa. Social Work / Maatskaplike Werk, 60(3), 530–553.
doi.org/10.15270/60-3-1346 2024Mupaku, W. M., van Breda, A. D., & Kelly, B. (2021). Transitioning to adulthood from residential childcare during COVID-19: Experiences of young people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder in South Africa. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 49(3), 341–351.
doi.org/10.1111/bld.12409 2021Mupaku, W. M., Braenne Bennwik, I.-H., & Kelly, B. (2023). Methodological issues when interviewing disabled care-leavers: lessons learned from South Africa, Norway and Northern Ireland. In S. Keller, I. Oterholm, V. Paulsen, & A. van Breda (Eds.), Living on the edge: innovative research on leaving care and transitions to adulthood (pp. 111–128). Policy Press.
doi.org/10.56687/9781447366317-011 2023ORCID: 0000-0001-7582-8628
Coming Soon
Dr. Mupaku is working on a range of practical resources designed to support children and families. Stay tuned for these exciting releases.
Thoughtfully crafted stories to help children understand and manage anxiety, build emotional regulation skills, and navigate "big feelings" with confidence and courage.
Practical, evidence-based guides for parents supporting neurodivergent children and families navigating life transitions — rooted in compassionate, real-world experience.
Interested in being notified when these resources are available? Get in touch.
Insights & Resources
Monthly articles, tips, and insights from Dr. Wendy — supporting families on their journey to better mental health and well-being.
Parents today are navigating school stress, social media pressure, and fast-paced routines, all of which impact a child's mental health. The good news is that emotional well-being is built through small, consistent moments of connection, not perfection.
June 2026
Childhood anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns parents face today. It can show up as worry, irritability, perfectionism, stomach aches, school refusal, or emotional overwhelm.
2026
Childhood anxiety is the body's alarm system. When a child feels overwhelmed, their brain activates the fight-flight-freeze response — even when the situation isn't dangerous.
2026
Resilience is a child's ability to cope, adapt, and recover from stress. Research shows resilience is not innate — it is built through repeated experiences of safety, connection, and support.
2026
Supporting a child with autism begins with understanding how their brain processes the world. Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference, not a behavioural issue.
2026
Emotionally thriving families aren't perfect — they cultivate an environment of safety, open communication, and predictable connection that regulates stress and builds long-term resilience.
2026
Therapy Resources
Carefully selected and curated therapy tools to support children's emotional regulation, sensory needs, and learning at home — recommended by Dr. Wendy.
A tactile toy to support focus, calm, and sensory processing. Ideal for children with anxiety or sensory sensitivities.
Colourful cards to help children identify and articulate their emotions — a great tool for therapy homework and family conversations.
A practical workbook for parents supporting children with anxiety, neurodiversity, or behavioural challenges — evidence-based and easy to follow.
Want to be notified when the shop goes live?
Get in touch and we will let you know when resources become available to purchase.
Common Questions
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We will discuss your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. It is a safe, confidential space where you can share at your own pace. Sessions typically last 50 minutes.
I work with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, autism spectrum support, family challenges, parenting difficulties, and end-of-life care. I also offer specialised neurodevelopmental support and behaviour modification programmes.
Wendy holds professional registrations that allow her to provide services to clients in other jurisdictions, including South Africa and Australia, subject to applicable requirements. Virtual sessions offer flexibility for families who prefer to connect from home. Please get in touch to discuss your circumstances and where you are based.
Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the therapeutic relationship. Everything discussed in session remains private, with very limited exceptions required by law (such as imminent risk of harm). This will be discussed in detail during your first session.
Please use the contact form below or email innerthoughtstherapy@gmail.com. There is no online booking: Wendy reads each enquiry and will reply to discuss your needs and whether her services are the right fit. An initial consultation is required before any sessions are arranged.
Contact
Have a question about Wendy's background or services? Send a message using the form, or email her directly.
Thank you for reaching out. Wendy will reply as soon as she can.
Where Wendy can help
Wendy holds professional registrations that allow her to provide services to clients in other jurisdictions, including South Africa and Australia, subject to applicable requirements.
This website, the email inbox and the contact form are not monitored around the clock and cannot be used for emergencies. If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, please contact your local emergency services straight away.