Introduction to counselling

Any change is hard, and at the core of counselling, you aim to change an element of yourself or your situation.

So it’s natural to feel unsure about therapy and if you should try it.  Watch this short video with common questions about counselling to help you feel more informed.

I offer both online counselling as well as in-person therapy in Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape.

What can I get counselling for?

Counselling assists you in dealing with and growing through the traumatic experiences in your life. Each person’s view of what a traumatic experience is can be different. Below are some traumatic experiences where counselling can assist:

  • Losing a parent, partner, child, relative or friend
  • The breakdown or breakup of a long term marriage or relationship
  • A victim of abuse, psychical or emotional.
  • Suffering from a debilitating, deadly or lifelong disease
  • A victim of a violent crime like a robbery or hi-jacking
  • Losing sleep over a situation in your life

Some common reasons for seeking therapy

Trauma

Experiences which have a traumatic effect like being a victim of a crime like hijackings, rape and abuse (physical or verbal)

Depression

Feeling sad or depressed, to the point where you believe your life is negatively affected. If you're feeling down or just overwhelmed, counselling can help.

Loss, Illness & Death

Sick or lost a loved one? Dealing with any loss or grieving process?

Relationship & Marriage

Whether you and your partner need some help, or you require marriage or pre-marital counselling.

Relationship & Marriage

Whether you and your partner need some help, or you require marriage or pre-marital counselling.

Loss, Illness & Death

Sick or lost a loved one? Dealing with any loss or grieving process?

But what is counselling?

There is no one answer, as every person and situation possibly require a different approach. In its simplest form counselling is a facilitated process to overcome a challenge being experienced, with myself playing the role of facilitator.

However, should you expect that all we’ll be doing is talking about your challenge, I do need to correct the expectation. Counselling does require us to unpack the problem in detail, often considering various perspectives. But a session weekly/fortnightly/monthly is frequently not sufficient to address all challenges. We will be looking at tools and techniques you can use to overcome the challenge and these need to be practiced and integrated. 

Signing up for counselling is a great first step, but it means you want to address your challenge and need to put in the work to do so. I will be there helping you through the process. But nothing will change if you do not change or change your perspective.

Online Therapy Flower

Where is therapy offered?

Online Counselling

You can now have therapy in the comfort of your own home or office. Online counseling removes so many barriers to getting the help you need. Please see the Online Counselling page for some more information on this medium for therapy. Follow the easy booking process to get a convenient appointment which will include a Zoom link as my preferred technology. Should you require a different technology, please do inform me ahead of time.

In Person - Jeffreys Bay

My practice is based in Jeffreys bay in the Eastern Cape. I see clients from various areas like St Francis Bay, Humansdorp, Hankey and even Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in person and love the human interaction. Please contact me should you want in person counselling, the same booking process applies, I just need to be aware that the appointment is in person.

A little bit about me

I’ve always had a passion for helping people and for the last 10 years+ I have been a practicing Registered Counsellor after completing my honors degree in Psychological Counselling in 2012 followed by the required supervised practical work. I am registered with the Health Professionals Counsel of South Africa (HPCSA Reg no PRC0023531). As part of this registration, I am required to continually complete training, ensuring that my clients always get the best version of me.

As an added benefit, my counselling sessions are recognized by most South African medical aids and sessions can be claimed back by medical aid members from their funds (Invoice will be provided with the necessary information for the medical aid – for more see my pricing page).

I am also a registered narrative counsellor with Signo Pro (Reg no P23082201).  Narrative therapy is a process that helps a person re-author their stories and create an alternative story line. It allows a person to know who they are and what they want whilst creating meaning to their experiences in their lives. Narrative therapy is non-blaming, confidential, respectful and sees the client as the experts in their own stories.

Brand Family in Mountains

On a more personal note, when not counselling, I am probably spending time outdoors with my boys.

I value family above all else. Sometimes this can be challenging, but I believe that there is no greater reward than experiencing the love of others and the ability to love those close to you.

Apart for my human family, you will find my animals roaming around and they have a special place in my heart. They have the ability to calm and sooth a tough day with nothing more than a touch or gesture. And then there is the unconditional love.

Ready to take the next step?

Counselling can be intimidating, but it really does not have to be. If you’re ready to get the help you are seeking, book an easy appointment today.

If you are unsure if counselling is for you, or have a question, you can always contact me and discuss your concerns.