WHY GO FOR PSYCHOTHERAPY / COUNSELLING‭?‬

All people have experienced  emotional difficulty at some point in their life. And research indicates that at least one in four adults will experience more severe difficulties or mental challenges in their lifetime. Everyone needs someone to talk to at some point, and many people benefit from the wise, caring support of a trained and experienced professional. 

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People also go to therapy to assist in making important life decisions.

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Research also indicates that people who receive psychotherapy will continue to improve and benefit after therapy ends. Along with reducing symptoms, therapy also helps you understand yourself and your underlying issues, break familiar cycles and make decisions in your life that can provide healing, growth, and positive change.

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WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE VISIT A PSYCHOLOGIST‭?‬

Most people who visit a psychologist are people like you or I, looking  to find ways in which to deal with a current or long- term situation that is impacting on their lives. Some people have more severe difficulties. Our clients come for a very wide range of reasons.

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HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT‭?‬

You can either phone or email. It is quite permissible to address any queries you might have about my qualifications, experience, fees, therapy approach etc. when you make an appointment.

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WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN THE FIRST SESSION‭?‬

The first session is where we can start to work together on what you have brought in and I can get a sense of what is going on for you. It is also a time where you discuss what you would like to get from coming to therapy and the time frame involved for this. You can get a sense of  my style of working and whether you would like to continue to see me. 

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HOW LONG WILL I BE IN THERAPY‭?‬

This depends on a number of factors that you and I would discuss at your first session.  Factors which are taken into account are the nature of the problem and the  goals of your therapy. Therapy can be short term, medium or long term.

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WILL MY MEDICAL AID PAY FOR THERAPY‭?‬‬

This practice charges within the prescribed medical aid tariffs. Whether your medical aid will reimburse you will depend on whether your scheme covers you for therapy and whether you still have benefits left for that current year. You can request what the treatment code and fees are to check your benefits with your medical aid.

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DO YOU DO SKYPE/ZOOM THERAPY?

Yes, I do. 

Online therapy has become recognized with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa and the major medical aids. 

I use the recommended online secure portals such as Zoom for online/teletherapy.

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HOW DO I CHOOSE A PSYCHOLOGIST‭?‬

You can be referred by a professional who knows how different psychologists work and what their approach or special interests are; by word of mouth or alternatively source a therapist through social media. 

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WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DOES A PSYCHOLOGIST HAVE TO HAVE‭?

In South Africa, Psychologists must be registered with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA). 

The minimum qualification is a Masters Degree in Psychology. This involves completing an undergraduate degree e.g. B.A (Psychology) and two post graduate degrees i.e. B.A. Hons (Psychology) and M.A. (Psychology). The next stage is a one year internship in an approved institution, organization or practice and a further year of community service.

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After qualifying there is compulsory career long continued education to ensure that professional standards are adhered to.