About me

As an HPCSA-registered Counselling Psychologist in private practice, I am dedicated to providing psychotherapy and coaching services that honour each individual’s unique journey. From a young age, I knew I wanted to make a meaningful difference in others' lives, but it wasn’t until my first psychology lecture at the University of the Witwatersrand that I realized my calling. This led me to pursue a Master of Arts in Community-based Counselling Psychology, where my passion for this work deepened.

Throughout my career, I have been especially drawn to working with trauma in community-based settings. During my internship at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR), I had the opportunity to provide therapy to individuals affected by severe trauma, including cases of rape, torture, and conflict-related sexual violence. I was privileged to continue my work at CSVR for several years, supporting individuals and collaborating with frontline workers across Africa to enhance trauma-informed care. This work led me to relocate to The Gambia, West Africa, where I worked for a number of years before transitioning to private practice and consultancy, where I had the opportunity to do work for UNDP. Now based in West Africa, I focus on providing services online.

While trauma has been a central focus of my work, I also have extensive experience with a range of other psychological challenges, including depression, anxiety, life transitions, and relationship issues. Having personally benefited from therapy, I have seen its impact firsthand and am committed to creating a therapeutic space where clients can explore complex experiences, gain insight, and discover pathways to growth and resilience.

In addition to my therapeutic work, I bring expertise in community-based interventions, coaching, crisis intervention, and training. These roles have allowed me to witness both the profound impact of psychological challenges and the resilience people achieve on their journey to healing. My mission is to provide the support clients need—whether in therapy, coaching, or community contexts—to empower their process of recovery and personal transformation

My approach

I was trained in psychodynamic therapy, which remains my primary approach to therapeutic work. This insight-oriented method aims to uncover the root causes of issues rather than just addressing surface symptoms. Through the therapeutic process, clients can gain insight into the unconscious patterns that influence their behaviors, enabling them to discover new ways of thinking and engaging with the world.

In addition to my psychodynamic foundation, I have invested in learning various therapeutic modalities and coaching practices. This allows me to adapt my approach based on each client’s unique needs, ensuring a flexible and personalized experience that honors individual journeys.

I understand that starting therapy or coaching can feel intimidating and overwhelming. The process itself can sometimes be challenging, but the self-discovery and growth that come from it can greatly enhance one’s ability to navigate life and find fulfillment. There is immense value in exploring life’s challenges with someone outside of your immediate circle—someone who can walk alongside you, offering support and guidance to make the journey feel less isolating.

My goal is to create a safe, supportive space that fosters exploration and self-discovery, including regular reflection on how we work together to ensure clients are benefiting effectively. I also utilize the psychological skills and insights I gain through working with people to inform my training and programming services.

My special interests

I currently provide online psychological services to adults, adolescents, and couples. My primary area of interest is trauma, particularly how it affects individuals across the lifespan, including childhood trauma and experiences of sexual violence. I also focus on issues such as depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, and life transitions. My goal is to offer compassionate support tailored to the unique challenges faced by each individual, helping them navigate their healing journey with care and understanding.

Beyond individual therapy, I am passionate about how psychological and mental health skills can be applied at different levels. This includes using arts-based methodologies like body mapping, trauma-informed care, conducting various training and capacity-building initiatives, promoting mental wellbeing in the workplace, and contributing to programming aimed at enhancing mental health awareness and support.

Qualified to support you

Registrations

HPCSA - Psychologist and independent practitioner: PS0133779

Practice number: PR1026917

Qualifications

BSc, BSc Honours in Psychology and MA in Community-based Counselling Psychology - University of the Witwatersrand

It’s the relationship that heals, the relationship heals by providing a space where the patient feels safe to explore the depths of their mind and spirit, knowing that someone will be there to witness, understand, and support their journey.

Irvin D. Yalom

Get started with me, today.