Question 1

What therapy is, and what it isn't?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is a space for reflection, exploration, and understanding. It is a place to think about your inner life, your patterns, relationships, emotional responses, and history, in a way that is difficult to do alone. Over time, this kind of work can shift how you relate to yourself and others, and open up ways of being that feel less constricted. Therapy is not advice-giving, problem-solving, or a quick fix. It does not follow a script, and it is rarely linear. Progress can sometimes feel slow, or even uncomfortable, before it becomes noticeable.

Question 2

How do I know if I’m ready to start therapy?

Accepted Answer

There isn’t always a single, clear moment that signals it’s time. More often, it’s a quieter sense that something isn’t sitting right, feeling stuck in familiar patterns, overwhelmed by certain thoughts or emotions, or finding that things you’ve been managing are becoming harder to carry on your own. You might not have a clear “reason,” and that’s okay. Therapy can begin with uncertainty, with questions, or simply with a sense that something in your experience needs more space and attention. Often, the fact that you’re considering therapy at all is, in itself, enough of a reason.

Question 3

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. What you share is confidential and won't be disclosed without your consent. There are, however, exceptions required by law and ethics, for example where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or in cases involving child abuse or neglect. Where possible, this would be discussed with you beforehand. These limits are explained and discussed at the outset.

Question 4

What can I expect from the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is an opportunity for me to begin understanding what has brought you in, your current difficulties, some background about your life and history, and what you are hoping to get from therapy. It is also a chance for you to get a sense of whether I feel like the right fit, as the relationship between therapist and client matters. If at the end of our first session you feel you'd like to continue, we can begin to think together about how we work going forward. If not, I am happy to point you in a direction that feels more suitable.

You may notice that I ask more questions than I typically would in ongoing psychotherapy. This is to build a clearer picture of your history, context, and needs, and to begin thinking about what kind of therapeutic approach or care would be most appropriate for you. As such, the first session can feel slightly different from later sessions, which tend to be more open-ended and exploratory.

Question 5

What should I expect if I’m bringing my child to see you?

Accepted Answer

Before your child's first session, I ask that parents or caregivers attend an intake session without the child present. This gives us the opportunity to discuss your concerns in full and share relevant background. Your child will then be assessed independently, and depending on the concern, it may also be helpful to gather information from teachers or other people involved in your child's life. However, this would always be discussed and agreed upon with you first.

Your child will then attend therapy sessions independently. The same principles of confidentiality apply, and it is important that children feel the therapy space is their own. Where it would be useful, parents may be invited to a feedback session to discuss how things are progressing, though this would only happen with your child's knowledge and consent.

Question 6

How long is a session, and how often will we meet?

Accepted Answer

Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes. The frequency of sessions is something we discuss and agree on together, taking into account what you are working through, your availability, and what feels sustainable. Weekly sessions are common, though this can be reviewed over time. Psychological assessments, couples sessions, and parent guidance or feedback sessions are longer in duration. The length will be discussed depending on the service.

Question 7

How does online therapy work?

Accepted Answer

Online sessions are conducted via Zoom or Google Meet, and work much the same as in-person sessions in terms of structure and duration. You will need a stable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and a private space where you feel comfortable speaking freely. Online therapy can be a practical and effective option for many people, particularly those with demanding schedules, mobility constraints, or who are not based in Johannesburg. If you are unsure whether it would suit you, we can discuss it before deciding.

Question 8

How do payments work?

Accepted Answer

Sessions will be invoiced following each session and can be paid for privately by EFT, unless otherwise discussed. Payment is due within three days of the invoice date. If you are using medical aid, sessions can either be paid upfront and submitted by you for reimbursement, or I can claim directly on your behalf where benefits are available. Please confirm your cover with your scheme in advance, and feel free to enquire whether I am registered with your specific scheme.

For Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs), funding is subject to a formal assessment and a qualifying diagnosis. The initial session is therefore not covered, and the process involves assigning a diagnostic code that becomes part of your medical record. As the implications can vary, it is best to discuss this with both me and your medical aid provider before proceeding.

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