Psychodynamic Therapists in Ferndale
My therapeutic approach draws from CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship difficulties, life transitions, emotional difficulties, and concerns affecting personal, social, educational, or career functioning. I also work with couples and families who may be navigating conflict, communication difficulties, changing family dynamics, or other relational challenges.
My therapeutic approach draws from CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship difficulties, life transitions, emotional difficulties, and concerns affecting personal, social, educational, or career functioning. I also work with couples and families who may be navigating conflict, communication difficulties, changing family dynamics, or other relational challenges.
“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.” – David Richo.
I believe that while emotional pain can deeply affect our wellbeing, relationships, and relationship with ourselves, it can also create opportunities for healing, growth, and self-discovery. I respect each person’s unique history and context and the courage it takes to seek support. I strive to provide a safe, accepting and collaborative space where we can build awareness, develop skills and work towards a life worth living. My approach is flexible and tailored to each client’s needs. I look forward to supporting your journey of healing.
“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.” – David Richo.
I believe that while emotional pain can deeply affect our wellbeing, relationships, and relationship with ourselves, it can also create opportunities for healing, growth, and self-discovery. I respect each person’s unique history and context and the courage it takes to seek support. I strive to provide a safe, accepting and collaborative space where we can build awareness, develop skills and work towards a life worth living. My approach is flexible and tailored to each client’s needs. I look forward to supporting your journey of healing.
My approach is collaborative and grounded in psychodynamic therapy, recognising that our emotional lives are shaped by both past experiences and present relationships.
Often, people come to therapy not because there is one clear problem, but because something doesn't feel quite right anymore. You may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected from those around you, or wondering why the same difficulties keep resurfacing. I work with children (7+), adolescents, adults, and couples experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, maternal mental health concerns, grief, and major life transitions. Together, we explore these experiences with curiosity and care.
My approach is collaborative and grounded in psychodynamic therapy, recognising that our emotional lives are shaped by both past experiences and present relationships.
Often, people come to therapy not because there is one clear problem, but because something doesn't feel quite right anymore. You may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected from those around you, or wondering why the same difficulties keep resurfacing. I work with children (7+), adolescents, adults, and couples experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, maternal mental health concerns, grief, and major life transitions. Together, we explore these experiences with curiosity and care.
I provide counselling and psychotherapy to individual adults and couples. My approach to therapy is collaborative. This means that we will work together to understand the underlying psychological patterns that are possibly the explanation behind you feeling stuck, unfulfilled and burdened with thoughts, emotions and situations.
I provide counselling and psychotherapy to individual adults and couples. My approach to therapy is collaborative. This means that we will work together to understand the underlying psychological patterns that are possibly the explanation behind you feeling stuck, unfulfilled and burdened with thoughts, emotions and situations.
I work with adults and adolescents who may be feeling very sad and want to make some changes in their lives. I have many years of experience working with people who are suffering from substance abuse disorders and wish to work on their emotional and psychological health to boost their chances of sobriety.
Individual sessions are R1350 per 50 minutes; this is in line with medical aid rates.
I also work with couples wishing to improve their relationship. I am an LGBTQIA+ -friendly practitioner. Couples' psychotherapy fees are R1450 per 60 minutes.
I work with adults and adolescents who may be feeling very sad and want to make some changes in their lives. I have many years of experience working with people who are suffering from substance abuse disorders and wish to work on their emotional and psychological health to boost their chances of sobriety.
Individual sessions are R1350 per 50 minutes; this is in line with medical aid rates.
I also work with couples wishing to improve their relationship. I am an LGBTQIA+ -friendly practitioner. Couples' psychotherapy fees are R1450 per 60 minutes.
My practice is grounded in psychodynamic therapy and informed by an integrative, evidence-based approach.
Many of the people I work with feel overwhelmed, stuck, or caught in patterns that no longer serve them. They may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress or burnout, relationship difficulties, grief, or significant life transitions. Others seek therapy because they want to better understand themselves, their relationships, or recurring emotional challenges. Together, we create space to explore these experiences with curiosity and compassion.
My practice is grounded in psychodynamic therapy and informed by an integrative, evidence-based approach.
Many of the people I work with feel overwhelmed, stuck, or caught in patterns that no longer serve them. They may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress or burnout, relationship difficulties, grief, or significant life transitions. Others seek therapy because they want to better understand themselves, their relationships, or recurring emotional challenges. Together, we create space to explore these experiences with curiosity and compassion.
My name is Sybrand Hagan. I am a clinical psychologist based in Blairgowrie, Johannesburg. I offer psychotherapy for adolescents and adults who experience a range of psychological difficulties. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and I tailor my therapeutic approach to suit the specific needs of each person. My aim is to offer a safe and non-judgemental space where you are able to explore the difficulties in your life, whether these are difficulties that you are currently facing or a pattern in your thoughts and behaviours that have caused a lack of satisfaction in your life.
My name is Sybrand Hagan. I am a clinical psychologist based in Blairgowrie, Johannesburg. I offer psychotherapy for adolescents and adults who experience a range of psychological difficulties. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and I tailor my therapeutic approach to suit the specific needs of each person. My aim is to offer a safe and non-judgemental space where you are able to explore the difficulties in your life, whether these are difficulties that you are currently facing or a pattern in your thoughts and behaviours that have caused a lack of satisfaction in your life.
A psychodynamic approach refers to unearthing unconscious thought and behavioural patterns that shape how we relate to ourselves and others.
Therapy can be daunting & confrontational at times, even confusing. Yet feeling vulnerable & exposed at times are appropriate states to traverse when a deeper exploration of current difficulties in relation to unconscious patterns is undertaken. As an HPCSA- and BHF-registered Clinical Psychologist, I am here to guide you with curiosity, kindness and evidence-based interventions. I am also a registered BWRT (Level One) practitioner. My special interests include maternal mental well-being, grief and trauma, as well as mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders. Adolescents, adults and couples welcome. Therapy in English & Afrikaans.
A psychodynamic approach refers to unearthing unconscious thought and behavioural patterns that shape how we relate to ourselves and others.
Therapy can be daunting & confrontational at times, even confusing. Yet feeling vulnerable & exposed at times are appropriate states to traverse when a deeper exploration of current difficulties in relation to unconscious patterns is undertaken. As an HPCSA- and BHF-registered Clinical Psychologist, I am here to guide you with curiosity, kindness and evidence-based interventions. I am also a registered BWRT (Level One) practitioner. My special interests include maternal mental well-being, grief and trauma, as well as mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders. Adolescents, adults and couples welcome. Therapy in English & Afrikaans.
Drawing from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapies, I tailor our sessions to meet your individual needs and goals.
As a clinical psychologist, I'm passionate about building genuine connections with my clients. I believe in creating a space where you can feel comfortable being yourself, without fear of judgment. My approach is all about empathy and understanding, because I know that feeling truly heard is the first step towards growth. Trust is the foundation of our relationship, and I'm here to walk alongside you as you navigate life's ups and downs, celebrating your successes and helping you through the tough times.
Drawing from cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapies, I tailor our sessions to meet your individual needs and goals.
As a clinical psychologist, I'm passionate about building genuine connections with my clients. I believe in creating a space where you can feel comfortable being yourself, without fear of judgment. My approach is all about empathy and understanding, because I know that feeling truly heard is the first step towards growth. Trust is the foundation of our relationship, and I'm here to walk alongside you as you navigate life's ups and downs, celebrating your successes and helping you through the tough times.
More Therapists Nearby
As your counselling psychologist, I am equipped with treating various mental health concerns. I am kind and warm and endeavor to be understanding of your experience. I have wealth of experience ranging from private practice, tertiary institutions & corporate. I have expertise in treating adults and have a special interest in couples therapy. Understanding that the environment is important, I do know that committing to a therapy session may come with uncertainty. However, I would love to ease that anxiety by answering any questions you may have. Your psychological well-being and functioning is of utmost importance to me.
As your counselling psychologist, I am equipped with treating various mental health concerns. I am kind and warm and endeavor to be understanding of your experience. I have wealth of experience ranging from private practice, tertiary institutions & corporate. I have expertise in treating adults and have a special interest in couples therapy. Understanding that the environment is important, I do know that committing to a therapy session may come with uncertainty. However, I would love to ease that anxiety by answering any questions you may have. Your psychological well-being and functioning is of utmost importance to me.
I work form an integrative process using both Cognitive behavioral Therapy as well as Psychodynamic therapeutic techniques.
People seek psychological assistance for many reasons; some have difficulty adjusting to specific circumstances, these circumstances could be a traumatic experiences related to a specific event or even a break-up in a relationship.
Or perhaps you are struggling get out of a pattern of repeating behavior that causes you and maybe others distress. This could lead to you experiencing difficult emotions such as feeling hopeless, alone, confused, and overwhelmed.
I work form an integrative process using both Cognitive behavioral Therapy as well as Psychodynamic therapeutic techniques.
People seek psychological assistance for many reasons; some have difficulty adjusting to specific circumstances, these circumstances could be a traumatic experiences related to a specific event or even a break-up in a relationship.
Or perhaps you are struggling get out of a pattern of repeating behavior that causes you and maybe others distress. This could lead to you experiencing difficult emotions such as feeling hopeless, alone, confused, and overwhelmed.
I support children, adolescents, and teens navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional regulation, social challenges, developmental delays, and learning difficulties, helping them build confidence, resilience, and coping skills. I also work with parents, adults, and families seeking guidance for emotional, relational, or academic challenges.
I offer therapy in English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Setswana, and Tshivenda, ensuring clients feel fully seen, heard, and understood in a language that feels most comfortable.
I support children, adolescents, and teens navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, emotional regulation, social challenges, developmental delays, and learning difficulties, helping them build confidence, resilience, and coping skills. I also work with parents, adults, and families seeking guidance for emotional, relational, or academic challenges.
I offer therapy in English, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Setswana, and Tshivenda, ensuring clients feel fully seen, heard, and understood in a language that feels most comfortable.
Do you feel like you have been through so much that maybe no one could ever understand? Have you been overwhelmed and giving so much of yourself that you feel having nothing left to give? Have you been so hurt that you can't imagine yourself ever overcoming that pain? Do feel like giving up on life and struggling to find your purpose? We are here for you,speak to us we would like to assist you.
Do you feel like you have been through so much that maybe no one could ever understand? Have you been overwhelmed and giving so much of yourself that you feel having nothing left to give? Have you been so hurt that you can't imagine yourself ever overcoming that pain? Do feel like giving up on life and struggling to find your purpose? We are here for you,speak to us we would like to assist you.
In the years that I have been in psychology field, I have acquired training in the different types of therapy namely CBT, Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, and Action and Commitment Therapy.
Be it a loss of a job or a loved one, a breakdown in a romantic or work relationship, these challenges all ask for some level of adjustment to take place. These life experiences may bring feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and so forth. In attempts to alleviate the distressing feelings, we as humans desire for a space where we can be vulnerable in expressing ourselves and our fears at the time. Our ultimate desire is to be equipped with tools and techniques which will not only alleviate our pain but also contribute to our self-growth.
In the years that I have been in psychology field, I have acquired training in the different types of therapy namely CBT, Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, and Action and Commitment Therapy.
Be it a loss of a job or a loved one, a breakdown in a romantic or work relationship, these challenges all ask for some level of adjustment to take place. These life experiences may bring feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, and so forth. In attempts to alleviate the distressing feelings, we as humans desire for a space where we can be vulnerable in expressing ourselves and our fears at the time. Our ultimate desire is to be equipped with tools and techniques which will not only alleviate our pain but also contribute to our self-growth.
In my therapeutic approach, I primarily use psychodynamic psychotherapy, as it focuses on a deeper understanding of oneself and creates enduring changes in one's life.
Hello and welcome!
Life's challenges can affect both our emotional and mental wellbeing, as well as our relationships and aspects of our daily lives. Whether you're seeking to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, facing a difficult chapter in your life, or experiencing significant distress, I am here to meet you where you are at! My aim is to create a warm, safe, and caring space where you feel truly heard, understood, and comfortable to be yourself. A place where you can reflect, process, gain deeper insight, and find practical solutions—empowering you to move forward with greater clarity, personal growth and wellbeing.
In my therapeutic approach, I primarily use psychodynamic psychotherapy, as it focuses on a deeper understanding of oneself and creates enduring changes in one's life.
Hello and welcome!
Life's challenges can affect both our emotional and mental wellbeing, as well as our relationships and aspects of our daily lives. Whether you're seeking to gain a deeper understanding of yourself, facing a difficult chapter in your life, or experiencing significant distress, I am here to meet you where you are at! My aim is to create a warm, safe, and caring space where you feel truly heard, understood, and comfortable to be yourself. A place where you can reflect, process, gain deeper insight, and find practical solutions—empowering you to move forward with greater clarity, personal growth and wellbeing.
We are registered psychologists working in the Germiston and Edenvale areas. We offer counselling and psychotherapeutic services to adolescents, individual adults, couples and families. We assist with relationship difficulties, couple's or marriage counselling, depression, anxiety, trauma related issues, grief, anger management just to name a few.
We are registered psychologists working in the Germiston and Edenvale areas. We offer counselling and psychotherapeutic services to adolescents, individual adults, couples and families. We assist with relationship difficulties, couple's or marriage counselling, depression, anxiety, trauma related issues, grief, anger management just to name a few.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years experience who works with adult individuals and couples experiencing any personal and / or relationship challenges. I offer an objective , non judgemental space to unpack, understand and overcome your difficulties , however complex or overwhelming they may feel for you.
My objective is to help you to feel in control by developing and mastering greater understanding and effective coping strategies which will result in a greater sense of inner and interpersonal peace .
Look forward to this journey- it will be ultimately rewarding and fulfilling for you .
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years experience who works with adult individuals and couples experiencing any personal and / or relationship challenges. I offer an objective , non judgemental space to unpack, understand and overcome your difficulties , however complex or overwhelming they may feel for you.
My objective is to help you to feel in control by developing and mastering greater understanding and effective coping strategies which will result in a greater sense of inner and interpersonal peace .
Look forward to this journey- it will be ultimately rewarding and fulfilling for you .
I am a psychodynamic therapist.
It takes some courage to take the decision to come to psychotherapy. You may have experienced a sudden painful disruption in your life which has thrown into question your beliefs about your relationships, yourself and the world, creating a loss of safety. Or perhaps the difficult feelings have been building over time, but you can no longer push them out of mind and tell yourself to bear it and carry on. It can feel both hopeful and frightening to come to therapy. The thought of talking about very personal things to a stranger is understandably anxiety provoking and the need for emotional safety to do so, is essential.
I am a psychodynamic therapist.
It takes some courage to take the decision to come to psychotherapy. You may have experienced a sudden painful disruption in your life which has thrown into question your beliefs about your relationships, yourself and the world, creating a loss of safety. Or perhaps the difficult feelings have been building over time, but you can no longer push them out of mind and tell yourself to bear it and carry on. It can feel both hopeful and frightening to come to therapy. The thought of talking about very personal things to a stranger is understandably anxiety provoking and the need for emotional safety to do so, is essential.
I am a clinical psychologist with over 28 years of experience, specializing in personality disorders (Borderline, Narcissistic, Schizoid), complex PTSD, and relational trauma. These struggles can feel overwhelming, and many believe they’re untreatable—but real growth is possible. Using a range of evidence-based approaches, I help clients find stability, self-understanding, and healthier relationships. You don’t have to go through this alone.
I am a clinical psychologist with over 28 years of experience, specializing in personality disorders (Borderline, Narcissistic, Schizoid), complex PTSD, and relational trauma. These struggles can feel overwhelming, and many believe they’re untreatable—but real growth is possible. Using a range of evidence-based approaches, I help clients find stability, self-understanding, and healthier relationships. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Dr. Bêne Otto
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Parkhurst 2193
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome, my name is Bêne and I am a Counselling Psychologist working with adults and couples facing a range of life challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, burnout and work-related stress, relationship difficulties, and bereavement. I have a particular interest in loss and grief and completed a PhD in Psychology focusing on disenfranchised grief.
Welcome, my name is Bêne and I am a Counselling Psychologist working with adults and couples facing a range of life challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, burnout and work-related stress, relationship difficulties, and bereavement. I have a particular interest in loss and grief and completed a PhD in Psychology focusing on disenfranchised grief.
Nearby Psychodynamic Counsellors Searches for Ferndale
- Blairgowrie
- Cresta
- Johannesburg North
- Linden
- Morningside
- North Riding
- Olivedale
- Parkhurst
- Paulshof
- Randburg
- Randpark Ridge
- Sandton
Psychodynamic Counsellors
Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.
How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.
Does psychodynamic therapy work?
Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.
What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.