Chronic Illness Therapists in Johannesburg

Photo of Henning Gericke, Registered Counsellor, HPCSA - Counsellor
Henning Gericke
Registered Counsellor, HPCSA - Counsellor
Serves Area
My ideal clients are individuals and families navigating chronic illness, serious medical diagnoses, or palliative care journeys.
I provide counselling for individuals and families facing chronic illness, serious diagnoses, and palliative care journeys. My approach helps clients process difficult emotions, cope with uncertainty, and find grounding during medical and life transitions, while strengthening resilience, communication, and meaning in challenging circumstances.
My ideal clients are individuals and families navigating chronic illness, serious medical diagnoses, or palliative care journeys.
I provide counselling for individuals and families facing chronic illness, serious diagnoses, and palliative care journeys. My approach helps clients process difficult emotions, cope with uncertainty, and find grounding during medical and life transitions, while strengthening resilience, communication, and meaning in challenging circumstances.
084 209 5930 View 084 209 5930
Photo of Lebogang Masego Matshediso, General Counsellor, BSocSci Hons, ASCHP Specialist Wellness Counsellor
Lebogang Masego Matshediso
General Counsellor, BSocSci Hons, ASCHP Specialist Wellness Counsellor
Online Only
Chronic Illness Psychosocial Wellness Counsellor.
Our goal is to help you live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life despite the challenges of chronic illness. In therapy sessions, the focus is on you, and only you, which can help keep you centered and strong.
Chronic Illness Psychosocial Wellness Counsellor.
Our goal is to help you live a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life despite the challenges of chronic illness. In therapy sessions, the focus is on you, and only you, which can help keep you centered and strong.
087 250 2464 x99 View 087 250 2464 x99
Photo of Mia Pienaar, Registered Counsellor, MPsych, HPCSA - Counsellor
Mia Pienaar
Registered Counsellor, MPsych, HPCSA - Counsellor
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Let's talk about how evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques can help you to manage anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, chronic pain and living with chronic illness.
Through my research, practical experience, and personal experience, I can offer you understanding, a space to be heard, and evidence-based techniques to empower you, boost your insight into yourself, and stimulate your healing.
Let's talk about how evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques can help you to manage anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, chronic pain and living with chronic illness.
Through my research, practical experience, and personal experience, I can offer you understanding, a space to be heard, and evidence-based techniques to empower you, boost your insight into yourself, and stimulate your healing.
087 250 2962 x72 View 087 250 2962 x72
Photo of Siska Plekker, General Counsellor
Siska Plekker
General Counsellor
Online Only
I work with adults living with the lasting effects of childhood trauma, chronic stress, and emotional overwhelm — including those who feel stuck in survival mode, disconnected from themselves, or repeating patterns in relationships and self-worth. Many feel they have lost their identity or never fully developed a sense of who they are. I also work with women who feel lost — through motherhood, divorce, or simply years of putting everyone else first. My clients want more than insight. They want emotional stability, practical tools, healthier coping, and a grounded sense of direction and purpose — working with both the mind and body.
I work with adults living with the lasting effects of childhood trauma, chronic stress, and emotional overwhelm — including those who feel stuck in survival mode, disconnected from themselves, or repeating patterns in relationships and self-worth. Many feel they have lost their identity or never fully developed a sense of who they are. I also work with women who feel lost — through motherhood, divorce, or simply years of putting everyone else first. My clients want more than insight. They want emotional stability, practical tools, healthier coping, and a grounded sense of direction and purpose — working with both the mind and body.
087 250 2148 x53 View 087 250 2148 x53
Photo of Mihlali Makasi, Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
Mihlali Makasi
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Specializations include chronic illness management, weight management counselling, insomnia, grief and panic attacks.
I am an empathic and passionate Counselling Psychologist offering services for Individuals, couples, families, groups and organizations. Psychological assessment (incl. career guidance assessments) and psychotherapy are part of the services offered to adults, adolescents and children. Both inpatient and outpatient mental health services are offered. Clients are assisted to live life without the hindrance of emotional, behavioural and cognitive struggles. Services are offered in a non judgemental space with support in developing more fulfilling life experiences.
Specializations include chronic illness management, weight management counselling, insomnia, grief and panic attacks.
I am an empathic and passionate Counselling Psychologist offering services for Individuals, couples, families, groups and organizations. Psychological assessment (incl. career guidance assessments) and psychotherapy are part of the services offered to adults, adolescents and children. Both inpatient and outpatient mental health services are offered. Clients are assisted to live life without the hindrance of emotional, behavioural and cognitive struggles. Services are offered in a non judgemental space with support in developing more fulfilling life experiences.
087 250 0719 x24 View 087 250 0719 x24
Photo of Julian Ing, Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Julian Ing
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
I believe everyone has the ability to create a life worth living, yet modern life often presents us with challenges that feel overwhelming and prevent us living congruently with our authentic values. Whether you are navigating a sudden crisis, managing a chronic condition, or want to better understand yourself and your relationships, psychotherapy can be a catalyst for insight, relief, change or resilience. I don’t believe in a "one size fits all" approach and use evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs.
I believe everyone has the ability to create a life worth living, yet modern life often presents us with challenges that feel overwhelming and prevent us living congruently with our authentic values. Whether you are navigating a sudden crisis, managing a chronic condition, or want to better understand yourself and your relationships, psychotherapy can be a catalyst for insight, relief, change or resilience. I don’t believe in a "one size fits all" approach and use evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs.
087 250 3069 x69 View 087 250 3069 x69
Photo of Edwardine Okoudjou, Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Edwardine Okoudjou
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
I work with adults living with mood, anxiety, and trauma-related difficulties, as well as people experiencing grief, loss, relationship strain, chronic illness, maternal mental health concerns, and LGBTQ+ identity-related stress.
As we move through life, we may find ourselves stuck, overwhelmed, or at a crossroads. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to reflect on what is happening for you, understand your patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and explore practical ways of coping and moving forward.
I work with adults living with mood, anxiety, and trauma-related difficulties, as well as people experiencing grief, loss, relationship strain, chronic illness, maternal mental health concerns, and LGBTQ+ identity-related stress.
As we move through life, we may find ourselves stuck, overwhelmed, or at a crossroads. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to reflect on what is happening for you, understand your patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and explore practical ways of coping and moving forward.
087 250 2837 x79 View 087 250 2837 x79
Photo of Tsholofelo Riet, Social Worker, SACSSP
Tsholofelo Riet
Social Worker, SACSSP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Life can feel very heavy when you’re going through a hard time. Whether you are grieving a loss, feeling stuck, or struggling with anger, anxiety and trauma, you don't have to carry that weight by yourself. I am here to meet you exactly as you are with no judgment. Together, we will work to make sense of your past and your relationships with yourself and others so you better manage the feeling of overwhelm. My goal is to help you find healing and feel like you are back in control of your own life. You deserve to feel grounded, calm, and whole again.
Life can feel very heavy when you’re going through a hard time. Whether you are grieving a loss, feeling stuck, or struggling with anger, anxiety and trauma, you don't have to carry that weight by yourself. I am here to meet you exactly as you are with no judgment. Together, we will work to make sense of your past and your relationships with yourself and others so you better manage the feeling of overwhelm. My goal is to help you find healing and feel like you are back in control of your own life. You deserve to feel grounded, calm, and whole again.
View
Photo of Nicole Schuitmaker, Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Nicole Schuitmaker
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Psychotherapy provides a safe, non-judgmental and confidential space in which to explore and better understand yourself, your relationships and your challenges or difficulties. I am fluent in Afrikaans and English. I am trained in a number of approaches, such as Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Narrative therapy, and Solution-focused Therapy. I work integratively, depending on the needs and best interest of the client.
Psychotherapy provides a safe, non-judgmental and confidential space in which to explore and better understand yourself, your relationships and your challenges or difficulties. I am fluent in Afrikaans and English. I am trained in a number of approaches, such as Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy, Narrative therapy, and Solution-focused Therapy. I work integratively, depending on the needs and best interest of the client.
087 250 0914 x56 View 087 250 0914 x56
Photo of Sehorane Mavis Lehlomela, Social Worker, BSocSci Hons, SACSSP
Sehorane Mavis Lehlomela
Social Worker, BSocSci Hons, SACSSP
My name is Sehorane Lehlomela affectionately known as Seho, a Social Worker who has interests in working with children and adults who experience life challenges. I specialize in trauma counselling, health and wellness, marriage and family counselling as well as stress related issues. I know seeking professional help is not easy for people especially for men whom the society portrait as strong. It is okay, i am here to listen to you, help you every step of the way until you are okay.
My name is Sehorane Lehlomela affectionately known as Seho, a Social Worker who has interests in working with children and adults who experience life challenges. I specialize in trauma counselling, health and wellness, marriage and family counselling as well as stress related issues. I know seeking professional help is not easy for people especially for men whom the society portrait as strong. It is okay, i am here to listen to you, help you every step of the way until you are okay.
087 250 0513 x51 View 087 250 0513 x51
Leepile Thebe
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
We work from an evidence-based therapeutic modalities to address a myriad of psychological disorders.
We work from an evidence-based therapeutic modalities to address a myriad of psychological disorders.
087 250 0049 x67 View 087 250 0049 x67
Photo of Amy Tayla Chewins, Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Amy Tayla Chewins
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
What feels impossible to carry alone often becomes more bearable when it is held in the right place. I'm Amy, a Clinical Psychologist in Johannesburg. I see children, adolescents, & adults across various difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationships, identity, substance use & more. My approach is primarily psychodynamic, exploring what lies beneath the surface, in the history & patterns that shape how you feel & move through the present. I can also draw on CBT, DBT, narrative & trauma-focused work when it helps. How we work together is shaped by who you are and what you need, rather than a fixed approach.
What feels impossible to carry alone often becomes more bearable when it is held in the right place. I'm Amy, a Clinical Psychologist in Johannesburg. I see children, adolescents, & adults across various difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationships, identity, substance use & more. My approach is primarily psychodynamic, exploring what lies beneath the surface, in the history & patterns that shape how you feel & move through the present. I can also draw on CBT, DBT, narrative & trauma-focused work when it helps. How we work together is shaped by who you are and what you need, rather than a fixed approach.
064 952 1368 View 064 952 1368
Photo of Sharon Sharon Naidoo - Safe Space Wellness by Sharon Naidoo, General Counsellor
Safe Space Wellness by Sharon Naidoo
General Counsellor
Online Only
I am counsellor, yes. But first? I'm human. I have sat with people in silence when words would not come. I have watched couples untangle fights that were never really about the dishes. I have held space for grief that had no timeline.And here is what I know for sure: You are not broken. You are not behind. You are not too much.You are just someone who could use a gentle guide right now. I would be honored to be that for you.
I am counsellor, yes. But first? I'm human. I have sat with people in silence when words would not come. I have watched couples untangle fights that were never really about the dishes. I have held space for grief that had no timeline.And here is what I know for sure: You are not broken. You are not behind. You are not too much.You are just someone who could use a gentle guide right now. I would be honored to be that for you.
087 250 0409 x28 View 087 250 0409 x28
Photo of Megan Redgard, Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Megan Redgard
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My work is psychoanalytically informed, creating a space where clients can freely explore their thoughts, emotions, and histories at their own pace. While my foundation is psychoanalytic, I also make use of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) when clinically indicated, particularly for individuals who experience emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, or self-destructive behaviours. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and work collaboratively to ensure that therapy is a meaningful and transformative experience.
My work is psychoanalytically informed, creating a space where clients can freely explore their thoughts, emotions, and histories at their own pace. While my foundation is psychoanalytic, I also make use of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) when clinically indicated, particularly for individuals who experience emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, or self-destructive behaviours. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and work collaboratively to ensure that therapy is a meaningful and transformative experience.
087 250 0902 x40 View 087 250 0902 x40
Photo of Stephanie MacIlwaine, Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Stephanie MacIlwaine
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
Experienced Psychologist with over 9 years of dedicated work in clinical and neuropsychology, as well as mental health services. Comfortable in offering individual therapy, conducting neuropsychological assessments, and supporting rehabilitation for a variety of clients. Truly passionate about working with multidisciplinary teams to enhance clients’ mental well-being. Enthusiastic about making a positive difference through personalised care and compassionate support.
Experienced Psychologist with over 9 years of dedicated work in clinical and neuropsychology, as well as mental health services. Comfortable in offering individual therapy, conducting neuropsychological assessments, and supporting rehabilitation for a variety of clients. Truly passionate about working with multidisciplinary teams to enhance clients’ mental well-being. Enthusiastic about making a positive difference through personalised care and compassionate support.
087 250 0049 x20 View 087 250 0049 x20
Photo of Marjaanah Motala, General Counsellor, MSc, ASCHP Wellness Counsellor
Marjaanah Motala
General Counsellor, MSc, ASCHP Wellness Counsellor
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Welcome! As a woman, I get how complex life can be. My aim is to provide quality, affordable, and flexible sessions for all women. I work best with those who are ready to invest in themselves and their mental health, explore different avenues of healing, have difficult conversations, and take meaningful steps toward lasting change. Healing isn’t always easy; it takes strength, vulnerability, and commitment. But, together, it can be a beautiful experience. I adopt a gentle but structured and guided approach by using exercises and personalized resources to support your unique journey, leading to a healthier and happier you.
Welcome! As a woman, I get how complex life can be. My aim is to provide quality, affordable, and flexible sessions for all women. I work best with those who are ready to invest in themselves and their mental health, explore different avenues of healing, have difficult conversations, and take meaningful steps toward lasting change. Healing isn’t always easy; it takes strength, vulnerability, and commitment. But, together, it can be a beautiful experience. I adopt a gentle but structured and guided approach by using exercises and personalized resources to support your unique journey, leading to a healthier and happier you.
087 250 0160 x70 View 087 250 0160 x70
Photo of Dr. Germarie Human Sutherland, General Counsellor, PhD, MPsySSA
Dr. Germarie Human Sutherland
General Counsellor, PhD, MPsySSA
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Foreign-trained professional with expertise in neuropsychology. Not registered with HPCSA. As a Specialist Neurodiversity Consultant, I assist adolescents and adults with psychoeducational support, advocacy, and skills setting to thrive. The field of neurodiversity is my passion. If you need guidance to move forward, let me help you get unstuck and start growing.
I am a Foreign-trained professional with expertise in neuropsychology. Not registered with HPCSA. As a Specialist Neurodiversity Consultant, I assist adolescents and adults with psychoeducational support, advocacy, and skills setting to thrive. The field of neurodiversity is my passion. If you need guidance to move forward, let me help you get unstuck and start growing.
087 250 0160 x99 View 087 250 0160 x99
Photo of Casey Blake, Registered Counsellor, MA, HPCSA - Counsellor
Casey Blake
Registered Counsellor, MA, HPCSA - Counsellor
Serves Area
I love working with people who feel different. Specifically, with regards to gender, sex & sexuality, relationship structures and parenting with awareness & intention. In Sex Therapy we think about your sexual and intimate life. If sex (solo or partnered) is not what you had hoped it would be, counselling can be a helpful process to get a better understanding of how the body-mind connection works when it comes to the different elements of sex. I am committed to unpacking harmful narratives & misinformation, while creating a safe space for you to do the work.
I love working with people who feel different. Specifically, with regards to gender, sex & sexuality, relationship structures and parenting with awareness & intention. In Sex Therapy we think about your sexual and intimate life. If sex (solo or partnered) is not what you had hoped it would be, counselling can be a helpful process to get a better understanding of how the body-mind connection works when it comes to the different elements of sex. I am committed to unpacking harmful narratives & misinformation, while creating a safe space for you to do the work.
View
Photo of Susan Louise McGarvie, General Counsellor, PhD
Susan Louise McGarvie
General Counsellor, PhD
Serves Area
Whether you're struggling to navigate difficult life circumstances, or feeling like you're ready to take action and make positive life changes, finding someone to support and guide you is a healthy and courageous step.
Whether you're struggling to navigate difficult life circumstances, or feeling like you're ready to take action and make positive life changes, finding someone to support and guide you is a healthy and courageous step.
087 250 2148 x38 View 087 250 2148 x38
Photo of Joachim Fana Lance Mureriwa, Psychologist, PhD
Joachim Fana Lance Mureriwa
Psychologist, PhD
Serves Area
Do you have an addiction or Addictions? Starting in 2024, the priority of this practice is the assessment and treatment of addictions. There are two categories of addiction. The first is addiction to drugs, such as alcohol, dagga, others. The second is behavioral addictions, such as shopping, gambling, sex, and others. The guiding treatment philosophy is that addictions are neurological disorders and not moral failings. Treatment is in hospital or as outpatients, and compliments treatment at Rehab centers. Methods of treatment include, counselling, behavior therapy, EEG biofeedback, and collaboration with other health practitioners.
Do you have an addiction or Addictions? Starting in 2024, the priority of this practice is the assessment and treatment of addictions. There are two categories of addiction. The first is addiction to drugs, such as alcohol, dagga, others. The second is behavioral addictions, such as shopping, gambling, sex, and others. The guiding treatment philosophy is that addictions are neurological disorders and not moral failings. Treatment is in hospital or as outpatients, and compliments treatment at Rehab centers. Methods of treatment include, counselling, behavior therapy, EEG biofeedback, and collaboration with other health practitioners.
087 250 0914 x23 View 087 250 0914 x23
Chronic Illness Counsellors
How does therapy for chronic illness work?
Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.

Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?
Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?
No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.

How long does therapy for chronic illness take?
There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.