Psychodynamic Therapists in Parkhurst
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.
I am a competent, skilled, and compassionate clinical psychologist working primarily with individuals and couples. I have gained extensive experience treating individuals both in South Africa and in the United Kingdom presenting with a wide variety of issues, including emotional, psychiatric, and health-related difficulties. I have trained in a number of psychological therapy models and draw from all of them when treating patients. I also offer group Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) courses, an evidence-based treatment for relapsing depression and other emotional and psychological conditions.
I am a competent, skilled, and compassionate clinical psychologist working primarily with individuals and couples. I have gained extensive experience treating individuals both in South Africa and in the United Kingdom presenting with a wide variety of issues, including emotional, psychiatric, and health-related difficulties. I have trained in a number of psychological therapy models and draw from all of them when treating patients. I also offer group Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) courses, an evidence-based treatment for relapsing depression and other emotional and psychological conditions.
I work from an integrative approach, which uses solution-focused and psychodynamic therapy techniques.
I use an integrative approach to counseling as it is an approach that is shaped to fit the needs of the client. This allows me to develop an intervention plan suited to your individual needs. Empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard are the cornerstone of my counseling approach.
I work from an integrative approach, which uses solution-focused and psychodynamic therapy techniques.
I use an integrative approach to counseling as it is an approach that is shaped to fit the needs of the client. This allows me to develop an intervention plan suited to your individual needs. Empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard are the cornerstone of my counseling approach.
My therapeutic interests are varied, and are founded on a passion for connection and providing a safe, non-judgmental space for people to share, explore and grow. If nothing else, I am an advocate for having yourself reflected back at you in a supportive and empowering space. Through my own personal therapy, I understand the apprehension around sharing intimate information. However, I have consistently observed the value of being seen, understood and challenged in therapy. My ideal clients are adults, adolescents and couples that are curious about themselves and invested in collaborative work.
My therapeutic interests are varied, and are founded on a passion for connection and providing a safe, non-judgmental space for people to share, explore and grow. If nothing else, I am an advocate for having yourself reflected back at you in a supportive and empowering space. Through my own personal therapy, I understand the apprehension around sharing intimate information. However, I have consistently observed the value of being seen, understood and challenged in therapy. My ideal clients are adults, adolescents and couples that are curious about themselves and invested in collaborative work.
My name is Megan Vries. I am a clinical psychologist, based in Craighall Park, providing therapy to adults and adolescents. There are constant demands placed on adults, including family responsibility, navigating interpersonal relationships, and work demands. Similarly, Adolescence and young adulthood is a challenging period as young people are experiencing cognitive, social, emotional and interpersonal changes. Adolescents may be under significantly more pressure than when they were younger, in that more is expected from them academically and socially.
My name is Megan Vries. I am a clinical psychologist, based in Craighall Park, providing therapy to adults and adolescents. There are constant demands placed on adults, including family responsibility, navigating interpersonal relationships, and work demands. Similarly, Adolescence and young adulthood is a challenging period as young people are experiencing cognitive, social, emotional and interpersonal changes. Adolescents may be under significantly more pressure than when they were younger, in that more is expected from them academically and socially.
Life can be challenging and complicated. Our past experiences have a way of influencing how we manage the challenges life brings and we can often find ourselves repeating patterns of behaviour, which can create even more difficulties. Therapy is a space to explore these patterns and to have an experience which is safe and challenging at the same time.
Life can be challenging and complicated. Our past experiences have a way of influencing how we manage the challenges life brings and we can often find ourselves repeating patterns of behaviour, which can create even more difficulties. Therapy is a space to explore these patterns and to have an experience which is safe and challenging at the same time.
Our personal journey is filled with ups and downs, highs and lows, moments of joy and incidences of hardship. As we ebb and flow through life, there may be times where difficulties arise and our usual ways of coping lose their effectiveness. Engaging in therapy can prove beneficial in navigating these challenges, providing a possible path for healing and growth. Entering into a therapeutic relationship is not only for the difficult times, but also for those moments of clarity, a sounding board upon which the healthy mind can evolve and discover new ways of being.
Our personal journey is filled with ups and downs, highs and lows, moments of joy and incidences of hardship. As we ebb and flow through life, there may be times where difficulties arise and our usual ways of coping lose their effectiveness. Engaging in therapy can prove beneficial in navigating these challenges, providing a possible path for healing and growth. Entering into a therapeutic relationship is not only for the difficult times, but also for those moments of clarity, a sounding board upon which the healthy mind can evolve and discover new ways of being.
I am a psychodynamic-trained therapist who believes in a flexible and integrative approach to therapy tailored to the clients’ needs.
Along this life journey we may get thrown a curve ball and may be facing difficulties that feel overwhelming and our usual coping mechanisms fail us. A soldier can only run so far on a wounded limb, until they pay attention to it and dress it up for healing. So it is with life. We may need to tend to, dress, and heal the wounds. Therapy can be a powerful mechanism of healing, growth and restoration. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families who may be experiencing a wide range of including emotional, relational, psychiatric and health-related difficulties.
I am a psychodynamic-trained therapist who believes in a flexible and integrative approach to therapy tailored to the clients’ needs.
Along this life journey we may get thrown a curve ball and may be facing difficulties that feel overwhelming and our usual coping mechanisms fail us. A soldier can only run so far on a wounded limb, until they pay attention to it and dress it up for healing. So it is with life. We may need to tend to, dress, and heal the wounds. Therapy can be a powerful mechanism of healing, growth and restoration. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families who may be experiencing a wide range of including emotional, relational, psychiatric and health-related difficulties.
I use a psychodynamic approach which allows you to tell me the reasons for wanting to come to therapy.
What has happened? Often when the initial shock wears off we will say, "I am okay now". However, we underestimate the impact of the frequent traumas and stressors in our lives. Over time these pockets of tears, fears and pain affect our relationships, leaving us in feeling more alone. I am a Clinical Psychologist with an medical and stress related background. My integrated therapeutic focus is on interpersonal relationships and the emotions that can affect them.
I use a psychodynamic approach which allows you to tell me the reasons for wanting to come to therapy.
What has happened? Often when the initial shock wears off we will say, "I am okay now". However, we underestimate the impact of the frequent traumas and stressors in our lives. Over time these pockets of tears, fears and pain affect our relationships, leaving us in feeling more alone. I am a Clinical Psychologist with an medical and stress related background. My integrated therapeutic focus is on interpersonal relationships and the emotions that can affect them.
Life can get away with us and may make it difficult to keep in touch with yourself (whoever that is, whatever that looks like) and that is why I value the concept of taking care of yourself/myself, be it spiritually (religion, nature, art, etc), physically (picnicking, hiking or gym), mentally (reading and doing puzzles) and emotionally (talking, drawing, music, etc). We live in a high pressured, and at times critical society which can make it difficult to navigate even the most "mundane" tasks. I believe that having a safe, non-judgmental space in which to explore various issues is necessary in tension release & self-discovery.
Life can get away with us and may make it difficult to keep in touch with yourself (whoever that is, whatever that looks like) and that is why I value the concept of taking care of yourself/myself, be it spiritually (religion, nature, art, etc), physically (picnicking, hiking or gym), mentally (reading and doing puzzles) and emotionally (talking, drawing, music, etc). We live in a high pressured, and at times critical society which can make it difficult to navigate even the most "mundane" tasks. I believe that having a safe, non-judgmental space in which to explore various issues is necessary in tension release & self-discovery.
My work draws from psychodynamic training while remaining tailored to each individual’s needs.
You may be here because you're overwhelmed, you may be navigating a life transition. Relationships feel complicated or heavy. You are carrying grief, loss or unresolved traumatic experiences. You might just want to understand yourself more deeply. I offer individual, couple's, and play therapy, as well as psychological assessment.
My work draws from psychodynamic training while remaining tailored to each individual’s needs.
You may be here because you're overwhelmed, you may be navigating a life transition. Relationships feel complicated or heavy. You are carrying grief, loss or unresolved traumatic experiences. You might just want to understand yourself more deeply. I offer individual, couple's, and play therapy, as well as psychological assessment.
We all struggle to cope with the challenges of life from time to time and starting therapy can offer you a grounded space of support. I am a Clinical Psychologist and offer a nurturing and private space, for you to unpack your thoughts and gain clarity. Psychotherapy is an ideal platform to explore your pain, give words to unspoken trauma and help you manage when you feel overwhelmed, down or anxious. My way of working lends itself better to medium or longer-term psychotherapy as I enjoy doing depth work with my patients. This includes exploring how our earliest experiences influence how we see oursehow we connect with others.
We all struggle to cope with the challenges of life from time to time and starting therapy can offer you a grounded space of support. I am a Clinical Psychologist and offer a nurturing and private space, for you to unpack your thoughts and gain clarity. Psychotherapy is an ideal platform to explore your pain, give words to unspoken trauma and help you manage when you feel overwhelmed, down or anxious. My way of working lends itself better to medium or longer-term psychotherapy as I enjoy doing depth work with my patients. This includes exploring how our earliest experiences influence how we see oursehow we connect with others.
I primarily work from the psychodynamic modality; however, I may utilise knowledge, techniques as well as skills from other modalities where indicated.
My practice focuses on adolescents and adults, and offers brief (supportive) and long-term therapy. I aim to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can freely explore themselves, while giving the necessary attention to other aspects that impact their mental health and overall functioning.
I primarily work from the psychodynamic modality; however, I may utilise knowledge, techniques as well as skills from other modalities where indicated.
My practice focuses on adolescents and adults, and offers brief (supportive) and long-term therapy. I aim to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can freely explore themselves, while giving the necessary attention to other aspects that impact their mental health and overall functioning.
I provide:
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (Adolescents and Adults)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Trauma Informed CBT and Psychotherapy
• Attachment-Based Work
My practice is grounded in providing culturally sensitive, integrative interventions that are carefully tailored to each client’s circumstances and experiences.
I am committed to creating a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment where individuals feel supported to explore their inner worlds, deepen self-awareness, and strengthen their capacity for resilience.
My work is guided by the belief that therapy should be both collaborative and adaptive, enabling clients to develop effective coping strategies, foster personal growth, and cultivate lasting change.
I provide:
• Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (Adolescents and Adults)
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Trauma Informed CBT and Psychotherapy
• Attachment-Based Work
My practice is grounded in providing culturally sensitive, integrative interventions that are carefully tailored to each client’s circumstances and experiences.
I am committed to creating a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment where individuals feel supported to explore their inner worlds, deepen self-awareness, and strengthen their capacity for resilience.
My work is guided by the belief that therapy should be both collaborative and adaptive, enabling clients to develop effective coping strategies, foster personal growth, and cultivate lasting change.
Like the ancient art of Kintsugi, I believe that healing is not about erasing cracks but embracing them - filling the broken pieces with resilience, self-compassion and strength. Life's challenges can leave us feeling shattered, but with the self-reflection, self-awareness and the right support, those fractures can become part of a more beautiful, empowered version of ourselves.
As a Clinical Psychologist, I help individuals navigate a vast array of mental health issues and life transitions, guiding them towards growth and wholeness. Together we can turn pain into wisdom and struggles into gold.
Like the ancient art of Kintsugi, I believe that healing is not about erasing cracks but embracing them - filling the broken pieces with resilience, self-compassion and strength. Life's challenges can leave us feeling shattered, but with the self-reflection, self-awareness and the right support, those fractures can become part of a more beautiful, empowered version of ourselves.
As a Clinical Psychologist, I help individuals navigate a vast array of mental health issues and life transitions, guiding them towards growth and wholeness. Together we can turn pain into wisdom and struggles into gold.
This includes cognitive behavioural and cognitive neuroscience approaches; mindfulness-based therapy; narrative therapy; compassion focused therapy; systems and psychodynamic approaches.
Cynthia has a special interest in helping clients with anxiety, insomnia, work stress, adjustment to life events stress, and the actualisation of potential strengths and positive states of mental wellbeing. Her approach is to work systemically to understand your life context, how you perceive and think about your relationships, life, and circumstances, and how these perspectives influence your thoughts, emotions, decisions, behaviours, and relationships. She takes a practical approach to supporting you in finding solutions, developing strategies, and gaining new perspectives, working in a solution-focused way, to assist you.
This includes cognitive behavioural and cognitive neuroscience approaches; mindfulness-based therapy; narrative therapy; compassion focused therapy; systems and psychodynamic approaches.
Cynthia has a special interest in helping clients with anxiety, insomnia, work stress, adjustment to life events stress, and the actualisation of potential strengths and positive states of mental wellbeing. Her approach is to work systemically to understand your life context, how you perceive and think about your relationships, life, and circumstances, and how these perspectives influence your thoughts, emotions, decisions, behaviours, and relationships. She takes a practical approach to supporting you in finding solutions, developing strategies, and gaining new perspectives, working in a solution-focused way, to assist you.
Being human means facing a life with painful moments. Whether you’re searching for a way through the pain, are learning to live with a mental illness, or are trying to make sense of your existence, we can walk the road together.
Being human means facing a life with painful moments. Whether you’re searching for a way through the pain, are learning to live with a mental illness, or are trying to make sense of your existence, we can walk the road together.
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and have experience working across psychiatric, correctional, and community mental health settings. My professional journey has allowed me to work with adolescents, adults, older adults, and individuals facing complex mental health concerns, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related difficulties, personality-related challenges, substance use concerns, and dual diagnoses. Seeking support is a courageous step, and I am committed to walking alongside you on your journey towards greater life balance and well-being.
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and have experience working across psychiatric, correctional, and community mental health settings. My professional journey has allowed me to work with adolescents, adults, older adults, and individuals facing complex mental health concerns, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related difficulties, personality-related challenges, substance use concerns, and dual diagnoses. Seeking support is a courageous step, and I am committed to walking alongside you on your journey towards greater life balance and well-being.
My approach is trauma-informed, using psychodynamic, creative and person-centred approaches.
With appreciation and understanding of the therapeutic potential of the arts, I may integrate creative approaches into sessions to support emotional expression, self-awareness, and well-being. My holistic practice honours the connection between emotional, cognitive, and physical health, and focuses on authentic expression and healing of the self.
My approach is trauma-informed, using psychodynamic, creative and person-centred approaches.
With appreciation and understanding of the therapeutic potential of the arts, I may integrate creative approaches into sessions to support emotional expression, self-awareness, and well-being. My holistic practice honours the connection between emotional, cognitive, and physical health, and focuses on authentic expression and healing of the self.
Most people just want to be happy. While that can certainly be achieved through counselling, I believe happiness is an emotion, like others, that comes and goes. Instead I work with you to create more peace, joy and fulfilment in your life. These are deeper long-lasting goals that are the foundation of life satisfaction. Over and above the specific concern you wish to work on, I aim to help you connect with who you really are as a person and facilitate the path to who you would like to be.
Most people just want to be happy. While that can certainly be achieved through counselling, I believe happiness is an emotion, like others, that comes and goes. Instead I work with you to create more peace, joy and fulfilment in your life. These are deeper long-lasting goals that are the foundation of life satisfaction. Over and above the specific concern you wish to work on, I aim to help you connect with who you really are as a person and facilitate the path to who you would like to be.
Nearby Psychodynamic Counsellors Searches for Parkhurst
- Bryanston
- Douglasdale
- Ferndale
- Fourways
- Johannesburg North
- Lonehill
- Morningside
- Olivedale
- Rivonia
- Sandton
- Sunninghill
- Woodmead
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.