Addiction Therapists in Cape Town City

Weronika Julia Kiwak
General Counsellor, BSocSci Hons
Serves Area
As a Specialist Wellness Counsellor, I offer evidence-informed support for adults and couples experiencing trauma, addiction and recovery, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, burnout and life transitions.
I'm a Specialist Wellness Counsellor who believes that healing begins when we feel safe enough to be ourselves. My role is to walk alongside you with compassion, curiosity and without judgement, offering support that's tailored to your unique experiences. Using a person-centred, trauma-informed approach, I integrate somatic practices, CBT, DBT and ACT to help you navigate life's challenges and move towards lasting wellbeing.
As a Specialist Wellness Counsellor, I offer evidence-informed support for adults and couples experiencing trauma, addiction and recovery, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, burnout and life transitions.
I'm a Specialist Wellness Counsellor who believes that healing begins when we feel safe enough to be ourselves. My role is to walk alongside you with compassion, curiosity and without judgement, offering support that's tailored to your unique experiences. Using a person-centred, trauma-informed approach, I integrate somatic practices, CBT, DBT and ACT to help you navigate life's challenges and move towards lasting wellbeing.
087 250 0536 x18 View 087 250 0536 x18
Hayley Frances Bredberg
General Counsellor
Online Only
If you’re struggling with: - Low self-esteem - Addiction - ADHD/ASD symptoms - Anxiety - Anger - Emotional dysregulation - Personal, gender, sexual identity, And if you need to find ways to: - Deal with trauma and crisis - Process and unpack past and present events - Set boundaries and gain assertiveness - Manage your relationship/s - Find meaning and purpose - Take better care of yourself, I’m here for you.
My specialties in my counselling practice are addiction, neurodivergence, self-understanding/awareness, and self-esteem. But, I can support you in many other areas as well. I offer online sessions for both individuals and couples as regularly as you require.
If you’re struggling with: - Low self-esteem - Addiction - ADHD/ASD symptoms - Anxiety - Anger - Emotional dysregulation - Personal, gender, sexual identity, And if you need to find ways to: - Deal with trauma and crisis - Process and unpack past and present events - Set boundaries and gain assertiveness - Manage your relationship/s - Find meaning and purpose - Take better care of yourself, I’m here for you.
My specialties in my counselling practice are addiction, neurodivergence, self-understanding/awareness, and self-esteem. But, I can support you in many other areas as well. I offer online sessions for both individuals and couples as regularly as you require.
087 250 0536 x55 View 087 250 0536 x55
Richard James Barker
General Counsellor, BSocSci Hons
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
My specialisms include addiction, anxiety, depression, couples work, bereavement, relationship problems, self esteem, and trauma.
I offer counselling and therapeutic life coaching. Clients will come to me with a range of problems and often feel some confusion. In our work we will clarify the problem and see what is most challenging for you at the present time. We will discover where this confusion arises in the body and mind and be able to see what started it. Perhaps this has been triggered in the past: by an environment, people, a person, upbringing etc. The work we do is non-judgemental and my purpose is to help you find your way out of the confusion and suffering, so you can find success, purpose and meaning in your life. I will be with you all the way
My specialisms include addiction, anxiety, depression, couples work, bereavement, relationship problems, self esteem, and trauma.
I offer counselling and therapeutic life coaching. Clients will come to me with a range of problems and often feel some confusion. In our work we will clarify the problem and see what is most challenging for you at the present time. We will discover where this confusion arises in the body and mind and be able to see what started it. Perhaps this has been triggered in the past: by an environment, people, a person, upbringing etc. The work we do is non-judgemental and my purpose is to help you find your way out of the confusion and suffering, so you can find success, purpose and meaning in your life. I will be with you all the way
087 250 0160 x65 View 087 250 0160 x65
Cathy Karassellos
Psychologist, MPsych, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have over 30 yrs experience including managing programs and lecturing/supervision for UCT Dept of Psychiatry Postgraduate Diploma in Addictions Care.
I provide a safe, non-judgemental, solution-focussed therapy space, for clients to gain self-awareness, bring about change, and thus improve their quality of life. In supervision, I assist professionals in deepening their insight into their therapeutic role, build confidence, and idenitfy helpful practical skills.
I have over 30 yrs experience including managing programs and lecturing/supervision for UCT Dept of Psychiatry Postgraduate Diploma in Addictions Care.
I provide a safe, non-judgemental, solution-focussed therapy space, for clients to gain self-awareness, bring about change, and thus improve their quality of life. In supervision, I assist professionals in deepening their insight into their therapeutic role, build confidence, and idenitfy helpful practical skills.
087 250 0536 x25 View 087 250 0536 x25
Start to Stop today
General Counsellor
Serves Area
Support is also provided to families to deal with the impact of addiction and learning how to support their love one's in recovery.
I am an experienced Addiction Counsellor practicing since 2006, working in both inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment settings. I've worked at many reputable treatment facilities. During 2012 I obtained my Postgraduate Diploma in Addictions Care at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
Support is also provided to families to deal with the impact of addiction and learning how to support their love one's in recovery.
I am an experienced Addiction Counsellor practicing since 2006, working in both inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment settings. I've worked at many reputable treatment facilities. During 2012 I obtained my Postgraduate Diploma in Addictions Care at the University of Cape Town (UCT).
087 250 0513 x45 View 087 250 0513 x45
Paul Conrad Kruger
General Counsellor, ASCHP Wellness Counsellor
Serves Area
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, relationship difficulties, stress, burnout, or a loss of purpose?
Using evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed therapy, somatic techniques, and nutrition, I tailor every session to your needs. Together we'll improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, strengthen relationships, overcome addiction, and build lasting resilience.
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, relationship difficulties, stress, burnout, or a loss of purpose?
Using evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed therapy, somatic techniques, and nutrition, I tailor every session to your needs. Together we'll improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, strengthen relationships, overcome addiction, and build lasting resilience.
087 250 3069 x64 View 087 250 3069 x64
Lelani Walters
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
I have worked locally and internationally in the field of addiction and trauma.
I offer only online sessions at the moment.
I have worked locally and internationally in the field of addiction and trauma.
I offer only online sessions at the moment.
087 250 2293 x47 View 087 250 2293 x47
Rafiequa Saban
Registered Counsellor
Serves Area
My experience primarily focuses on substances and process addictions, but I also assist individuals with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues, providing insight-driven support.
My counselling approach combines person-centred principles with practical skills from CBT and DBT, empowering clients to apply what they learn in their daily lives.
My experience primarily focuses on substances and process addictions, but I also assist individuals with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues, providing insight-driven support.
My counselling approach combines person-centred principles with practical skills from CBT and DBT, empowering clients to apply what they learn in their daily lives.
087 250 2293 x77 View 087 250 2293 x77
Tanya Oosthuyzen
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
I am a Clinical Psychologist in private practice offering therapy and assessment to adults, adolescents and couples. I work with all forms psychological distress and clinical disorders as well as those who wish to gain increased self knowledge and growth through the psychotherapeutic relationship. I also provide supervision for other professionals.
I am a Clinical Psychologist in private practice offering therapy and assessment to adults, adolescents and couples. I work with all forms psychological distress and clinical disorders as well as those who wish to gain increased self knowledge and growth through the psychotherapeutic relationship. I also provide supervision for other professionals.
087 250 0162 x18 View 087 250 0162 x18
Esona-Sethu Ndwandwa
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Need help with major life transitions, struggling with overwhelming emotions and situations? Or are you needing support with mental health issues related to symptoms of anxiety, depression or other conditions?
Need help with major life transitions, struggling with overwhelming emotions and situations? Or are you needing support with mental health issues related to symptoms of anxiety, depression or other conditions?
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Rona Linde
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
Serves Area
I have experience treating Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorders, Addiction, ASD, Trauma & Adjustment concerns around emigration/immigration.
What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people! This Maori proverb strongly reflect my life and work philosophy. The goal of my approach is the long-term alleviation of distress & suffering. Immediately after a session clients will often feel hopeful and their mood lifts. Thereafter they return to the same home or work environment which maintains the stress and they may feel exactly the same. CBT and DBT provide strategies for longer term relief and successful management of difficulties. Together we will focus on adjusting thoughts, working through difficult emotions, and changing self-defeating behaviours.
I have experience treating Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar disorders, Addiction, ASD, Trauma & Adjustment concerns around emigration/immigration.
What is the most important thing in the world? It is the people! This Maori proverb strongly reflect my life and work philosophy. The goal of my approach is the long-term alleviation of distress & suffering. Immediately after a session clients will often feel hopeful and their mood lifts. Thereafter they return to the same home or work environment which maintains the stress and they may feel exactly the same. CBT and DBT provide strategies for longer term relief and successful management of difficulties. Together we will focus on adjusting thoughts, working through difficult emotions, and changing self-defeating behaviours.
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Thalia Pretorius
Registered Counsellor
Online Only
In Support Counselling honours your journey, providing a safe, non-judgmental space to explore and overcome your personal challenges. With the emphasis on collaboration and mutual respect, we work together to develop personalized strategies that align with your goals and core values. We explore new perspectives, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the self. My role is to help you recognize and leverage your personal expertise and strengths to empower you to become the architect of your own well-being.
In Support Counselling honours your journey, providing a safe, non-judgmental space to explore and overcome your personal challenges. With the emphasis on collaboration and mutual respect, we work together to develop personalized strategies that align with your goals and core values. We explore new perspectives, challenge limiting beliefs, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the self. My role is to help you recognize and leverage your personal expertise and strengths to empower you to become the architect of your own well-being.
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Neville McLean
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
Serves Area
I specialize in addressing Trauma, Addiction, Anxiety, Stress, and Depression, and I will customize my approach to meet your individual needs.
For over 15 years, I’ve been helping people work through life’s toughest challenges. I know it can feel overwhelming to take that first step, but I’m here to provide a safe, understanding space where you’ll always feel heard and supported. My approach is warm and compassionate, focused on meeting you where you are. Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels right for you, using proven tools to help you feel more balanced and in control. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Let’s start this journey together and move toward a life that feels lighter, more manageable, and fulfilling.
I specialize in addressing Trauma, Addiction, Anxiety, Stress, and Depression, and I will customize my approach to meet your individual needs.
For over 15 years, I’ve been helping people work through life’s toughest challenges. I know it can feel overwhelming to take that first step, but I’m here to provide a safe, understanding space where you’ll always feel heard and supported. My approach is warm and compassionate, focused on meeting you where you are. Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels right for you, using proven tools to help you feel more balanced and in control. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Let’s start this journey together and move toward a life that feels lighter, more manageable, and fulfilling.
087 250 2148 x84 View 087 250 2148 x84
Michelle Smit
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Counselling psychologist with extensive experience within the field of addiction.
Therapy services Include: Individual psychotherapy, couples therapy and psychoedication.
Counselling psychologist with extensive experience within the field of addiction.
Therapy services Include: Individual psychotherapy, couples therapy and psychoedication.
087 250 2389 x23 View 087 250 2389 x23
Marianda Eras
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
All of us at some point might need support to deal with the many challenges of life, whether it be a personal crisis, a loss, an addiction, a feeling of stuckness or a change in one's ability to cope.
I consult clients who struggle with a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, bereavement, trauma, burn-out, work stress, coping, self-esteem and relationship problems. I also have a special interest in addiction and recovery, having worked in addiction and mental health clinics for many years.
All of us at some point might need support to deal with the many challenges of life, whether it be a personal crisis, a loss, an addiction, a feeling of stuckness or a change in one's ability to cope.
I consult clients who struggle with a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, bereavement, trauma, burn-out, work stress, coping, self-esteem and relationship problems. I also have a special interest in addiction and recovery, having worked in addiction and mental health clinics for many years.
087 250 0536 x27 View 087 250 0536 x27
Dr. Alex Carter
Psychologist, PhD, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
My practice is for adults who need help with problems like mood disorders, substance use disorders and even aspects of their own personality they may find difficult to change.
I offer an understanding, experienced and professional perspective where reflection, meaning and effort are encouraged. With psychotherapy managing difficult, excessive or painful behaviours allow for a sense of mastery and confidence to develop within you. Recovery from individual, relationship and substance use problems can feel freeing, powerful and
My practice is for adults who need help with problems like mood disorders, substance use disorders and even aspects of their own personality they may find difficult to change.
I offer an understanding, experienced and professional perspective where reflection, meaning and effort are encouraged. With psychotherapy managing difficult, excessive or painful behaviours allow for a sense of mastery and confidence to develop within you. Recovery from individual, relationship and substance use problems can feel freeing, powerful and
087 250 0902 x18 View 087 250 0902 x18
Natasha Merlo
Social Worker, MSocSci, SACSSP
Serves Area
I support individuals struggling with drug/ alcohol addiction, problem gambling/gaming, or those seeking to moderate or reduce their substance use.
Sometimes the greatest source of distress isn't a single event, it's the feeling that you keep living the same story. The same self-doubt. The same relationships. The same ways of coping that no longer serve you. You may know these patterns well, yet still feel unable to change them. You may have spent years trying to understand yourself. You've read the books, listened to the podcasts, talked things through with friends, and perhaps even been to therapy before. Meaningful change begins with understanding. Therapy offers the opportunity to slow down and make sense of those patterns.
I support individuals struggling with drug/ alcohol addiction, problem gambling/gaming, or those seeking to moderate or reduce their substance use.
Sometimes the greatest source of distress isn't a single event, it's the feeling that you keep living the same story. The same self-doubt. The same relationships. The same ways of coping that no longer serve you. You may know these patterns well, yet still feel unable to change them. You may have spent years trying to understand yourself. You've read the books, listened to the podcasts, talked things through with friends, and perhaps even been to therapy before. Meaningful change begins with understanding. Therapy offers the opportunity to slow down and make sense of those patterns.
087 250 2293 x45 View 087 250 2293 x45
Sasha Talia Counselling
General Counsellor
Serves Area
Looking for life changing counselling? Welcome to Sasha Talia Counselling. We are committed to transforming how mental health is experienced, creating a safe space for healing and transformation.
Looking for life changing counselling? Welcome to Sasha Talia Counselling. We are committed to transforming how mental health is experienced, creating a safe space for healing and transformation.
087 250 2161 x35 View 087 250 2161 x35
Dr. Jana Lazarus
Psychologist, PhD, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I help people who are stuck, in their heads or in undigested emotions, or in difficult life circumstances, relationships and families. I teach that the only person you can change is yourself, but when you do, the ripple effect is massive. Be the change you want to see, never mind what trauma has led to your anxiety, depression etc. We're all addicts: we all have devoted habits or coping mechanisms. After a while these harm us. Find another way. I use a Transpersonal approach because it's v effective. This means I remind you you are connected to something greater than yourself, however you define that - and how to employ that daily.
I help people who are stuck, in their heads or in undigested emotions, or in difficult life circumstances, relationships and families. I teach that the only person you can change is yourself, but when you do, the ripple effect is massive. Be the change you want to see, never mind what trauma has led to your anxiety, depression etc. We're all addicts: we all have devoted habits or coping mechanisms. After a while these harm us. Find another way. I use a Transpersonal approach because it's v effective. This means I remind you you are connected to something greater than yourself, however you define that - and how to employ that daily.
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Simone Friess
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
I have worked with people for 30 years. Depending on the person my approach would vary. For some more clearly defined problems a short-term practical approach is suitable. I support the client to deal with his or her difficult situation and to find solutions which will work best in that particular setting. For more complex issues which have persisted over a long time it is necessary to explore and address the underlying issues in order to achieve long-term improvement. Therapy should provide a safe and professional space from where to start a journey with the aim to find more balance and greater enjoyment and meaning in life again.
I have worked with people for 30 years. Depending on the person my approach would vary. For some more clearly defined problems a short-term practical approach is suitable. I support the client to deal with his or her difficult situation and to find solutions which will work best in that particular setting. For more complex issues which have persisted over a long time it is necessary to explore and address the underlying issues in order to achieve long-term improvement. Therapy should provide a safe and professional space from where to start a journey with the aim to find more balance and greater enjoyment and meaning in life again.
087 250 2389 x34 View 087 250 2389 x34
Addiction Counsellors
What is the best therapy for addiction?
Addiction treatment will be tailored to the individual. People seeking help for addiction—whether with a psychotherapist, in an outpatient clinic, or in a residential program—should expect to engage in multiple types of treatments, sometimes including medication. For anyone recovering from addiction, avoiding situations in which one has typically used a substance is essential, as is the support of close connections. Since substance use disorders tend to co-occur with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, those must also be addressed as part of any recovery plan.

How long does therapy for addiction take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from addiction. Patients and their families should expect the work to last several months, if not longer. Residential treatment programs may be based on a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, with continuing work after release, but only about 1 percent of people are treated in such facilities. Ceasing use is just the first step; therapy to help maintain abstinence and effect behavior change must follow. The process of recovery, neuroscience has shown, involves brain cells recovering the capacity to respond to natural sources of reward and restore control over the impulse to use. Another definition of recovery is restoring voluntary control over one’s substance use and retaking all of one’s previous responsibilities.

How effective is drug addiction treatment?
Substance use disorders are treatable and remission is achievable for many who seek recovery; by some estimates, more than three-quarters of people who become addicted to alcohol or drugs recover. But that success rarely occurs quickly or on a set timeline; relapse is not only common, but many therapists and clinicians view it as a normal part of the process—not always a sign that a person has returned to addiction, but a signal that their treatment should be adjusted to help them regain control. Overall, research suggests, five years after the end of substance use, one’s risk of relapse is no greater than that of others who had not faced addiction. Other experts believe that complete abstinence is not the only measure of recovery, and that, through effective treatment, many people can learn to control their use.

How can you get addiction treatment for someone?
The most important factor in recovery from addiction is widely understood to be an individual’s commitment to change. For that reason,“interventions” in which friends and family gather to urge or force someone to begin immediate treatment often backfire; even when such efforts do lead someone to begin treatment, they may be less likely to stay than those who are self-driven. Still, family members can play an important role in supporting an individual who seeks help and can take part in family therapy as one element of a loved one’s treatment.