Grief Therapists in Cape Town

Photo of Elma Retha Bartlett, Psychotherapist, MA
Elma Retha Bartlett
Psychotherapist, MA
Claremont 7708
I believe that meaning can be found in any situation whether it is loss, trauma or a transitional phase.
I’m a Clinical Social worker and an internationally accredited Logotherapist with more than 30 years’ experience in individual, couple and group therapy. I focus on marital, relationship, family therapy, parental guidance; logotherapy in order to find meaning in times of loss; trauma and bereavement therapy as well as personal growth therapy.
I believe that meaning can be found in any situation whether it is loss, trauma or a transitional phase.
I’m a Clinical Social worker and an internationally accredited Logotherapist with more than 30 years’ experience in individual, couple and group therapy. I focus on marital, relationship, family therapy, parental guidance; logotherapy in order to find meaning in times of loss; trauma and bereavement therapy as well as personal growth therapy.
087 250 0536 x49 View 087 250 0536 x49
Photo of Susan Joubert, Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Susan Joubert
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Mowbray 7700
At times we may feel stuck or overwhelmed. We may know what is causing unease or pain, but often we struggle to understand the cause. A therapy relationship at these times, can bring better understanding and help you think in new ways about yourself, your relationships and your journey forward.
At times we may feel stuck or overwhelmed. We may know what is causing unease or pain, but often we struggle to understand the cause. A therapy relationship at these times, can bring better understanding and help you think in new ways about yourself, your relationships and your journey forward.
087 250 0162 x33 View 087 250 0162 x33
Photo of Nontozamo Tsetse, Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
Nontozamo Tsetse
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Bellville 7530
Are you struggling with mental and emotional challenges, feeling overwhelmed, lost, or stuck in your current circumstances? Do you need a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, to feel heard, accepted, and understood without judgment? Look no further. I am here to hold your hand while navigating your difficulties and empower you to heal, gain insight into your problems, manage emotional triggers, shift negative thinking patterns, let go of unhelpful behaviors and create the life you desire.
Are you struggling with mental and emotional challenges, feeling overwhelmed, lost, or stuck in your current circumstances? Do you need a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, to feel heard, accepted, and understood without judgment? Look no further. I am here to hold your hand while navigating your difficulties and empower you to heal, gain insight into your problems, manage emotional triggers, shift negative thinking patterns, let go of unhelpful behaviors and create the life you desire.
087 250 2293 x25 View 087 250 2293 x25
Photo of Nicole Joy Botha, General Counsellor
Nicole Joy Botha
General Counsellor
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I am able to help those seeking extra support, especially in areas such as Grief & Loss, Substance Use, Stress Management, Adult ADHD support and general wellbeing.
As a Specialist Wellness Counsellor, I am here to support you and help you discover the power and tools you possess in your mental health journey. I use a person-centered approach in my practice. Which means that you, as the client, are the expert in your own life. My focus is to empower clients to develop coping skills, and find meaning and purpose.
I am able to help those seeking extra support, especially in areas such as Grief & Loss, Substance Use, Stress Management, Adult ADHD support and general wellbeing.
As a Specialist Wellness Counsellor, I am here to support you and help you discover the power and tools you possess in your mental health journey. I use a person-centered approach in my practice. Which means that you, as the client, are the expert in your own life. My focus is to empower clients to develop coping skills, and find meaning and purpose.
087 250 2219 x94 View 087 250 2219 x94
Photo of Helene Joan Bestbier, General Counsellor, MA
Helene Joan Bestbier
General Counsellor, MA
1 Endorsed
Strand 7139
Hi There! Many of my clients experience deep spiritual questions and struggle to express it, thus carry it in silence. Sometimes they feel confused, ashamed, or disconnected from their faith. Some are unsure if it's even safe to ask some faith related questions or speak openly about their doubts. They often have guilt or spiritual pain from past events. People are searching for clarity, and reconnection—with themselves, with others, and God. I offer a safe, respectful space for them to talk without being judged and help them to rediscover a sense of spiritual grounding. Contact me if you need to reconnect.
Hi There! Many of my clients experience deep spiritual questions and struggle to express it, thus carry it in silence. Sometimes they feel confused, ashamed, or disconnected from their faith. Some are unsure if it's even safe to ask some faith related questions or speak openly about their doubts. They often have guilt or spiritual pain from past events. People are searching for clarity, and reconnection—with themselves, with others, and God. I offer a safe, respectful space for them to talk without being judged and help them to rediscover a sense of spiritual grounding. Contact me if you need to reconnect.
087 250 0062 x72 View 087 250 0062 x72
Photo of Donita Rodrigues, Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Donita Rodrigues
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Claremont 7708
I am a Clinical Psychologist offering online psychotherapy. I offer short and long-term psychotherapy and psychological assessments to adolescents, adults and families dealing with psychological distress or clinical conditions. I also offer psychotherapy to facilitate personal growth during life transitions.
I am a Clinical Psychologist offering online psychotherapy. I offer short and long-term psychotherapy and psychological assessments to adolescents, adults and families dealing with psychological distress or clinical conditions. I also offer psychotherapy to facilitate personal growth during life transitions.
087 250 0442 x55 View 087 250 0442 x55
Photo of Dr. Lynn Valerie Dunstan, Psychologist, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
Dr. Lynn Valerie Dunstan
Psychologist, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
As an experienced Counselling Psychologist, registered with the HPCSA, I believe that we are all vulnerable to emotional harm and that we all go through times when we need emotional support. This makes sense given the stress and challenge of everyday life and the complexity of our lives, relationships and transitions like marriage, relocation and retirement. Clients have often told me how much they have valued being deeply listened to during their therapy sessions, how feeling heard, seen understood and "felt" really mattered ... and how being compassionately supported towards positive change made all the difference in their lives.
As an experienced Counselling Psychologist, registered with the HPCSA, I believe that we are all vulnerable to emotional harm and that we all go through times when we need emotional support. This makes sense given the stress and challenge of everyday life and the complexity of our lives, relationships and transitions like marriage, relocation and retirement. Clients have often told me how much they have valued being deeply listened to during their therapy sessions, how feeling heard, seen understood and "felt" really mattered ... and how being compassionately supported towards positive change made all the difference in their lives.
087 250 2042 x32 View 087 250 2042 x32
Photo of Bradley Knight, Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Bradley Knight
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Claremont 7708
I have a special interest in working with people who struggle with perfectionism and individuals who have lost loved ones during the pandemic and are feeling stuck in their grieving process.
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist in private practice who works with individuals from all walks of life. I provide comprehensive and individualised psychological interventions tailored to the individual. I have a strengths-based approach to therapy which recognizes the client's natural abilities and resilience as critical to their progress in therapy. Therapy is not just about focusing on what's wrong with you. It's also about discovering what's right with you - and harnessing that to take you in the direction you prefer to go.
I have a special interest in working with people who struggle with perfectionism and individuals who have lost loved ones during the pandemic and are feeling stuck in their grieving process.
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist in private practice who works with individuals from all walks of life. I provide comprehensive and individualised psychological interventions tailored to the individual. I have a strengths-based approach to therapy which recognizes the client's natural abilities and resilience as critical to their progress in therapy. Therapy is not just about focusing on what's wrong with you. It's also about discovering what's right with you - and harnessing that to take you in the direction you prefer to go.
087 250 0592 x85 View 087 250 0592 x85
Photo of Emma Dorrington, Registered Counsellor, HPCSA - Counsellor
Emma Dorrington
Registered Counsellor, HPCSA - Counsellor
1 Endorsed
I focus on difficulties related to bereavement, grief, loss, adjustment challenges, trauma and relationship challenges.
There is no 'one-size-fits-all' when it comes to counselling and different approaches will work for different people. I like a holistic and integrative approach to counselling. Depending on your specific needs and reasons for seeking counselling, I will tailor my approach and draw on appropriate counselling skills and methods that will best support you.
I focus on difficulties related to bereavement, grief, loss, adjustment challenges, trauma and relationship challenges.
There is no 'one-size-fits-all' when it comes to counselling and different approaches will work for different people. I like a holistic and integrative approach to counselling. Depending on your specific needs and reasons for seeking counselling, I will tailor my approach and draw on appropriate counselling skills and methods that will best support you.
087 250 3069 x88 View 087 250 3069 x88
Photo of Abigail Christina Reeve - AR Counselling (Abigail Reeve), Registered Counsellor, HPCSA - Counsellor
AR Counselling (Abigail Reeve)
Registered Counsellor, HPCSA - Counsellor
You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or not quite like yourself, therapy can offer a space to pause, reflect, and move forward. I provide a warm, supportive environment where we’ll explore what’s going on beneath the surface and find practical ways to cope. Seeking counselling is a sign of strength as you have admitted that you need assistance. I provide a safe space, where you can feel heard and understood. I am a big advocate for mental health and breaking the stigma. My services are also offered in Afrikaans. My dienste is ook beskikbaar in Afrikaans.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or not quite like yourself, therapy can offer a space to pause, reflect, and move forward. I provide a warm, supportive environment where we’ll explore what’s going on beneath the surface and find practical ways to cope. Seeking counselling is a sign of strength as you have admitted that you need assistance. I provide a safe space, where you can feel heard and understood. I am a big advocate for mental health and breaking the stigma. My services are also offered in Afrikaans. My dienste is ook beskikbaar in Afrikaans.
087 250 0536 x17 View 087 250 0536 x17
Photo of Fiona Davids, General Counsellor
Fiona Davids
General Counsellor
1 Endorsed
Are you grieving the loss of a loved one or lifestyle, or maybe you are struggling to adjust to a new life stage?
I am a qualified general counsellor with a special interest in grief counselling. Your grief experience is unique to you, it is shaped by your personal context. You are not expected to get over the loss of a loved one but rather to work through it. I offer emotional support and assist clients to work through the different stages of grief.
Are you grieving the loss of a loved one or lifestyle, or maybe you are struggling to adjust to a new life stage?
I am a qualified general counsellor with a special interest in grief counselling. Your grief experience is unique to you, it is shaped by your personal context. You are not expected to get over the loss of a loved one but rather to work through it. I offer emotional support and assist clients to work through the different stages of grief.
087 250 0162 x85 View 087 250 0162 x85
Photo of Danielle Anne Du Plessis - Danielle's Therapy and Life Coaching, General Counsellor, MA
Danielle's Therapy and Life Coaching
General Counsellor, MA
Online Only
My ideal client is someone who has never had an easy start in life. They’ve faced challenge after challenge and often feel like life has dealt them an unfair hand. This has left them with a negative mindset at times, expecting things to always be tough. And yet — there is a part of them that refuses to give up. Despite the obstacles, they keep moving forward, even when it’s hard. Their goal is to shift their mindset, to see situations differently and to believe in the possibility of change. They know that cultivating a more positive outlook is the foundation for greater resilience, success, and a life that finally feels lighter.
My ideal client is someone who has never had an easy start in life. They’ve faced challenge after challenge and often feel like life has dealt them an unfair hand. This has left them with a negative mindset at times, expecting things to always be tough. And yet — there is a part of them that refuses to give up. Despite the obstacles, they keep moving forward, even when it’s hard. Their goal is to shift their mindset, to see situations differently and to believe in the possibility of change. They know that cultivating a more positive outlook is the foundation for greater resilience, success, and a life that finally feels lighter.
087 250 0513 x25 View 087 250 0513 x25
Photo of Tessa Whyatt, General Counsellor, MA
Tessa Whyatt
General Counsellor, MA
5 Endorsed
Pinelands 7405
I specialize in grief and loss work, including infertility; as well as working with people struggling with anxiety, trauma and depression.
I am an art therapist, grief educator and therapeutic/ care coach with multiple qualifications and wide experience. I offer a mix of tools and integrative practices that are all beneficial for working through difficulties. I offer a calm, person-centered and welcoming space, providing gentle support to help you improve your health and quality of life.
I specialize in grief and loss work, including infertility; as well as working with people struggling with anxiety, trauma and depression.
I am an art therapist, grief educator and therapeutic/ care coach with multiple qualifications and wide experience. I offer a mix of tools and integrative practices that are all beneficial for working through difficulties. I offer a calm, person-centered and welcoming space, providing gentle support to help you improve your health and quality of life.
087 250 0592 x68 View 087 250 0592 x68
Photo of Alexis Haupt-Pullen, Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Alexis Haupt-Pullen
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
I aim to provide a safe and warm space where individuals who are experiencing challenges feel comfortable to share, explore and move toward self-knowledge and personal growth. The most helpful therapeutic relationship is a collaborative one and my goal is to collaborate with clients to develop a greater understanding of themselves and their situations so that they can create a more fulfilled life.
I aim to provide a safe and warm space where individuals who are experiencing challenges feel comfortable to share, explore and move toward self-knowledge and personal growth. The most helpful therapeutic relationship is a collaborative one and my goal is to collaborate with clients to develop a greater understanding of themselves and their situations so that they can create a more fulfilled life.
087 250 2042 x54 View 087 250 2042 x54
Photo of Dorianne Groenewald (Prince), Registered Counsellor, HPCSA - Counsellor
Dorianne Groenewald (Prince)
Registered Counsellor, HPCSA - Counsellor
1 Endorsed
Panorama 7500
In my practice, I see clients from all walks of life, they often have one thing in common, trauma. Each individual’s experience with trauma is unique, just like our DNA is unique to us. There is no one size fits all method to unpacking and processing what has been traumatic to you. Therefore, it is a collaboration between myself, the counsellor and you, the client, to ensure that the therapeutic process is successful in reaching the goals you have set out to reach. Clients who want to gain control over disempowering moments and memories in a safe environment will feel at home in my office.
In my practice, I see clients from all walks of life, they often have one thing in common, trauma. Each individual’s experience with trauma is unique, just like our DNA is unique to us. There is no one size fits all method to unpacking and processing what has been traumatic to you. Therefore, it is a collaboration between myself, the counsellor and you, the client, to ensure that the therapeutic process is successful in reaching the goals you have set out to reach. Clients who want to gain control over disempowering moments and memories in a safe environment will feel at home in my office.
087 250 2748 x78 View 087 250 2748 x78
Photo of Gail Washkansky, Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
Gail Washkansky
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
Gail is an experienced Counselling Psychologist. She works with individuals who suffer from depression and anxiety, are looking to find a greater sense of meaning and purpose for their lives, are struggling in their relationships and a variety of other mental health and social issues such as bereavement and identity.
Gail is an experienced Counselling Psychologist. She works with individuals who suffer from depression and anxiety, are looking to find a greater sense of meaning and purpose for their lives, are struggling in their relationships and a variety of other mental health and social issues such as bereavement and identity.
087 250 0162 x37 View 087 250 0162 x37
Photo of Lara Rust, Registered Counsellor, HPCSA - Counsellor
Lara Rust
Registered Counsellor, HPCSA - Counsellor
Areas of interest include personal growth and identity development, family relationship struggles, adjustments difficulties, loss and bereavement, trauma, self-esteem, bullying, stress, burnout and lifestyle management, self-development, dealing with divorce, and step-family integration.
I have a special interest in working with individuals that are navigating life with life-limiting illnesses such as Cystic Fibrosis or those affected by the death of a loved one or those living with illnesses such as cancer. I work with individuals and their families, helping them cope with and manage the associated psycho-social challenges.
Areas of interest include personal growth and identity development, family relationship struggles, adjustments difficulties, loss and bereavement, trauma, self-esteem, bullying, stress, burnout and lifestyle management, self-development, dealing with divorce, and step-family integration.
I have a special interest in working with individuals that are navigating life with life-limiting illnesses such as Cystic Fibrosis or those affected by the death of a loved one or those living with illnesses such as cancer. I work with individuals and their families, helping them cope with and manage the associated psycho-social challenges.
087 250 2042 x82 View 087 250 2042 x82
Photo of Marineesa Majola, Psychologist, MSocSci, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
Marineesa Majola
Psychologist, MSocSci, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
Goodwood 7460
My name is Marineesa Majola and I am a registered Counselling Psychologist based in Goodwood, Cape Town. I have a passion for working with adolescents, young adults and families who are experiencing various life difficulties, life role transitions and adjustments. My work with adolescents is a collaborative working relationship that involves the parents as, I believe, this ensures open communication and trust in a safe and non-judgmental space.
My name is Marineesa Majola and I am a registered Counselling Psychologist based in Goodwood, Cape Town. I have a passion for working with adolescents, young adults and families who are experiencing various life difficulties, life role transitions and adjustments. My work with adolescents is a collaborative working relationship that involves the parents as, I believe, this ensures open communication and trust in a safe and non-judgmental space.
087 250 2910 x95 View 087 250 2910 x95
Photo of Thea Felmore, General Counsellor, BSocSci Hons, ASCHP Specialist Wellness Counsellor
Thea Felmore
General Counsellor, BSocSci Hons, ASCHP Specialist Wellness Counsellor
5 Endorsed
A loss, a big transition, anxiety that's crept in and taken up more space than it should, and sometimes we just need someone steady beside us while we find our footing again.
I won't pretend I have the answers – that's not my job. My job is to walk alongside you while you find your own. I'll bring warmth, patience, and a genuinely collaborative approach, drawing on solution-focused and strengths-based methods, all shaped around your pace and your needs.
A loss, a big transition, anxiety that's crept in and taken up more space than it should, and sometimes we just need someone steady beside us while we find our footing again.
I won't pretend I have the answers – that's not my job. My job is to walk alongside you while you find your own. I'll bring warmth, patience, and a genuinely collaborative approach, drawing on solution-focused and strengths-based methods, all shaped around your pace and your needs.
087 250 0162 x86 View 087 250 0162 x86
Photo of Morag Wilma Scordilis, Social Worker, MSocSci
Morag Wilma Scordilis
Social Worker, MSocSci
Plumstead 7801
Life can leave us feeling stressed, stuck and overwhelmed! Anxiety, stress, trauma and depression can result in feeling unable to cope with life. Working with you I provide therapy aimed at promoting positive changes, growth and development. Together we explore your challenges and find a way to move forward and enhance your wellbeing. To achieve this I sue Brain Working Recursive Therapy which is fast and extremely effective with a a variety of difficulties from anxiety, panic attacks and trauma to relationship and self esteem issues. In today's interconnected world, I provide both face to face and on-line counseling.
Life can leave us feeling stressed, stuck and overwhelmed! Anxiety, stress, trauma and depression can result in feeling unable to cope with life. Working with you I provide therapy aimed at promoting positive changes, growth and development. Together we explore your challenges and find a way to move forward and enhance your wellbeing. To achieve this I sue Brain Working Recursive Therapy which is fast and extremely effective with a a variety of difficulties from anxiety, panic attacks and trauma to relationship and self esteem issues. In today's interconnected world, I provide both face to face and on-line counseling.
087 250 2962 x45 View 087 250 2962 x45
Grief Counsellors
How long does therapy take for grief?
There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.

When should you seek therapy for grief?
Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.

Can grief be managed without therapy?
Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.

What happens if grief is left untreated?
Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.