Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Cape Town

Bryony McCormick
Registered Counsellor, BSocSci Hons
2 Endorsed
I'm Bryony and I'm a Registered Counsellor (RC). As an RC I am here to extend psychological services and make them accessible to you. I tend to base my interventions on the emotionally focussed therapy modality and have a passion for working with couples, although I don't specialise in it (just yet) and offer individual counselling too. As a mother myself, I have a deep connection to working with new or expecting parents as they navigate the transition into parenthood. My door is always open and I am available over email to answer any pre-booking questions you might have about the counselling process.
I'm Bryony and I'm a Registered Counsellor (RC). As an RC I am here to extend psychological services and make them accessible to you. I tend to base my interventions on the emotionally focussed therapy modality and have a passion for working with couples, although I don't specialise in it (just yet) and offer individual counselling too. As a mother myself, I have a deep connection to working with new or expecting parents as they navigate the transition into parenthood. My door is always open and I am available over email to answer any pre-booking questions you might have about the counselling process.
087 250 0719 x75 View 087 250 0719 x75
Marlize Slabbert
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
I obtained my MA Degree in Clinical Psychology (Cum Laude) from the University of Stellenbosch in 1995 and I have been registered with the HPCSA since 1996. In 2000, while working in the United Kingdom, I was awarded the Statement of Equivalence by the British Psychological Society. I have worked in private practice for several years, offering evidence-based therapy to adults seeking growth, healing, and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
I obtained my MA Degree in Clinical Psychology (Cum Laude) from the University of Stellenbosch in 1995 and I have been registered with the HPCSA since 1996. In 2000, while working in the United Kingdom, I was awarded the Statement of Equivalence by the British Psychological Society. I have worked in private practice for several years, offering evidence-based therapy to adults seeking growth, healing, and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
087 250 0162 x98 View 087 250 0162 x98
Maryam Khan Waglay
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Ind. Psych.
My interest is Employee wellness, Organizational challenges, Career Coaching and Trauma therapy using specialist knowledge in Counselling and coaching, rooted in psychological principles; organizational development, HR consulting, career development & assessments.
My client approach is holistic, I help facilitate the way forward from an individual perspective, to function at an optimal level in reaching life goals in general or within a team. I am also a BWRT practitioner, assisting clients with psychological trauma. I am patient and non-judgemental & can assist with all areas of well-being affecting you/work.
My interest is Employee wellness, Organizational challenges, Career Coaching and Trauma therapy using specialist knowledge in Counselling and coaching, rooted in psychological principles; organizational development, HR consulting, career development & assessments.
My client approach is holistic, I help facilitate the way forward from an individual perspective, to function at an optimal level in reaching life goals in general or within a team. I am also a BWRT practitioner, assisting clients with psychological trauma. I am patient and non-judgemental & can assist with all areas of well-being affecting you/work.
087 250 0616 x50 View 087 250 0616 x50
Hilton Ernest John Calder
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Hilton is a Clinical Psychologist who works independently in the Clinical/Sport/Health Psychology fields, in Business Consulting and in Human Resources and is chairman of the Non-Profit Organization, The Learning Initiative. He also works on a session basis at a holistic chronic illness clinic that specialises in natural treatment methodologies. He has consulting rooms in Somerset West.
Hilton is a Clinical Psychologist who works independently in the Clinical/Sport/Health Psychology fields, in Business Consulting and in Human Resources and is chairman of the Non-Profit Organization, The Learning Initiative. He also works on a session basis at a holistic chronic illness clinic that specialises in natural treatment methodologies. He has consulting rooms in Somerset West.
087 250 0412 x95 View 087 250 0412 x95
Jamie-Lee Gerber Counselling
Registered Counsellor, HPCSA - Counsellor
1 Endorsed
Milnerton 7441
I have a passion for working with clients of all ages who feel emotionally stuck or face challenges like anxiety, self-doubt, or difficult life transitions. I am driven by a client whose goal is to seek growth and who wants to understand patterns, build their confidence, and develop their resilience. I promise to provide a safe space for clients to explore, feel, heal, & find purpose. Offering a free 15-minute introductory video call to see if we are a good fit for each other! Book online now via Headroom link below
I have a passion for working with clients of all ages who feel emotionally stuck or face challenges like anxiety, self-doubt, or difficult life transitions. I am driven by a client whose goal is to seek growth and who wants to understand patterns, build their confidence, and develop their resilience. I promise to provide a safe space for clients to explore, feel, heal, & find purpose. Offering a free 15-minute introductory video call to see if we are a good fit for each other! Book online now via Headroom link below
087 250 0536 x39 View 087 250 0536 x39
Siphelele Msawenkosi Nguse
Psychologist, MSocSci, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
N1 City 7460
I am a Clinical Psychologist focusing on depression, anxiety, trauma, stress-related difficulties, suicidality, substance use and addiction, interpersonal and relational difficulties, and behavioural challenges.
I particularly seek to create a warm, safe and welcoming space where people feel cared for & supported. I see clients as humans faced with life challenges and existing in a broader ecosystem. Therefore, I have an understanding of interpersonal, spiritual, and societal factors that influence mental health and wellbeing.
I am a Clinical Psychologist focusing on depression, anxiety, trauma, stress-related difficulties, suicidality, substance use and addiction, interpersonal and relational difficulties, and behavioural challenges.
I particularly seek to create a warm, safe and welcoming space where people feel cared for & supported. I see clients as humans faced with life challenges and existing in a broader ecosystem. Therefore, I have an understanding of interpersonal, spiritual, and societal factors that influence mental health and wellbeing.
087 250 2748 x16 View 087 250 2748 x16
Christianne Jones-Sibanda
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Couns. Psych.
4 Endorsed
Bellville 7530
Part of the therapy process includes a healing journey within a therapeutic relationship that encourages insight, understanding and personal growth. I am passionate about this healing journey, and feel honoured to explore my clients’ mental health needs and concerns alongside them.
Part of the therapy process includes a healing journey within a therapeutic relationship that encourages insight, understanding and personal growth. I am passionate about this healing journey, and feel honoured to explore my clients’ mental health needs and concerns alongside them.
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Helen-May Johnston
Psychologist, MSocSci, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
Claremont 7708
You may feel like you've done everything you're supposed to do; read the books, learned the coping skills, understood your patterns, yet still find yourself caught in anxiety, trauma, addiction, or relationship difficulties.
I work with adults and couples experiencing trauma, anxiety, addiction, relationship difficulties, and emotional distress. My approach integrates EMDR with evidence-based therapies to help clients process unresolved experiences, strengthen emotional resilience, and create lasting psychological and relational change.
You may feel like you've done everything you're supposed to do; read the books, learned the coping skills, understood your patterns, yet still find yourself caught in anxiety, trauma, addiction, or relationship difficulties.
I work with adults and couples experiencing trauma, anxiety, addiction, relationship difficulties, and emotional distress. My approach integrates EMDR with evidence-based therapies to help clients process unresolved experiences, strengthen emotional resilience, and create lasting psychological and relational change.
087 250 0719 x87 View 087 250 0719 x87
ZB Counselling
Social Worker, SACSSP
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I have experience in helping clients with challenges relating to depression, anxiety, trauma and grief - as symptoms of existing conditions, and/or as responses to circumstantial stress.
My approach is informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, as well as an overarching concern with holistic wellbeing (psychological, physical, social, spiritual etc.). Most notably, my treatment approach is not confined to sessions, but rather extends into daily life through "homework" - involving the use of skills and strategies developed in-session.
I have experience in helping clients with challenges relating to depression, anxiety, trauma and grief - as symptoms of existing conditions, and/or as responses to circumstantial stress.
My approach is informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, as well as an overarching concern with holistic wellbeing (psychological, physical, social, spiritual etc.). Most notably, my treatment approach is not confined to sessions, but rather extends into daily life through "homework" - involving the use of skills and strategies developed in-session.
058 656 9237 View 058 656 9237
Marlize Swanepoel
Art Therapist, MA
1 Endorsed
Woodstock 7925
Waitlist for new clients
I run a psychodynamic, trauma-informed, embodied and sex-positive practice online and in-person in Cape Town.
As an HPCSA- registered Drama Therapist I facilitate a non-judgmental and confidential space where equal attention is given to the body, heart, mind and soul. Arts processes such as images and stories give shape and form to things that are difficult to talk about or to discover new insight in old patterns. Our work is about looking at all the parts that make up the Self, both the healthy ones and the hurting ones. By making space and engaging with these parts we get to better understand ourselves and connect with who we truly are. Arts activities are invited sensitively and when it feels appropriate – no awkward role-plays!
I run a psychodynamic, trauma-informed, embodied and sex-positive practice online and in-person in Cape Town.
As an HPCSA- registered Drama Therapist I facilitate a non-judgmental and confidential space where equal attention is given to the body, heart, mind and soul. Arts processes such as images and stories give shape and form to things that are difficult to talk about or to discover new insight in old patterns. Our work is about looking at all the parts that make up the Self, both the healthy ones and the hurting ones. By making space and engaging with these parts we get to better understand ourselves and connect with who we truly are. Arts activities are invited sensitively and when it feels appropriate – no awkward role-plays!
087 250 0162 x10 View 087 250 0162 x10
Dr. Malvina Bartmanski
Psychologist, PhD, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
My psychotherapeutic method facilitates healing through a process of integration of distressing past life events and traumas.
My method of working is informed by various models including but not limited to various trauma-informed methods such as somatic psychotherapy and EMDR, parts work (IFS and ego state therapy), psychodynamic theory as well as contemplative wisdom traditions.
My psychotherapeutic method facilitates healing through a process of integration of distressing past life events and traumas.
My method of working is informed by various models including but not limited to various trauma-informed methods such as somatic psychotherapy and EMDR, parts work (IFS and ego state therapy), psychodynamic theory as well as contemplative wisdom traditions.
083 657 8074 View 083 657 8074
Rene Alice Daniels
Psychologist, HPCSA - Ed. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Goodwood 7460
Trauma such as parents separating or are in the process of divorce, bereavement can be quite debilitating for children.
I work with depression & anxiety, childhood trauma and post traumatic stress as a result of unprocessed trauma. I work with various emotional issues in children and adults. I also assist with substance abuse and addiction.
Trauma such as parents separating or are in the process of divorce, bereavement can be quite debilitating for children.
I work with depression & anxiety, childhood trauma and post traumatic stress as a result of unprocessed trauma. I work with various emotional issues in children and adults. I also assist with substance abuse and addiction.
087 250 0616 x33 View 087 250 0616 x33
Sam Smith Counselling
Registered Counsellor, MSc, HPCSA - Counsellor
5 Endorsed
I am a dynamic professional with four psychology degrees (Including a Masters), as well as extensive experience and training working with adults, teenagers and couples with varying struggles ( trauma, addiction, relationships and much more).
Feeling uncertain or apprehensive about seeing a professional? That is completely normal. Please know that you have nothing to fear, as I will ensure you feel as comfortable as possible and that this experience is a stress-free one (life is stressful enough!). Our sessions will both challenge and support your mental growth. Allow me to guide you as you face the overwhelming storms of life.
I am a dynamic professional with four psychology degrees (Including a Masters), as well as extensive experience and training working with adults, teenagers and couples with varying struggles ( trauma, addiction, relationships and much more).
Feeling uncertain or apprehensive about seeing a professional? That is completely normal. Please know that you have nothing to fear, as I will ensure you feel as comfortable as possible and that this experience is a stress-free one (life is stressful enough!). Our sessions will both challenge and support your mental growth. Allow me to guide you as you face the overwhelming storms of life.
087 250 2748 x34 View 087 250 2748 x34
Frances Ward
Registered Counsellor, HPCSA - Counsellor
2 Endorsed
Capri 7975
You may have gone through trauma or are in addiction or just be seeking relief from stress- looking for actual tools to live well.
After our initial conversation, we will decide together how to proceed safely. I offer a range of Integrative processes and somatic (body) work such as TRE, Eye Movement/ Position Protocols, Hypnotherapy, Parts work, Emotional Freedom Technique "tapping", Quantum Energy coaching, addiction counselling, along with other mindfulness modalities.
You may have gone through trauma or are in addiction or just be seeking relief from stress- looking for actual tools to live well.
After our initial conversation, we will decide together how to proceed safely. I offer a range of Integrative processes and somatic (body) work such as TRE, Eye Movement/ Position Protocols, Hypnotherapy, Parts work, Emotional Freedom Technique "tapping", Quantum Energy coaching, addiction counselling, along with other mindfulness modalities.
087 250 2389 x57 View 087 250 2389 x57
Sara Ozhekh
Registered Counsellor
1 Endorsed
Sea Point 8005
My approach is holistic and integrative, drawing on Internal Family Systems (IFS), BWRT, Imago, somatic and trauma-informed approaches.
You may be struggling in your relationships, feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, or carrying the impact of traumatic experiences that still seem to live beneath the surface. Perhaps you understand your patterns, yet still find yourself triggered, anxious, shutting down or reacting in ways that don’t feel like you. Therapy offers a warm, reflective space to understand what’s driving these responses, create meaningful shifts, and reconnect with a more grounded, authentic sense of yourself.
My approach is holistic and integrative, drawing on Internal Family Systems (IFS), BWRT, Imago, somatic and trauma-informed approaches.
You may be struggling in your relationships, feeling overwhelmed by your emotions, or carrying the impact of traumatic experiences that still seem to live beneath the surface. Perhaps you understand your patterns, yet still find yourself triggered, anxious, shutting down or reacting in ways that don’t feel like you. Therapy offers a warm, reflective space to understand what’s driving these responses, create meaningful shifts, and reconnect with a more grounded, authentic sense of yourself.
087 250 2293 x20 View 087 250 2293 x20
Danielle Meyer
Registered Counsellor, HPCSA - Counsellor
Panorama 7500
Life may leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed. If you find yourself in the middle of a life-transition, crisis or experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, I can help you navigate through that process. I offer a safe space to work through these issues, ultimately leading to a positive and renewed outlook on life, personal growth and healthy relationships.
Life may leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed. If you find yourself in the middle of a life-transition, crisis or experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, I can help you navigate through that process. I offer a safe space to work through these issues, ultimately leading to a positive and renewed outlook on life, personal growth and healthy relationships.
087 250 2477 x21 View 087 250 2477 x21
Colette Ann Rodrigues
Social Worker, MA
Hout Bay 7806
Waitlist for new clients
I am passionate about assisting people reach a place of contentment and fulfillment, be they coming from a place of loss and grief, life changes and divorce, trauma or bad choices. I am a qualified in EMDR. Inter-relational dynamics and family health are important, including communication, personal awareness and growth . I work strongly with children (play therapy), adolescents and adults around transitions, divorce, coping, trauma, grief and self development. My skills include addictions and co-dependency, mediation services, parenting plans and family assessments for care of children, helping children adjust and cope with change.
I am passionate about assisting people reach a place of contentment and fulfillment, be they coming from a place of loss and grief, life changes and divorce, trauma or bad choices. I am a qualified in EMDR. Inter-relational dynamics and family health are important, including communication, personal awareness and growth . I work strongly with children (play therapy), adolescents and adults around transitions, divorce, coping, trauma, grief and self development. My skills include addictions and co-dependency, mediation services, parenting plans and family assessments for care of children, helping children adjust and cope with change.
087 250 2042 x41 View 087 250 2042 x41
Elizabeth CL Retief
General Counsellor, MSc
I specialize in, but am not limited to, working with trauma and bereavement.
I offer online and in-person sessions for people who are looking for support and assistance in coming to terms with a variety of life challenges. My practice is based on the principle of personal agency. This means that I both support your right to make life choices that are right for you, and help you figure out what those choices might be. While I work with people from all walks of life, my practice tends to draw people who find themselves, whether by choice or circumstance, somewhat excluded from mainstream society. My practice is ND affirming, secular, and supportive of those who practice non-monogamy, including polyamory
I specialize in, but am not limited to, working with trauma and bereavement.
I offer online and in-person sessions for people who are looking for support and assistance in coming to terms with a variety of life challenges. My practice is based on the principle of personal agency. This means that I both support your right to make life choices that are right for you, and help you figure out what those choices might be. While I work with people from all walks of life, my practice tends to draw people who find themselves, whether by choice or circumstance, somewhat excluded from mainstream society. My practice is ND affirming, secular, and supportive of those who practice non-monogamy, including polyamory
087 250 2962 x34 View 087 250 2962 x34
Arise Mental Wellness
General Counsellor, BSocSci Hons
5 Endorsed
We blend various therapeutic approaches to meet your unique needs, including DBT, CBT, Positive Psychology, Trauma Work, and creative therapies.
At Arise Mental Wellness, we offer therapy and counselling for individuals, couples, and families navigating life’s challenges. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, we’re here to walk with you. Blythe Brigg and Christiane Irene are the co-owners and Specialist Wellness Counsellors dedicated to creating a safe, person-centred space where insight, resilience, and connection can grow. Alongside us, we’ve carefully curated a team of passionate counsellors who share our commitment to compassion, integrity, and meaningful therapeutic work.
We blend various therapeutic approaches to meet your unique needs, including DBT, CBT, Positive Psychology, Trauma Work, and creative therapies.
At Arise Mental Wellness, we offer therapy and counselling for individuals, couples, and families navigating life’s challenges. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, we’re here to walk with you. Blythe Brigg and Christiane Irene are the co-owners and Specialist Wellness Counsellors dedicated to creating a safe, person-centred space where insight, resilience, and connection can grow. Alongside us, we’ve carefully curated a team of passionate counsellors who share our commitment to compassion, integrity, and meaningful therapeutic work.
060 756 1843 View 060 756 1843
Sharon Johnson
Registered Counsellor, PhD
1 Endorsed
Milnerton 7441
My primary focus is to help clients cope with crisis, stress, burnout and trauma, both individually and in groups, focusing on becoming empowered to reach optimum wellness.
As a professional counsellor I am interested in helping clients move from crisis, stress and burnout to optimum health and awareness. In facing life challenges, I consider patterns of attachment, the nervous system, emotions, thoughts and behaviours. I focus on post-traumatic growth and how clients can turn deep suffering into their greatest strengths.
My primary focus is to help clients cope with crisis, stress, burnout and trauma, both individually and in groups, focusing on becoming empowered to reach optimum wellness.
As a professional counsellor I am interested in helping clients move from crisis, stress and burnout to optimum health and awareness. In facing life challenges, I consider patterns of attachment, the nervous system, emotions, thoughts and behaviours. I focus on post-traumatic growth and how clients can turn deep suffering into their greatest strengths.
072 264 4140 View 072 264 4140
Trauma and PTSD Counsellors
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.

How long does trauma therapy take?
Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.

What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.

Can PTSD come back after treatment?
It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.