Psychodynamic Therapists in Constantia
Many of my clients come to counselling during times of significant change. They may be navigating relationship difficulties, divorce or separation, family conflict, grief and loss, stress and burnout, anxiety, depression, or a growing sense that life is no longer working in the way it once did. Some feel overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted, while others feel stuck or uncertain about the future. I provide a warm, supportive space where clients can explore their experiences, gain insight into themselves and their relationships, and find their way forward with greater clarity, self-understanding and resilience.
Many of my clients come to counselling during times of significant change. They may be navigating relationship difficulties, divorce or separation, family conflict, grief and loss, stress and burnout, anxiety, depression, or a growing sense that life is no longer working in the way it once did. Some feel overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted, while others feel stuck or uncertain about the future. I provide a warm, supportive space where clients can explore their experiences, gain insight into themselves and their relationships, and find their way forward with greater clarity, self-understanding and resilience.
My work focusses on clients who are struggling with the effects of childhood abuse and trauma as well as the emotional effects related to narcissistic abuse, past or present. I provide a space for clients to feel safe and to allow them to loosen their defences they needed to protect themselves and to understand their inner world and change old repetitive and obstructive patterns of being and relating. My focus is in working with young and older adults. I also include expressive therapy approaches, where needed, as a means to access emotions and experiences that are difficult to verbalise.
My work focusses on clients who are struggling with the effects of childhood abuse and trauma as well as the emotional effects related to narcissistic abuse, past or present. I provide a space for clients to feel safe and to allow them to loosen their defences they needed to protect themselves and to understand their inner world and change old repetitive and obstructive patterns of being and relating. My focus is in working with young and older adults. I also include expressive therapy approaches, where needed, as a means to access emotions and experiences that are difficult to verbalise.
You may be struggling with personal, relational or life difficulties and want to work towards bringing about change. If you struggle with adjustment difficulties, anxiety, depression, existential difficulties, grief, mood disorder, relationship difficulties, trauma or other difficulties, you are welcome to contact me. I have experience with addiction disorders and can be supportive during the recovery phase.
You may be struggling with personal, relational or life difficulties and want to work towards bringing about change. If you struggle with adjustment difficulties, anxiety, depression, existential difficulties, grief, mood disorder, relationship difficulties, trauma or other difficulties, you are welcome to contact me. I have experience with addiction disorders and can be supportive during the recovery phase.
While my work is informed by psychodynamic, relational, and person-centred approaches, I also integrate body-based awareness and regulation practices where helpful.
Many people come to counselling not because something dramatic has happened, but because something quietly feels unsettled.
You may appear capable and composed on the outside, yet internally feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of yourself.
Perhaps you’re navigating tension in a relationship, noticing patterns that keep repeating, or carrying a quiet grief that is difficult to name.
My approach is relational, insight-oriented, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens when we begin to understand ourselves more deeply — not just intellectually, but experientially.
While my work is informed by psychodynamic, relational, and person-centred approaches, I also integrate body-based awareness and regulation practices where helpful.
Many people come to counselling not because something dramatic has happened, but because something quietly feels unsettled.
You may appear capable and composed on the outside, yet internally feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of yourself.
Perhaps you’re navigating tension in a relationship, noticing patterns that keep repeating, or carrying a quiet grief that is difficult to name.
My approach is relational, insight-oriented, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens when we begin to understand ourselves more deeply — not just intellectually, but experientially.
In a perfect world, everyone would be receiving therapy. I have worked with individuals, families and couples from rural to urban communities. I want to provide an non-judgmental and convenient environment for you to share your darkest thoughts and concerns. I am the vehicle of change, that brings you to your full potential.
In a perfect world, everyone would be receiving therapy. I have worked with individuals, families and couples from rural to urban communities. I want to provide an non-judgmental and convenient environment for you to share your darkest thoughts and concerns. I am the vehicle of change, that brings you to your full potential.
I offer psychodynamic psychotherapy and play therapy.
I’m Elretha – a Counselling Psychologist based in Somerset West and Raithby (Western Cape). I work with children, adolescents, and adults in both English and Afrikaans. People seek therapy for a broad range of reasons. Some of the areas I assist with include: processing trauma and abuse, navigating relationship difficulties, parent-child relationship distress, life changes, or loss and bereavement; managing mood and anxiety disorders, addiction, eating disorders, sexual identity matters, self-development and blockages to creativity.
I offer psychodynamic psychotherapy and play therapy.
I’m Elretha – a Counselling Psychologist based in Somerset West and Raithby (Western Cape). I work with children, adolescents, and adults in both English and Afrikaans. People seek therapy for a broad range of reasons. Some of the areas I assist with include: processing trauma and abuse, navigating relationship difficulties, parent-child relationship distress, life changes, or loss and bereavement; managing mood and anxiety disorders, addiction, eating disorders, sexual identity matters, self-development and blockages to creativity.
I see therapy as a genuine human encounter—one that goes beyond roles or techniques. I aim to be fully present in the room, bringing my whole self into the work, rather than performing as a distant expert.
In my view, the most meaningful therapeutic work happens when both of us are able to show up as real people. Within that kind of relationship, deeper understanding, emotional clarity, and lasting change can begin to emerge.
My approach is insight-oriented, helping you to understand not only what you are feeling, but why—tracing patterns, meanings, and experiences that may sit just beneath the surface.
I see therapy as a genuine human encounter—one that goes beyond roles or techniques. I aim to be fully present in the room, bringing my whole self into the work, rather than performing as a distant expert.
In my view, the most meaningful therapeutic work happens when both of us are able to show up as real people. Within that kind of relationship, deeper understanding, emotional clarity, and lasting change can begin to emerge.
My approach is insight-oriented, helping you to understand not only what you are feeling, but why—tracing patterns, meanings, and experiences that may sit just beneath the surface.
Changing, healing, and transforming one to become strong, fulfilled, and content is my passion. With more than a decade of experience and serving thousands of clients from around the globe and South Africa, I am dedicated to help you to bring healing to your personal issues and relationship matters. My focus is in the field of marriage, relationship problems, helping clients to heal trauma, anxiety, depression and suppressed anger, addiction, codependency, and grief therapy. I love to teach self mastery.
Changing, healing, and transforming one to become strong, fulfilled, and content is my passion. With more than a decade of experience and serving thousands of clients from around the globe and South Africa, I am dedicated to help you to bring healing to your personal issues and relationship matters. My focus is in the field of marriage, relationship problems, helping clients to heal trauma, anxiety, depression and suppressed anger, addiction, codependency, and grief therapy. I love to teach self mastery.
Do you feel that the weight of life's challenges are becoming too burdensome to carry on your own? Are you struggling to navigate past trauma, emotional difficulties, family, relational, occupational, personal difficulties or undiagnosed physical problems? Do you want to achieve sustainable healing and growth? Live life to the fullest and feel comfortable in your own skin? My specialised (psychology) approach treats an array of symptoms including depression, anxiety, anger issues, relational difficulties, trauma, panic attacks, grief and self-esteem issues.
Do you feel that the weight of life's challenges are becoming too burdensome to carry on your own? Are you struggling to navigate past trauma, emotional difficulties, family, relational, occupational, personal difficulties or undiagnosed physical problems? Do you want to achieve sustainable healing and growth? Live life to the fullest and feel comfortable in your own skin? My specialised (psychology) approach treats an array of symptoms including depression, anxiety, anger issues, relational difficulties, trauma, panic attacks, grief and self-esteem issues.
I have a psychotherapy practice that offers clients specialized psychotherapeutic care. 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 like to collaborate with clients, to think together with them about what they may need to reflect on that will bring them value and meaning in their day-to-day life. In addition to this I think it is important to examine patterns of excessive or unhelpful behaviour that compromise their feeling of self-coherence, agency and place in the world.
I have a psychotherapy practice that offers clients specialized psychotherapeutic care. 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 like to collaborate with clients, to think together with them about what they may need to reflect on that will bring them value and meaning in their day-to-day life. In addition to this I think it is important to examine patterns of excessive or unhelpful behaviour that compromise their feeling of self-coherence, agency and place in the world.
I offer longer-term, psychodynamic therapy for those who are interested in self-exploration and uncovering patterns that may be impacting on their current relationships.
I aim to provide a supportive, empathic space where we can think about and explore your concerns together. I am guided by my clients’ needs and practical constraints, providing both shorter and longer-term therapies.
I offer longer-term, psychodynamic therapy for those who are interested in self-exploration and uncovering patterns that may be impacting on their current relationships.
I aim to provide a supportive, empathic space where we can think about and explore your concerns together. I am guided by my clients’ needs and practical constraints, providing both shorter and longer-term therapies.
I believe that every individual has the potential to create meaningful change in their lives. My approach is rooted in the principles of self-awareness, resilience, and empowerment. By fostering a supportive and non-judgmental environment, I encourage my clients to explore their strengths, confront their challenges, and develop actionable strategies for success.
I believe that every individual has the potential to create meaningful change in their lives. My approach is rooted in the principles of self-awareness, resilience, and empowerment. By fostering a supportive and non-judgmental environment, I encourage my clients to explore their strengths, confront their challenges, and develop actionable strategies for success.
A compassionate therapist, who understands that one of the most difficult and longest journeys in life, is from the head to the heart. In my practice, I work with individuals from all walks of life and all developmental phases. I work with trauma, addiction & relapse, family restructuring & parenting, marriage & life phase adjustment, psychological distress & behavioural adjustment etc. As a scientist I root my practice and therapy in evidence based practice and I am continuously learning new techniques to serve my patients best. I am available ONLINE to gently journey with you to wholeness and wholehearted living. Bon Voyage!
A compassionate therapist, who understands that one of the most difficult and longest journeys in life, is from the head to the heart. In my practice, I work with individuals from all walks of life and all developmental phases. I work with trauma, addiction & relapse, family restructuring & parenting, marriage & life phase adjustment, psychological distress & behavioural adjustment etc. As a scientist I root my practice and therapy in evidence based practice and I am continuously learning new techniques to serve my patients best. I am available ONLINE to gently journey with you to wholeness and wholehearted living. Bon Voyage!
I've studied the science, philosophy, and history of therapy at the University of Cape Town and University College London for seven years, and I have practiced as a counsellor in Cape Town after an apprenticeship since 2019.
Take a look at my website to see how I do things.
I've studied the science, philosophy, and history of therapy at the University of Cape Town and University College London for seven years, and I have practiced as a counsellor in Cape Town after an apprenticeship since 2019.
Take a look at my website to see how I do things.
My approach is integrative, drawing on psychodynamic, analytic, humanistic, mindfulness, and behavioural therapies.
I offer an open-hearted and authentic connection to clients. We are all human. I am here as a confidant and facilitator to explore and face the challenges of being alive.
My approach is integrative, drawing on psychodynamic, analytic, humanistic, mindfulness, and behavioural therapies.
I offer an open-hearted and authentic connection to clients. We are all human. I am here as a confidant and facilitator to explore and face the challenges of being alive.
I utilize a combination of evidence-based approaches tailored to each client’s needs, including:
• BWRT (BrainWorking Recursive Therapy)
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness-Based Strategies
• Psychodynamic Techniques
I am a qualified Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience working with teenagers and adults to address a wide range of psychological challenges. My primary focus is on helping individuals navigate and recover from trauma, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and emotional distress.
Whether working with adolescents navigating complex life transitions or adults seeking to process past experiences, I am committed to helping my clients achieve emotional well-being and long-term success.
I utilize a combination of evidence-based approaches tailored to each client’s needs, including:
• BWRT (BrainWorking Recursive Therapy)
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness-Based Strategies
• Psychodynamic Techniques
I am a qualified Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience working with teenagers and adults to address a wide range of psychological challenges. My primary focus is on helping individuals navigate and recover from trauma, including post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and emotional distress.
Whether working with adolescents navigating complex life transitions or adults seeking to process past experiences, I am committed to helping my clients achieve emotional well-being and long-term success.
As a general counsellor, my goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. I understand that seeking help takes courage, and I honour that bravery by listening with empathy, responding with care, and working collaboratively with you to find practical ways forward. Whether you're facing anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to help you navigate it.
As a general counsellor, my goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. I understand that seeking help takes courage, and I honour that bravery by listening with empathy, responding with care, and working collaboratively with you to find practical ways forward. Whether you're facing anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, I’m here to help you navigate it.
My approach is holistic and integrative, connecting emotional, physical and social wellbeing. I draw on CBT, person-centred and mindfulness-based methods, tailoring each session to individual needs.
Clients seek counselling when they are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, grief, low self-esteem or life’s pressures, seeking a safe space to understand their emotions.
Whether an adolescent facing school, family or emotional challenges, or an adult seeking stability, my ideal client values collaboration and aims to build insight, resilience and practical coping skills for long-term wellbeing.
My approach is holistic and integrative, connecting emotional, physical and social wellbeing. I draw on CBT, person-centred and mindfulness-based methods, tailoring each session to individual needs.
Clients seek counselling when they are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, grief, low self-esteem or life’s pressures, seeking a safe space to understand their emotions.
Whether an adolescent facing school, family or emotional challenges, or an adult seeking stability, my ideal client values collaboration and aims to build insight, resilience and practical coping skills for long-term wellbeing.
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 offer compassionate and non-judgemental psychotherapy for adolescents and adults. It is not always easy to take the first step to start therapy and to be vulnerable, but allowing yourself to open up is often the start of the journey towards acceptance or change.
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 offer compassionate and non-judgemental psychotherapy for adolescents and adults. It is not always easy to take the first step to start therapy and to be vulnerable, but allowing yourself to open up is often the start of the journey towards acceptance or change.
Drawing from evidence-based methods like CBT, Solution-Focused, Narrative, Mindfulness, Gestalt, and Psychodynamic Therapy, I help you gain clarity, build resilience, and move forward with confidence.
I have a genuine passion for people and a deep belief in the power of connection and healing. This forms the foundation of my work as a Registered Counsellor. I offer a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can explore life’s challenges, transitions, and emotional experiences. My focus is on creating a compassionate and professional environment where you feel truly heard, understood, and empowered to grow. Whether you're navigating emotional difficulties, adjusting to life changes, or seeking clarity, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Drawing from evidence-based methods like CBT, Solution-Focused, Narrative, Mindfulness, Gestalt, and Psychodynamic Therapy, I help you gain clarity, build resilience, and move forward with confidence.
I have a genuine passion for people and a deep belief in the power of connection and healing. This forms the foundation of my work as a Registered Counsellor. I offer a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can explore life’s challenges, transitions, and emotional experiences. My focus is on creating a compassionate and professional environment where you feel truly heard, understood, and empowered to grow. Whether you're navigating emotional difficulties, adjusting to life changes, or seeking clarity, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Nearby Psychodynamic Counsellors Searches for Constantia
- Bergvliet
- Hout Bay
- Meadowridge
- Mowbray
- Muizenberg
- Newlands
- Plumstead
- Rondebosch
- Rondebosch East
- Rosebank
- Tokai
- Wynberg
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.