Psychodynamic Therapists in Hout Bay
I’m a therapist and relationship specialist working with individuals, couples, families and teams to improve how people relate, communicate, navigate conflict, and function under pressure. At the core of my work is a simple focus: noticing nervous system dysregulation, through thought (mind), body (somatic awareness), feeling (emotions) & automatic reactions.
I support individuals & couples in breaking unhelpful patterns to rebuild connection, tenderness and find the tools to communicate more effectively. We learn who we are through the mirror of the other in all our relationships. The first one is to ourselves.
I’m a therapist and relationship specialist working with individuals, couples, families and teams to improve how people relate, communicate, navigate conflict, and function under pressure. At the core of my work is a simple focus: noticing nervous system dysregulation, through thought (mind), body (somatic awareness), feeling (emotions) & automatic reactions.
I support individuals & couples in breaking unhelpful patterns to rebuild connection, tenderness and find the tools to communicate more effectively. We learn who we are through the mirror of the other in all our relationships. The first one is to ourselves.
Many of my clients are couples experiencing communication difficulties, emotional distance, or recurring conflict that feels hard to resolve on their own. I also support clients navigating family estrangement when a significant relationship has broken down and the way forward is unclear. My approach offers a calm, structured environment to explore what’s happening beneath the surface, clarify patterns, and begin moving toward healthier connection, repair, or direction.
Many of my clients are couples experiencing communication difficulties, emotional distance, or recurring conflict that feels hard to resolve on their own. I also support clients navigating family estrangement when a significant relationship has broken down and the way forward is unclear. My approach offers a calm, structured environment to explore what’s happening beneath the surface, clarify patterns, and begin moving toward healthier connection, repair, or direction.
My approach is well suited for Students and Adults who are interested in self-awareness and identity formation as a means to deal with problems associated with every day life including depression, anxiety, and other low to medium risk pathologies.
I also have experience with addiction, and offer aftercare treatment for those busy with recovery or recently finished treatment at a recovery institution.
My approach is well suited for Students and Adults who are interested in self-awareness and identity formation as a means to deal with problems associated with every day life including depression, anxiety, and other low to medium risk pathologies.
I also have experience with addiction, and offer aftercare treatment for those busy with recovery or recently finished treatment at a recovery institution.
The psychodynamic approach explores the underlying dynamics, how these influence our emotions and behaviour and how our personal history has shaped our personalities.
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.
The psychodynamic approach explores the underlying dynamics, how these influence our emotions and behaviour and how our personal history has shaped our personalities.
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 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.
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.
I make use of a holistic approach to fit my client’s unique needs and circumstances. My psychotherapeutic method facilitates healing through a process of integration of distressing past life events and traumas.
In addition to the typical scope of a clinical psychologist, I have a keen interest in health psychology and working with autoimmune conditions, having published a book here: Autoimmune Survival Guide.
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.
I make use of a holistic approach to fit my client’s unique needs and circumstances. My psychotherapeutic method facilitates healing through a process of integration of distressing past life events and traumas.
In addition to the typical scope of a clinical psychologist, I have a keen interest in health psychology and working with autoimmune conditions, having published a book here: Autoimmune Survival Guide.
Other commonly used approaches include Narrative Exposure Therapy (recollecting and reevaluating trauma) and Psychodynamic Therapy (particularly, the exploration of unconscious and early-life drivers of your challenges).
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. I am also experienced in helping clients with the management of neurodivergent disorders (ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder). My approach pulls away from over analysis and rumination, towards figuring out how to sustainably feel and be better. This is accomplished by emphasising healthy thinking, health feeling and healthy behaving.
Other commonly used approaches include Narrative Exposure Therapy (recollecting and reevaluating trauma) and Psychodynamic Therapy (particularly, the exploration of unconscious and early-life drivers of your challenges).
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. I am also experienced in helping clients with the management of neurodivergent disorders (ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder). My approach pulls away from over analysis and rumination, towards figuring out how to sustainably feel and be better. This is accomplished by emphasising healthy thinking, health feeling and healthy behaving.
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 am a psychologist, consciousness coach and writer. My unique approach is working with psychology as a component of consciousness - not the other way around. I trained at New York University & the NY Psychoanalytic Institute. I draw from psychoanalysis, somatic & inner child work. I have a deep reverence and respect for each person’s unique chosen path. My therapeutic approach is respectful, gentle and eclectic. I teach Kundalini, Yin yoga & meditation in my spare time. I work online.
I am a psychologist, consciousness coach and writer. My unique approach is working with psychology as a component of consciousness - not the other way around. I trained at New York University & the NY Psychoanalytic Institute. I draw from psychoanalysis, somatic & inner child work. I have a deep reverence and respect for each person’s unique chosen path. My therapeutic approach is respectful, gentle and eclectic. I teach Kundalini, Yin yoga & meditation in my spare time. I work online.
Individuals who are willing to explore their experiences and thoughts to optimally navigate life's challenges will benefit from counselling. Being able to identify what it is you want to change or improve is essential to feeling "better" and in control.
Individuals who are willing to explore their experiences and thoughts to optimally navigate life's challenges will benefit from counselling. Being able to identify what it is you want to change or improve is essential to feeling "better" and in control.
I am a psychodynamic and behavioural therapist.
I work especially in the treatment of anxiety disorders (OCD, social phobia, and panic attacks), chronic depression, and complex PTSD.
I am a psychodynamic and behavioural therapist.
I work especially in the treatment of anxiety disorders (OCD, social phobia, and panic attacks), chronic depression, and complex PTSD.
Terri Harford
General Counsellor, ASCHP Specialist Wellness Counsellor
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
Rather than applying a 'one-size-fits-all', I integrate cognitive, psychodynamic, relational and behavioural approaches and insights.
I work with couples, individual adults, families and teens – navigating anxiety, stress, transitions, identity, low mood, life challenges, mental health conditions, and/or emotional exhaustion. With couples, I focus on communication, emotional safety, power dynamics, intimacy, and conflict patterns – helping partners move from reactivity to reconnection. In family and teen work, I create space for each voice to be heard, supporting healthier boundaries, emotional regulation, communication skills, and trust during often challenging developmental stages. With individuals, I assess their unique history and potential for transformation.
Rather than applying a 'one-size-fits-all', I integrate cognitive, psychodynamic, relational and behavioural approaches and insights.
I work with couples, individual adults, families and teens – navigating anxiety, stress, transitions, identity, low mood, life challenges, mental health conditions, and/or emotional exhaustion. With couples, I focus on communication, emotional safety, power dynamics, intimacy, and conflict patterns – helping partners move from reactivity to reconnection. In family and teen work, I create space for each voice to be heard, supporting healthier boundaries, emotional regulation, communication skills, and trust during often challenging developmental stages. With individuals, I assess their unique history and potential for transformation.
More Therapists Nearby
Kryska Jeno Marquard
Psychologist, MA, HPCSA - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I am trained in psychodynamic as well as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Taking the first step in your mental health is a brave venture. Finding the right therapist for this process is important. Therapeutic relationships should provide you with a sense of safety to explore the most vulnerable parts of you. In the words of Brené Brown "Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light."
I am trained in psychodynamic as well as cognitive behavioral therapy.
Taking the first step in your mental health is a brave venture. Finding the right therapist for this process is important. Therapeutic relationships should provide you with a sense of safety to explore the most vulnerable parts of you. In the words of Brené Brown "Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light."
I have been a therapist for 29yrs and have been privileged to share many patients stories of sadness, loneliness, anxiety fear and tragedy. I have witnessed courage, perseverance and the untangling of the recent past and the deeper past in order to live more healthily with themselves and in relationship to others. I believe the quality of the relationship between myself and my patients creates a safe space in which to explore both the conscious and unconscious factors that lead to the breakdown or impediments to the above relationships.
I have been a therapist for 29yrs and have been privileged to share many patients stories of sadness, loneliness, anxiety fear and tragedy. I have witnessed courage, perseverance and the untangling of the recent past and the deeper past in order to live more healthily with themselves and in relationship to others. I believe the quality of the relationship between myself and my patients creates a safe space in which to explore both the conscious and unconscious factors that lead to the breakdown or impediments to the above relationships.
Drawing from existential psychology, psychodynamic theory, cognitive neuroscience, and the insights offered through literature, poetry, music, film, and the arts, I work collaboratively with clients to develop deeper understanding, resilience, and purposeful change.
I work with individuals, couples, and groups navigating identity, relationships, emotional wellbeing, life transitions, and personal growth. I have an interest in men’s mental health, supporting men who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, shame, isolation, emotional expression, or relational difficulties. I work with people who are open to reflection and wanting to understand themselves more deeply. I hold a warm, collaborative, and meaningful space where we can build clarity, resilience, connection, and honest steps forward.
Drawing from existential psychology, psychodynamic theory, cognitive neuroscience, and the insights offered through literature, poetry, music, film, and the arts, I work collaboratively with clients to develop deeper understanding, resilience, and purposeful change.
I work with individuals, couples, and groups navigating identity, relationships, emotional wellbeing, life transitions, and personal growth. I have an interest in men’s mental health, supporting men who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, shame, isolation, emotional expression, or relational difficulties. I work with people who are open to reflection and wanting to understand themselves more deeply. I hold a warm, collaborative, and meaningful space where we can build clarity, resilience, connection, and honest steps forward.
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.
My approach is psychodynamic, which entails the exploration of unconscious thoughts, feelings, and past experiences, and the influence on current behaviour and patterns.
Clinical psychologist with practices in Stellenbosch and Cape Town (Gardens), and over 20 years’ experience in treating adults and couples with varying personal difficulties. Fields of expertise: long term in-depth psychotherapy; trauma; relationship issues; sexual disorders/matters related to sexuality and sexual orientation; life transitions; loss and bereavement; stress-related medical diseases; personal growth; eating disorders; personality disorders; psychoanalysis; supervision of colleagues; mood disorders (depression/bipolar mood disorder).
My approach is psychodynamic, which entails the exploration of unconscious thoughts, feelings, and past experiences, and the influence on current behaviour and patterns.
Clinical psychologist with practices in Stellenbosch and Cape Town (Gardens), and over 20 years’ experience in treating adults and couples with varying personal difficulties. Fields of expertise: long term in-depth psychotherapy; trauma; relationship issues; sexual disorders/matters related to sexuality and sexual orientation; life transitions; loss and bereavement; stress-related medical diseases; personal growth; eating disorders; personality disorders; psychoanalysis; supervision of colleagues; mood disorders (depression/bipolar mood disorder).
I provide a calm, comfortable and safe space where individuals can explore and process their difficulties. My goal is to gently assist clients in developing insight in order to make the necessary behavioral changes. I aim to assist individuals in their journey of personal growth and to facilitate improved functioning. My approach to therapy is collaborative and eclectic, meaning that I tailor make the approach to the needs of the client.
I provide a calm, comfortable and safe space where individuals can explore and process their difficulties. My goal is to gently assist clients in developing insight in order to make the necessary behavioral changes. I aim to assist individuals in their journey of personal growth and to facilitate improved functioning. My approach to therapy is collaborative and eclectic, meaning that I tailor make the approach to the needs of the client.
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.
Modalities:
– Somatic Experiencing (SE) – Advanced Level
– Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE)
– Eye Movement Integration (EMI)
– Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
– Gestalt Play Therapy
– Solution Focused Therapy
– Complex Trauma and Grief Work
– Mental Health and Wellness
Therapy is informed by the understanding that trauma impacts both body and mind, and that healing involves more than symptom reduction alone. Within a safe and attuned therapeutic relationship, trauma can become a catalyst for deeper self-awareness, transformation, resilience, and holistic healing.
Rouxlene see children, adolescents, adults, elderly and couples.
Modalities:
– Somatic Experiencing (SE) – Advanced Level
– Tension & Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE)
– Eye Movement Integration (EMI)
– Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
– Gestalt Play Therapy
– Solution Focused Therapy
– Complex Trauma and Grief Work
– Mental Health and Wellness
Therapy is informed by the understanding that trauma impacts both body and mind, and that healing involves more than symptom reduction alone. Within a safe and attuned therapeutic relationship, trauma can become a catalyst for deeper self-awareness, transformation, resilience, and holistic healing.
Rouxlene see children, adolescents, adults, elderly and couples.
Nearby Psychodynamic Counsellors Searches for Hout Bay
- Bergvliet
- Constantia
- Kalk Bay
- Meadowridge
- Mowbray
- Muizenberg
- Newlands
- Plumstead
- Rondebosch
- 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.