About Me

I am a Clinical Psychologist working exclusively with individual adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. I use a structured, short-term approach designed to bring clarity, relief, and meaningful change. My work is practical, evidence-based, and tailored to your unique needs, with a focus on building skills and insights that last beyond our sessions.

Taking the first step can feel significant, and my aim is to make the process clear, contained, and supportive from the outset.

All new clients begin with an assessment session. From there, we decide together on the most appropriate structured treatment plan.

 

How I Work

My approach is integrative, structured, and collaborative. I thrive on clarity, structure, and thoughtful progression, and this is reflected in the way I work with clients. I draw primarily from:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Mindfulness-based approaches

  • Mind–body techniques

  • Clinical hypnotherapy

Therapy is active and practical. You can expect tools, worksheets, psychoeducation, and audio recordings for relaxation and personalised hypnosis to use between sessions. Sessions are purposeful and detail-oriented, while remaining warm and human.

Our work is grounded in helping you feel healthy and regulated in mind, body, and spirit. When you are relaxed and grounded, you have greater cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, and capacity to respond effectively to life.

I value organisation, simplicity, and efficiency β€” not as rigidity, but as a way of creating stability and trust. This allows therapy to be a space where real learning happens and where change is integrated into everyday life.


β€œOur sessions become a training ground for your life β€” where you learn to regulate, think clearly, and respond with intention rather than reaction.” - Janie

 

My professional qualifications + affiliations

  • Masters in Clinical Psychology form the University of Stellenbosch

  • Evidence-Based Hypnosis through the UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

  • Professional and Advanced Training in Mind-Body Medicine through the Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM) in Washington with Dr. James Gordon PhD

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction - Center for Mindfulness UMASS Memorial Health

  • Diploma in Integrative Medicine from University of Stellenbosch Medical School

  • Masters Thesis on Attachment Theory

  • Two-year Infant Observation Course through the Tavistock Institute

  • Four-year Psychoanalytic Couples Training (based on the Tavistock training)

  • BA LAW from the University of Stellenbosch

  • Over the years I’ve been a member of The South African Psychoanalytic Initiative (SAPI), the Association of Couple Psychoanalytic Psychotherapists, the Cape Town Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytical Group, and the South African Psychoanalytic Confederation.

  • Registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the Board of Healthcare Funders

 

What We Focus On

My work is grounded in evidence-based psychological treatment, clear communication, and attention to detail. I value feeling healthy in mind and body, and supporting others to do the same.

I work with individuals experiencing chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions, using a structured, practical approach that helps restore clarity, stability, and forward movement.

Therapy is a space where we work toward simplicity, order, and a sense of control β€” both internally and in daily life.

Many people experience anxiety, depression, or chronic pain not because they are incapable, but because life has become overwhelming, disorganised, or physically and emotionally exhausting.

In the case of chronic pain and physical illness, ongoing symptoms can affect not only the body, but also energy, mood, sleep, and overall quality of life.

Our Focus

Together, we focus on helping you:

β€’ Regulate your nervous system and learn to relax both body and mind
β€’ Reduce the impact of chronic pain and physical symptoms
β€’ Build self-belief and emotional stability
β€’ Set clear boundaries and operate with integrity and responsibility
β€’ Feel more grounded and structured in your daily routines
β€’ Explore your values, identity, and direction
β€’ Identify and shift the thought patterns and behaviours maintaining anxiety, depression, or pain

The ability to relax in any situation is one of the most powerful skills you can develop.
The second is learning to trust and believe in yourself.

From there, we work toward a life that feels more ordered, aligned, and sustainable β€” even in the presence of ongoing challenges such as chronic pain or stress.

The Therapy Process

The first session is an insight-focused session. We look carefully at the difficulty you are experiencing, how it started, and what is keeping it in place. Where appropriate, I may use formal assessments for mood and anxiety, and we will also consider aspects of your general health. We will practise relaxation together from the outset.

The second session focuses on direction and goals. We clarify what you want to achieve and break this down into realistic, manageable steps. From there, therapy becomes a structured and collaborative process of learning, practising, and applying skills in your daily life.

Throughout therapy, psychoeducation is an important component β€” understanding how your mind and body work empowers you to make lasting change.

Working Together

Therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, integrity, and responsibility. We set clear goals together, work within agreed timelines where appropriate, and review progress regularly.

I believe in doing thorough, ethical work. Clients often appreciate my attention to detail, reliability, and clear boundaries. This creates a sense of safety and confidence in the process.

I also value grounded living β€” healthy routines, restorative rest, and environments that support wellbeing. Home, organisation, and simplicity matter, as they form the foundation from which psychological health and personal growth can occur.

If you are looking for individual therapy that is structured, grounded, and deeply supportive β€” combining clinical expertise with practical tools and a strong service ethic β€” you are welcome to get in touch.