Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Information about my practice and answers to questions.

  • If you would like to enquire about therapy, you can do so via the contact form on my website.

    I respond to enquiries within 48 hours on weekdays and will let you know whether I currently have availability for new bookings.

    Where appropriate, I may suggest a brief phone call to discuss your enquiry.

  • Before we meet, you may find it helpful to review my Services page, including how to get started.

    In our first appointment, we will spend time exploring what has brought you to therapy and discussing how I work. This is an opportunity for us to get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit.

    You are welcome to ask any questions you may have, and we can consider together how to proceed.

  • If I am unable to see you, I appreciate your interest in working with me.

    You may find it helpful to explore the following directories, which list a wide range of therapists in Cape Town:

    Your GP can also be a useful point of contact for referrals to other practitioners who may be a good fit for your needs.

  • My medical experience is broad and includes general practice, alongside work across a range of clinical settings such as surgery, internal medicine, orthopaedics, trauma, community health care, psychiatry, and integrative medicine.

    I have lived and worked in South Africa, New Zealand, and Scotland, across different cultural and healthcare contexts. These experiences have shaped my interest in working with people navigating transition, relocation, and questions of identity and belonging.

    • My practice is located on the 15th Floor of the main building at Christiaan Barnard Hospital, in Suite 1503.

    • The rooms are private, quiet, and wheelchair accessible.

    • Parking is available in the building or on the street nearby, and the MyCiTi bus route is within walking distance.

    • Further directions and access details can be shared once an appointment has been arranged.

    • Yes, I offer online therapy. Initial appointments are usually held in person, after which we can discuss whether online sessions are appropriate and supportive for you.

    • To participate in online therapy, you will need a private space and a stable internet connection.

    • Payment is due after each appointment and can be made via EFT, cash, or SnapScan, unless alternative arrangements have been agreed in advance.

    • An invoice is provided after each session, which you may submit to your medical aid for reimbursement, if applicable.

    • Reimbursement amounts depend on your specific medical aid plan and available benefits.

    • Accounts are payable in full, regardless of the level of reimbursement received.

    • If you have questions about fees or payment, these can be discussed before we meet.

    • Appointments that are cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged for in full.

    • Missed appointments cannot be claimed back from your medical aid.

    • No, I do not provide crisis or emergency support.

    • If you require urgent care, please contact your local emergency services, a crisis line, or the nearest hospital.

    • The following mental health resources may also be helpful:

      LifeLine: 0861 322 322

      SADAG: 0800 567 567

      Trauma Helpline: 0800 205 026

    • I am registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as an independent medical practitioner, and with The Board of Healthcare Funders.

    • My practice is formally reviewed and endorsed by the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP).

    • I hold a Medical Degree (MBChB) from the University of Cape Town, and a Master's Degree (MA) in Mindfulness-based Psychotherapy, awarded by Middlesex University in London, in collaboration with The Karuna Institute.

    • As a registered healthcare professional, I work in line with the HPCSA's ethical principles and code of professional conduct.

    • Your personal details are protected under the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act of 2013.

    • I am committed to maintaining confidentiality in my practice, unless required by law to disclose certain information.

  • I am committed to ongoing professional development and stay current with best practice through:

    • Regular supervision

    • Continuing professional development (CPD)

    • Reading groups

    • Participation in professional organisations

    • Counselling is often shorter-term and focused on specific concerns, while psychotherapy tends to be medium to longer-term and explores deeper patterns, emotions, and ways of relating.

    • Both approaches can be helpful, and the most appropriate way of working depends on your needs, which we can discuss together.

  • No, I do not offer GP check-ups in my private practice, as my focus is on psychotherapy and counselling.

    I am a qualified GP, and my medical background continues to inform my therapeutic work.

  • Yes, I can prescribe medication when there is a clear clinical indication.

    The focus of our work together is psychotherapeutic, with medication considered and reviewed collaboratively where appropriate.

  • Yes, please let me know if you expect to arrive late.

    Your appointment time is reserved for you, and we will need to finish at the scheduled time. This may mean that the session is shorter than usual.

  • I do not see relatives or close friends for therapy, in order to maintain clear professional boundaries and confidentiality.

    If you would like to refer someone, you are welcome to ask whether I can suggest other qualified practitioners.