Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Information about my practice and answers to questions.

  • To request an appointment, you can contact me by:

    Please leave a clear message with your name, contact information, and a description of your enquiry.

    I will respond to your message within 48 hours on weekdays. If you have not heard back from me within this time, you are welcome to follow up.

    Where possible, we will start with a short phone call (10-15 minutes) to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and answer any questions you may have.

    I will let you know if I have an opening for a new booking.

  • Before we first meet, you may want to review my Services page and how to get started.

    For your first 50-minute appointment:

    • I suggest arriving a few minutes early to complete intake forms.

    • We will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and explore my approach.

    • This session helps us determine if we are a good match for therapy.

  • If I am unable to see you, I appreciate your interest in working with me. The following resources offer a wide range of therapists in Cape Town:

    Your family doctor is also a good resource for referring you to another practitioner, who may be a good fit for your needs.

    Where possible, I will reach out to my professional network, and see if anyone else has availability in their practice.

    • I am located on the 15th Floor of the main building at Christiaan Barnard Hospital, in Suite 1503.

    • My rooms are private, comfortable, and quiet, with accessibility for wheelchair-users.

    • Parking is available in the building or directly outside on the street, for convenience. The MyCiti bus route is close by.

    • There is a coffee shop downstairs, and I have a small waiting room.

    • My rooms are dedicated exclusively to my therapy practice.

    • Yes, I offer online therapy. Our initial introductory appointments are in person, and then we can discuss if online therapy is needed, and suitable for you.

    • To effectively participate in online therapy, you will need a private space to talk for the session, and a stable internet connection.

    • Payments can be made via EFT, cash, or Snapscan after each appointment, unless alternative arrangements have been made.

    • Invoices will be provided after each session, which can be submitted to your medical aid for reimbursement (if applicable).

    • Please note that the amount covered by your medical aid will depend on your specific plan and fund availability.

    • It is essential to settle your account in full, regardless of the amount reimbursed by your medical aid.

    • If you have any questions about payment procedures, 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 service, crisis line or the nearest hospital. Here are some additional mental health resources that may 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 also 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 I am also qualified with 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 accordance with the HPCSA's ethical principles and code of professional conduct.

    • Your personal details are protected in accordance with 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 practices in the field through:

    • Regular supervision sessions

    • Continuing education events

    • Reading groups

    • Participation in professional organisations

    • Counselling is typically short-term and focused on specific areas, while psychotherapy is often medium to long-term and explores deeper underlying patterns, emotions, and beliefs.

    • There is a place for both approaches, and the choice between them will depend on your specific needs, which we can discuss.

  • No, I do not offer GP check-ups in my private practice, as my focus is on psychotherapy and counselling. However, I am a qualified GP and often work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

    • Yes, I can prescribe medication when necessary to support your well-being and there is a clear indication for it, such as a diagnosed condition.

    • The focus of our work together is psychotherapeutic, and this is done in collaboration with you.

    • Yes, please let me know if you will be arriving late.

    • Your therapy slot is allocated for you, and that time is set aside.

    • We would need to finish on time as usual, and will have a shorter session.

    • No, I do not see relatives or close friends for therapy, to maintain robust boundaries and confidentiality.

    • If you would like to refer someone, please discuss with me to see if I can provide recommendations for other qualified practitioners.

    • My medical experience is broad, and includes general practice, surgery, internal medicine, orthopaedics, trauma, community health care, psychiatry, and integrative medicine (in the NHS, UK).

    • I have worked as a Senior House Officer in South Africa, New Zealand and Scotland.

    • Through living and working in different cultures, contexts and places, I have a particular interest in working with people who have relocated – either abroad or here to South Africa – and are adjusting to the transition.